3 Potential replacements for Bryan Danielson if he's not medically cleared for AEW Grand Slam

AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson, formerly known as Daniel Bryan, has been on a break after Jon Moxley suffocated him with a plastic bag at the All Out 2024 Pay-Per-View. Fans were shocked to see the 43-year-old star getting betrayed by Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli as the duo were a part of the Blackpool Combat Club alongside The American Dragon.

During the latest edition of Dynamite, The Lunatic Fringe explained his actions at All Out 2024. He claimed that The American Dragon did not have the guts to do what the group had planned for the future and therefore they had to expel him. The new group currently consists of Moxley, PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, and Marina Shafir.

Later on in the flagship show, Mox called out Darby Allin and asked him to hand out his AEW World Championship opportunity but the latter denied it. The former TNT Champion had earned the opportunity at Royal Rampage and was scheduled to wrestle in the title match at Grand Slam 2024. Jon also claimed that Bryan Danielson will not be wrestling at the Arthur Ashe Stadium as he is not medically cleared.

Without even looking into the details, Darby put his number-one contendership for the AEW World Championship on the line at Grand Slam. Additionally, AEW commentator Nigel McGuinness immediately grabbed the opportunity to face Danielson after discussing terms with Tony Khan. The duo will square off at Grand Slam 2024 only if the reigning AEW World Champion is medically cleared to compete.

This means there is a slight possibility that Danielson might not be fit to compete in the event. Let's take a look at three potential stars who could replace The American Dragon and face Nigel McGuinness at Grand Slam 2024.

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#3. Daniel Garcia

Daniel Garcia returned to AEW after having been taken out by MJF previously. The 25-year-old star returned at the All In 2024 Pay-Per-View and cost the latter his American Championship against Will Ospreay. The duo later faced each other at All Out 2024, where The Salt of the Earth won the contest. Additionally, Daniel Garcia has yet to re-sign with the Jacksonville-based promotion. Moreover, recent reports claim that WWE is also interested in signing him.

If The American Dragon fails to get medically cleared in two weeks, he may need a replacement. A young performer like Garcia could seize this opportunity and pick up a huge victory over Nigel McGuinness, cementing his spot as a top star.

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#2. Adam Cole

Adam Cole has been out with injuries since late 2023. He is currently out due to a leg injury. His last appearance in the Tony Khan-led promotion came at AEW Double or Nothing a few months ago where he was attacked by MJF. A recent update about Cole revealed that he was looking healthy but there is still uncertainty regarding his in-ring return.

If the 35-year-old star gets medically cleared until Grand Slam 2024, he could be a great replacement for Bryan Danielson. To make a bold statement, Cole could face Nigel McGuinness and defeat him in a squash match.

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#1. Wheeler Yuta could replace his mentor Bryan Danielson

At All Out 2024, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Jon Moxley betrayed Bryan Danielson. The only Blackpool Combat Club member who did not turn on him was Wheeler Yuta. While Bryan was suffocating due to a plastic bag wrapped around his head, the 27-year-old star was struggling to save him.

If Bryan Danielson is not medically cleared, Wheeler Yuta could step up for his mentor and wrestle Nigel McGuinness at Grand Slam 2024.

It will be interesting to see if the AEW World Champion gets medically cleared ahead of Grand Slam 2024.