Bryan Danielson Likely Out For Remainder Of 2023
Bryan Danielson likely out for the remainder of 2023; injured in Collision match against Andrade
Bryan Danielson is back on the injured list–this time, with a fluke injury.
It will severely impact the next two months of AEW programming, which will lose significant star power without Danielson.
Courtesy AEW
Danielson was hurt last week on Collision during a superb match against Andrade, doing damage to his orbital bone, Sports Illustrated has learned. The injury will require surgery. Danielson did wrestle five nights later on Dynamite in a tag match with Claudio Castagnoli against Kazuchika Okada and Orange Cassidy, but Castagnoli carried the bulk of the match.
Per the storyline, illustrated by Castagnoli’s promo this past Saturday on Collision, is that the injury was caused by Okada and Cassidy.
That continues the Blackpool Combat Club-CHAOS arc. Castagnoli wrestles Cassidy this Wednesday on Dynamite, and there is also a possibility that he will finally have a chance to go one-on-one with Okada.
Can Danielson return early and wrestle at AEW’s newly announced Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30? If healthy, another priority is a match against Okada at the Tokyo Dome on January 4 for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom, which could very well serve as one of Danielson’s career highlights.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring issue for Danielson during his run in AEW, particularly as of late. But this one should only be a minor detour before he returns in 2024.
Vince McMahon responds to Dana White’s comments
During his trip to Saudi Arabia for the Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou boxing bout, Vince McMahon discussed recent comments made by UFC CEO Dana White.
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, White stated, “My history with Vince isn’t a good one. He tried to f--- me so many times for no reason whatsoever except just to f--- me. But that’s in the past. Now that Vince and I are allies, no one’s been a better partner than Vince.”
Only days later, in an interview on the Riyadh Season red carpet, McMahon responded.
“I don’t bust anybody’s chops–unless they get in the way,” said McMahon, who was speaking with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “Dana and I get along very, very well. He’s a really good guy.
“We’re good partners. And good businessmen. If you’re a good businessman, you get along.”
The Undertaker was beside McMahon during the interview, then watched the Fury-Ngannou fight–a bout that showed many shades of pro wrestling. He also addressed the similarities between White and McMahon.
“They say what’s on their minds, and they’re really good businessmen,” said Mark Calaway, who by this point in his career is far more recognizable as The Undertaker. “And they definitely want the best for each of their brands.”
Taker was interrupted by McMahon, who added, “I’m a better businessman.”
“Oh, by far,” said Calaway. “No doubt.”
Kenoh defeats Jake Lee to win GHC heavyweight championship
Pro Wrestling NOAH has a new champion.
Kenoh defeated Jake Lee on Saturday night in Fukuoka, winning the GHC heavyweight championship for a third time.
The victory ended Lee’s title run, which began in March. They also wrestled in August, when Kenoh defeated Lee during the N-1 Victory tournament. While that match over the summer was slightly more entertaining, at least from my point of view, the title match was also excellent.
Kenoh is not the most familiar name in North American wrestling circles, but he is a fantastic professional. He has had extraordinary success in NOAH, where he has worked since 2014. One accolade missing from his portfolio is a long title reign–his first time with the belt lasted only 79 days, but the second was even shorter at 71 days.
This is an opportunity for Kenoh to craft a meaningful run with the belt, beginning at NOAH’s first show of 2024, The New Year, on January 2.
