5 Superstars who could be the first to beat Bryan Danielson in AEW

Bryan Danielson is now an AEW star after a decade-long stint with WWE. It was a much-needed change for him, as he had achieved nearly everything he could in WWE.

He enters an entirely different roster as a relative newcomer, but there's no doubt that he is one of the best in the world -- not just best in AEW. We're going to see a different side of Danielson in AEW -- less sports entertainment and more professional wrestling.

Danielson isn't going to be undefeated in singles competiton for very long. Given what's next for him, his first defeat could come sooner rather than later. He has already lost in a tag team match on Dynamite. Here are a few superstars who could become the first to defeat Bryan Danielson in singles competition in AEW:

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#5. Kenny Omega - The most obvious choice to beat Bryan Danielson

When Bryan Danielson entered AEW, he went right after World Champion Kenny Omega. The reigning AEW World Champion has held the title for close to a year now, and there's a risk of him not touching that mark.

Many consider Omega to be the best world champion in AEW history, although the lineage itself only consists of Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. For Danielson, he knew that he was already one of the best in the world, and the underdog character that he played in WWE is firmly behind him.

What we're seeing now is an evolved Bryan Danielson who can take on the best of the best. The fact that he's going right after Kenny Omega is a statement in itself - win or lose.

AEW is either going to push Danielson heavily off the bat and have him be the one to dethrone Omega, or he is ultimately going to fall short. At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the two opened Dynamite with an explosive contest that delivered and more.

The only unfortunate part about it was that it ended in a time limit draw, setting up a future world title clash. If Danielson is to be Omega's next opponent for the World title, the latter could be the first man to beat The American Dragon in AEW.

Not that Danielson has had a vast array of matches, but losing early on to Kenny Omega wouldn't hurt his standing in AEW at all.

#4. Adam "Hangman" Page - In Bryan Danielson's way?

Adam Hangman Page could be in Bryan Danielson's way. While Danielson had a time limit draw with Kenny Omega, he isn't the one who is next in line to challenge for the AEW World title -- it's Page.

For the uninitiated, Hangman Page happens to be Kenny Omega's old tag team partner, and there's a lot of history between them, as recent as it is. Page took time away to help his wife as they announced her pregnancy not too long ago.

But he's back and better than ever. The reaction he received on Dynamite undoubtedly matched or exceeded Danielson's AEW debut -- which is the true mark of a homegrown star. Hangman Page is money, and if AEW isn't going to pull the trigger on him now, then they will have to at some point.

Bryan Danielson could be the "blockade" to Page's title shot, although he has already earned the right to face Kenny Omega. It would be an interesting decision if AEW used Danielson to put some more steam on Page ahead of his World title challenge.

#3. Malakai Black - An interesting opponent for Bryan Danielson

Despite Malakai Black and Bryan Danielson both being in WWE for years, their paths never crossed. Black's first stint on SmackDown was lackluster, rarely ever getting TV time.

It was Black's move to RAW that proved to be a difference-maker, as then RAW Executive Head Paul Heyman considered him a key star in his plans. Danielson was on SmackDown after his first retirement and return -- both as a General Manager as well as an in-ring performer.

Unfortunately, the two never got to have a feud together, but that can finally happen in AEW. However, it would require Bryan Danielson to remain undefeated for some time. Black has been involved in small AEW feuds so far, and he could hand The American Dragon his first loss if they ever cross paths.

Given AEW's limited pay-per-view schedule, the feud would have to drag on, as it's a match too good to be given away on free television. Both men look like they're going to ascend to AEW World title contention sooner rather than later.

#2. CM Punk - Crossing paths with Bryan Danielson again

CM Punk was asked about his AEW World title aspirations and explained that his circumstances were different from Bryan Danielson's. Even Danielson took a small dig at the Chicago native ahead of his debut by saying that, unlike Punk, he knows he's one of the best in the world. For Punk, it's about proving he can still hang with the best.

But the difference is that Punk has spent seven years away from wrestling, and doesn't feel as though he's in a position to challenge for the AEW World title yet. World title or no world title, CM Punk vs Bryan Danielson is money regardless of the promotion.

While WWE could undoubtedly have done better with their world title feud in 2012, AEW has the opportunity to do justice to both men. While Punk still has a way to reach the level he was at 8 years ago, we could see a different, more evolved side of him.

If Bryan Danielson happens to be undefeated in singles competition for a long time, CM Punk beating him could be the gateway to his entry into the main event scene of AEW, where he will end up challenging the likes of Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega.

#1. MJF - The right person to end Bryan Danielson's undefeated streak?

MJF vs Bryan Danielson would be a dream feud for different reasons. It's a true old generation vs new one, although Bryan Danielson doesn't necessarily fit into the extremely "old" category either.

But it's clear that while Danielson is in his last few years as a professional wrestlers, MJF has many more to go. His style of wrestling isn't complicated, nor does it involve dangerous spots that could shorten his career.

In that sense, MJF could enjoy the career longevity that The Miz has had in WWE, barring any massive injury or other circumstances. If AEW wants 2022 to be the year of the rising star's true arrival, then a massive win is needed.

MJF has headlined AEW's flagship show ALL OUT and has challenged for the World title, but has always fallen short. There is going to be a day when he'll win it, and for that, he's going to need a few bigger wins.

In 2022, MJF is likely the best option to end Bryan Danielson's singles undefeated streak in AEW -- granted that it's intact by then.