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AEW is rumored to have secured the signature of former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan on a contract with the promotion.
This comes after his WWE contract expired this year, shortly after he main evented WrestleMania 37 Night Two against Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Edge.
The signing of Bryan is considered by many pundits to be somewhat of a major coup for AEW. Considering how "fresh" he is off WWE television, to say it's a game-changer would probably be an understatement.
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Rumors continue to swirl about a lengthy list of potential opponents for Daniel Bryan inside an AEW ring. All Elite Wrestling boasts one of the most stacked and loaded rosters in professional wrestling today.
Whilst it's yet to be officially confirmed if Bryan has indeed signed with the promotion or when his proposed debut will be, it's fun to see hypothetically who could interrupt his grand debut and confront the former WWE Superstar.
Let's take a closer look at five AEW stars who could interrupt Daniel Bryan's rumored debut.
#5 Former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho
Former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho shares quite the history with Daniel Bryan.
Le Champion was Bryan's first WWE main roster opponent when he made his debut in 2010. This took place during the debut episode of NXT Season One, where then-World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho defeated NXT rookie Daniel Bryan.
Aside from their meeting during the premiere episode of NXT, Jericho and Bryan have only squared off on a handful of occasions. All of which were less than significant television matches.
As the company's first World Champion and the wrestler who arguably established AEW Dynamite more than anyone else, Jericho would be a great person to "welcome" Bryan to All Elite Wrestling during his debut with the promotion.
With Chris Jericho's feud with MJF seemingly coming to a close at All Out in September, perhaps The Demo God will be Daniel Bryan's first rivalry.
#4 IWGP United States Champion and AEW star Lance Archer
AEW star Lance Archer is the current IWGP United States Champion. He defeated former champion Jon Moxley during AEW Fyter Fest Night Two in a Texas Death match to win the championship for the second time in his career. This was followed up by a successful title defense against Hikuleo at Fight for The Fallen.
Archer is currently scheduled to defend his IWGP United States Championship against New Japan legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Resurgence.
Daniel Bryan has made it known of his desire to work in Japan before his in-ring wrestling career is over. Reportedly this was a major factor in him opting not to re-sign with WWE and possibly signing with AEW due to their working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Lance Archer has become infamous for his wild and crazy entrances in All Elite Wrestling and perhaps he could interrupt Daniel Bryan during his debut appearance.
This could eventually lead to an IWGP United States Championship match. Should Bryan capture the title, this would open the "forbidden door" for the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to head to New Japan Pro Wrestling.
#3 AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes
AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes is one of the more polarizing figures in All Elite Wrestling today.
Despite being an executive with the company and a babyface character, Rhodes has begun generating a mixed response from live audiences during his matches and appearances.
He is currently on hiatus from AEW television after his loss to Malakai Black on during AEW Dynamite: Homecoming last week. In reality, Rhodes is set to film Season Two of the 'Go Big Show' for TBS.
Perhaps the perfect time for Cody Rhodes to return to AEW programming could be when Daniel Bryan makes his All Elite Wrestling debut. Bryan is already a beloved figure in all corners of the professional wrestling landscape.
By interrupting his debut, Rhodes would no doubt get a negative reaction. This would be the perfect opportunity for the former TNT Champion to finally turn heel and give the audience a reason to finally boo him.
#2 Rumored AEW signing CM Punk
AEW possibly acquiring the services of Daniel Bryan isn't the only reported major signing by the company this summer.
It has also been widely rumored and reported that former WWE Champion CM Punk has also signed with All Elite Wrestling.
Punk has not competed inside of a professional wrestling ring or been signed to a promotion since his controversial exit from WWE in 2014. Many are even speculating that The Second City Savior could even make his AEW debut as soon as AEW Rampage: The First Dance from the United Center in Chicago later this month.
Daniel Bryan's debut being interrupted by CM Punk, who would also be making his first appearance, would certainly be a monumental and major moment for All Elite Wrestling and professional wrestling in general.
Punk and Bryan have a significant amount of history from their time in WWE and other promotions. The two former world champions would certainly make a lot of headlines if they debuted in the same segment on the same night.
#1 Current AEW World Champion Kenny Omega
Current AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is considered by some to be the best professional wrestler on the planet today.
After an immensely successful career in NJPW, Omega signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019. He captured his first World Championship in the company by defeating Jon Moxley on the "Winter Is Coming" edition of Dynamite in December 2020 and has held the championship ever since.
Daniel Bryan has laid claim to the moniker of the best professional wrestler on the planet on several occasions throughout his career. Furthermore, many wrestling fans consider Bryan facing Omega inside an AEW ring to be a match of epic proportions.
Not one to enjoy having the spotlight taken away from him, The Cleaner, along with The Elite and Don Callis, will be sure-fire favorites to interrupt Bryan during his debut appearance.
This could eventually build to the inevitable Kenny Omega and Daniel Bryan showdown that many fans have speculated about since the rumors of the latter becoming "All Elite" first began to circulate.
