Bryan Danielson, widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling, has been mostly absent from AEW competition since losing the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream 2024. The 44-year-old wrestler, known as the American Dragon, appears semi-retired and has not announced a return, leaving fans eager to see who could be his final opponent in AEW if he steps back into the ring.
Danielson’s last championship loss came at the hands of Jon Moxley during AEW WrestleDream 2024, marking a significant moment in his career. While currently focused on commentary roles across weekly shows and pay-per-views, speculation remains about whether he might make a comeback, potentially for one last high-profile match before retiring for good.
Potential Opponent No. 3: MJF, the Current AEW World Champion
MJF, the AEW World Champion as of Worlds End 2025, holds the title following a victorious four-way match against Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and Samoa Joe. MJF’s skill and rising stature have made him one of AEW’s most talented wrestlers, likely to have an enduring championship reign.
Danielson and MJF share a memorable history, having faced off in 2023 during a grueling 60-minute Iron Man match at Revolution 2023, which earned 5 and 3⁄4 stars from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. On that occasion, MJF successfully defended his title against Danielson. Should Danielson return for a final match, challenging MJF once again would create a compelling story, highlighting the younger wrestler’s growth and Danielson’s legacy.
Potential Opponent No. 2: A Final Encounter with Kenny Omega
One of the most celebrated matches in recent AEW history was the battle between Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson on the September 22, 2021 episode of Dynamite, which concluded in a time limit draw after exceeding expectations from fans and critics alike. Omega, known as the “Best Bout Machine,” remains a major figure in AEW and professional wrestling.
A potential reunion for one last showdown would captivate millions of wrestling fans. This bout could also benefit Omega’s standing, especially if Danielson, who previously competed in WWE, chooses to put him over in an ultimate match that honors their past rivalry.
Most Likely Final Opponent: Jon Moxley, Leader of the Death Riders
Jon Moxley, the AEW Continental Champion and former Dean Ambrose, ended Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Championship reign at WrestleDream 2024 in a highly dramatic and personal rivalry. Given their complex history and intense feud, Moxley stands as the most logical and emotionally charged opponent if Danielson returns to the ring for a farewell contest.
The anticipation for this matchup is significant among fans, as a final confrontation between these two veterans would be expected to deliver a brutal, memorable wrestling experience that reflects their shared past. Whether this match will materialize remains uncertain, but the prospect of Danielson seeking retribution against Moxley remains a central storyline.
Bryan Danielson’s potential final matches in AEW hold great importance, not only for his legacy but also for AEW’s narrative moving forward. Each opponent discussed represents a unique chapter in Danielson’s wrestling career: MJF as the future star, Kenny Omega as a peer and rival, and Jon Moxley as the man who ended his title reign. Fans await to see if the American Dragon will return and who will stand across the ring from him one last time.
