Bryan Danielson battled Ricky Starks in a brutal Strap Match at AEW All Out.
On the September 2 episode of AEW Collision, Starks challenged Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat to a Strap Match at the pay-per-view. Danielson was revealed as Starks’ opponent instead.
Danielson used “The Final Countdown” by Europe, and the Chicago crowd sang along as “The American Dragon” made his return to the ring. He had been sidelined with a broken arm since AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
The Final Countdown is reverberating throughout the United Center and the American Dragon Bryan Danielson makes his return to the ring right now!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 4, 2023
Order #AEWAllOut on PPV right now!
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? https://t.co/iawFge9Cal@bryandanielson pic.twitter.com/vz2bogUnEL
Steamboat joined the commentary team for the match, and he watched on as Danielson and Starks waged war. They battered each other with the strap and choked each other with it. It didn’t take long for both men to get busted open. By the end of the bout, both Danielson and Starks were bloodied and bruised.
In the closing stages, Danielson took the advantage, and Big Bill attacked him. Steamboat got out of his seat and took the fight to Bill. The big man grabbed Steamboat, and Danielson threw Starks onto him.
Ricky Steamboat has seen enough!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 4, 2023
Order #AEWAllOut on PPV right now!
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? https://t.co/iawFge9Cal@starkmanjones | @bryandanielson | @TheCazXL pic.twitter.com/wO2G2XnOIG
Danielson ultimately trapped Starks in the LeBell Lock before he choked him out with the strap. Starks never tapped out; instead, he passed out, and the referee called for the bell.
Catch up on our coverage of AEW All Out here.
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