Bryan Danielson vs Daniel Garcia (AEW – 8/17/2022)

I feel like I'm a bit on an island on this one, but I don't know if that is because I am or because of the wrestling circles I find myself in. I'll also admit from the outset that this is a bit of a homer pick. I was there live, was absolutely amped for the match, and it took pace in the state I was born and raised in (we don't get a lot of nice things). So I wanted this to rule.  That can sometimes lead to matches disappointing despite being great, but I admit that it can also lead to one liking a match in spite of itself. Only time will tell which (if either) is the case for me, but for now I am pretty confident in saying this is fucking awesome. I've watched this back a few times and each time I come away loving it. Overall, this is just a really well thought out, well executed 2/3 falls match. Each fall is a fairly simple but effective chapter of a larger story and that story is both compelling and beneficial for both men. I came into the match sort of knowing who was going to win, but I still found myself biting on some of the false finishes late. I think the physicality is a bit underrated here. They are really laying strikes in and wrenching holds in. All told, this match checks all the boxes for me, great physical storytelling that is easy to get a bit lost in.

Ultimately, I think this is a boring, but necessary nomination. It is a great match that was supposed to be great. It is a work-rate classic in a time where work-rate isn't particularly trendy. It sort of reminds me of the Danielson v Gibson ROH Title match. If you pluck it out of its context and put it in another you can imagine the response being different. In turn, it is also the kind of match that I gravitate towards overall and particularly in this project. It will - I suspect - age well. It sticks in my brain a bit. I don't see a place for it on my list currently, but as far as 2022 matches go, I think it should be considered. Folks should take another look at this for their MOTY lists and keep it on their radars to look at down the road as well.