6 Daniel Bryan forbidden door matches possible in AEW

#1 Daniel Bryan vs. Kota Ibushi (NJPW)

Kota Ibushi loved wrestling in London at #NJPWRoyalQuest, but he's excited to come back to the UK as IWGP Heavyweight Champion! WATCH: https://t.co/QYDEnHvmyY#njpw pic.twitter.com/fXEriuG9br

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) September 3, 2019

Daniel Bryan facing any of the main event talent in New Japan Pro Wrestling would be the main event in any building in the world. He was in the ring with the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi almost a decade ago, while many fans will name the longest reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada as a competitor for any AEW star to contend with.

However, Kota Ibushi has to be considered in the conversation for a bonafide Hall of Famer on the NJPW roster as well. The first IWGP World Heavyweight Champion reached his goal of becoming a God in Japan at the biggest stage possible. In the Tokyo Dome, Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships at Wrestle Kingdom 15.

The Golden Star followed up that performance on Night 1 with an even greater effort against Switchblade Jay White in a Match of the Year candidate and the longest match in the history of the Tokyo Dome on Wrestle Kingdom 15 Night 2. That 47 minute clash was captivating, suspenseful and outstanding. It has been some time since Daniel Bryan has put on a match of that length.

BREAKINGKota Ibushi requests to unify Intercontinental and Heavyweight Championships after Wrestle Kingdom main event.WATCH: https://t.co/d5IeJ6dWRj#njpw #njwk15 #wk15day2 pic.twitter.com/Gz29lENgik

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 5, 2021

Due to his time in WWE, Bryan hasn't had a match over 35 minutes in length in well over a decade. Fans have seen him put on hour-long classics during his independent career and it begs to question if he can still put on those type of encounters. The endurance of Ibushi could be a factor. If he pushes the match to the 40 minute mark, can Daniel Bryan still keep up?

Another interesting question mark is whether Daniel Bryan can withstand the kicks and strike of Kota Ibushi. The switch that Ibushi flips in certain matches has overwhelmed the likes of Tomohiro Ishii and Suzuki in the past. If he can do that against some of the toughest individuals on the NJPW roster, Daniel Bryan will have his hands full with Ibushi for sure.

Bryan will have to tap into the viciousness that made him a formidable striker. He has stomped the heads of opponents in WWE and his signature elbow strikes have made opponents pass out in previous encounters. This may be a bout that ends by a flash knockout based on the two men's history.

There are a number of factors at play that make this a must-see dream match that is head and shoulders above the rest. Kota Ibushi has the accolades, experience, skills and intensity that make him a perfect match for Bryan. That is why Ibushi is the biggest and best forbidden matchup that is possible in AEW for Daniel Bryan.