5 ways AEW can build Bryan Danielson vs Jon Moxley

AEW star Jon Moxley made his long-awaited return to this past week's Dynamite.

He had been away for nearly three months when he entered himself into an inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program.

Moxley looked to be in great shape and appeared much healthier as he cut a passionate promo in front of fans.

The Lunatic Fringe also wrestled his first match back on Rampage against Ethan Page, defeating him in a highly-competitive match.

In the aftermath of Moxley's return match, he was confronted by Bryan Danielson while making his exit through the crowd. The American Dragon stood in Moxley's way and simply clapped in his face, seemingly planting the seeds for a future feud.

This was Danielson's first appearance since failing to beat Hangman Adam Page in the rematch for the AEW World Championship. And could be his next big feud.

Moxley also needs a great opponent to immediately put him at the top of the card.

With the company planting seeds between the two stars, here are five ways we could build up this marquee match.

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#5. AEW allows Moxley and Danielson to reference their WWE past

Both Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson have a long history in WWE.

They made their names in the company, winning multiple championships and clashing several times as members of The Shield and Team Hell No respectively. But their last singles clash was nearly a decade ago on Raw in 2013.

While they may have met under their former names as Daniel Bryan versus Dean Ambrose in WWE, their characters have evolved significantly since then.

Tony Khan should allow the wrestlers to reference their WWE past in future promos.

Whether it's jabs at Moxley not achieving the same level of success as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins or Danielson having his career cut short by injury, there's several explosive barbs that can be explored.

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#4. AEW allows Danielson to reference Moxley's stint in rehab

AEW's decision to allow Moxley to enter inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction should be praised.

While the former world champion had to withdraw from the World Title Eliminator Tournament, it was the right decision and should not in any way be held against Mox.

In his return promo, Moxley thanked all his fans for having his back during this dark period in his life. Judging by the crowd's reaction, it's clear that he's still one of the most beloved babyfaces in the promotion.

With Danielson playing a villainous heel, it won't be surprising if he chooses to attack Mox for his addictions. It won't be the first time a wrestling company has chosen to weave reality into a storyline.

As long as Tony Khan can toe the line and not cross into distasteful territory, it should make for compelling television.

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#3. AEW allows Moxley and Danielson to get 'unleashed'

During the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's SmackTalk, wrestling legend Dutch Mantell heaped praise on the interaction between Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley:

"And while they [Moxley and Danielson] are not in their WWE characters is because AEW lets them go,'' said Dutch Mantell. ''Wrestlers didn't use to have this stuff and guys got over on their own, that's what you're letting them do in."

The American Dragon has also spoken about his excitement about facing Jon Moxley without the WWE shackles.

In an interview with Muscle and Fitness magazine, he said:

“I’d love to wrestle Moxley in this scenario [in AEW], versus the WWE scenario, you know what I mean? Where we are a little bit freer and more unleashed, because I think he’s fantastic.”

We'd love to see Mox vs Danielson in a hard-hitting 30-minute Iron Man match, pure technical submission bout or even a violent Lights Out fight.

It will be exciting to see the two stars wrestle with more freedom and creative input.

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#2. AEW lets Danielson stay a heel while keeping Moxley an anti-hero

AEW turned Bryan Danielson heel late last year, but there's some evidence that the change was meant for Jon Moxley.

The company put together a World Title Eliminator Tournament to determine the next challenger for the title heading into Full Gear. It seemed that Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson were set to face off in the finals.

But due to Moxley's leave of absence, Miro took his place, acting as the heel going into the finals, with Danielson still a babyface. Danielson began showing villainous traits as soon as he won the tournament.

With the way the storyline is progressing, it seems as though this role was supposed to be for Moxley.

With Moxley's return, he should be kept as an anti-hero as the crowd is firmly behind him. Danielson has embraced his evil persona completely and seems to be enjoying himself.

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#1. AEW saves Moxley vs. Danielson for Revolution on pay-per-view

Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley is an absolute marquee match.

With the company's next pay-per-view Revolution only six weeks away, this should be a headlining bout for the event. There will be more than enough time to build the story and establish the reason for the feud.

These are two of the biggest stars in the promotion and deserve a pay-per-view stage to fully showcase their talents.

As long as Tony Khan lets them tell the story they want, it should make for a highly compelling and entertaining rivalry.