10 Greatest AEW Dynamite matches of the second year

1) Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson (AEW Dynamite Grand Slam)

Throw recency bias out the window because fans may have just witnessed the greatest AEW Dynamite match of the second year last week. AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam kicked off with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega facing Bryan Danielson in a dream match that was years in the making.

Danielson made his AEW debut at All Out 2021 by confronting Omega and The Elite. Just a few months before his arrival, Danielson competed in the main event of WrestleMania 37 against WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Edge. His decision to come to AEW shocked many fans, but it immediately paid dividends when he challenged Omega to a non-title bout at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.

The New York crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was extremely hot, and the fans cheered for almost two minutes before the two men even locked up. What followed was 30-minutes of professional wrestling excellence. Though he hadn't wrestled in a few months, Danielson didn't show any signs of ring rust. The two opponents traded strikes and chops early on, and the hard-hitting action picked up from there.

Bryan Danielson brought back staples of his pre-WWE career, such as his "I Have 'til 5" bit and The Cattle Mutualition submission.In one highlight, Omega caught one of Bryan's kicks and hit a vicious Snap Dragon Suplex that Danielson sold brilliantly. The Best Bout Machine followed up with a nasty running V-Trigger on the ramp.

Omega then hit a bucklebomb that looked like it actually hurt Danielson's wrist. Both men kept hitting big moves to totally engage the New York City fans at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. Bryan hit an avalanche backdrop suplex, while Omega hit an insane avalanche Dragon Suplex off the top rope.

The intensity and drama ramped up as the time limit drew closer. Both men traded strikes and headbutts as the 30-minute time limit ran out to end an absolutely exhilarating battle. Neither man was able to prove themselves the better wrestler at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, but this result has only built even more anticipation for an inevitable rematch.

Omega has had quite a few of the greatest matches in AEW Dynamite and company history, but this encounter with Bryan Danielson was something else completely. It was a wrestling clinic that had it all from great mat work, high spots, drama, and outstanding pacing. That's why Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson is the greatest AEW Dynamite match of the second year.