MOTW 48: Bryan Danielson vs Swerve Strickland

“M.O.T.W. #48: 'The American Dragon' Bryan Danielson vs. 'Swerve' Strickland - ink & digital illustration

Hi pals! We’re back again for the 48th edition of our little ol’ ‘Match of the Week’ illustration series & i’m very pleased to present another American Dragon number!

This terrific bout for the AEW World Championship took place just by under a week ago on August 25th, 2024 at AEW 'All In' London at Wembley Stadium before over 50,000 fans.

Man, so what to say about this one! It’s not like I need to convince anyone how good this was. Really it’s so great to see a match like this as the main event of such a massive show. But boy, howdy this was bloody GREAT!

As a long-time Dragon fan, a large part of what made this magical was finally seeing him win the big one. And what a setting for it! Danielson’s World Championship run in Ring of Honor was one of my very favourite things in all of Professional Wrestling. But it’s been a long time since we’ve got to see Danielson in that role. More than just a big win, this felt like a celebration of an all-timer of a career.

Both guys were just so perfect in this match in many ways. I really loved the go-home promos, the story, the blood & just the epic feel of this whole thing. The vicious targeting of Dragon’s previously neck by Swerve, climaxing with that Vertebreaker!

The most special part for me though was Danielson doing it all for the love of his family. His looking to them for motivation. His “I love you” kicks! In any other match, this could have been corny as all get-out but the way they pulled this off was amazing to see. Legitimately heartwarming! I might have even welled up a bit. Properly beautiful stuff!

Oh AND Final Countdown?! Yeah, there were happy tears.

ENJOY!!

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