Will Ospreay vs Bryan Danielson: A Dream Match Analysis

Two of the Best: Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay

Bryan Danielson. Will Ospreay. Two names synonymous with wrestling excellence. Danielson, the “American Dragon,” a technical wizard with a reputation forged in independent rings and cemented in WWE. Ospreay, the “Aerial Assassin,” a high-flying marvel who redefined what’s possible between the ropes in promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Both are widely considered among the very best in the world.

Their collision at AEW Dynasty 2024 was a dream match years in the making. The hype was palpable. Fans worldwide anticipated a classic, a showcase of skill and storytelling that would be talked about for years to come. The match between Will Ospreay vs Bryan Danielson promised to be a war.

But did it live up to the hype? This analysis will critically examine the Danielson vs. Ospreay match, dissecting its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll look at the storytelling, the in-ring performance, and the overall impact of this highly anticipated encounter.

The match received a wide range of reactions, and even a controversial rating from Dave Meltzer. Some called it an instant classic, while others felt it fell short of expectations. Let’s dig deeper and explore why.

Building the Dream Match: Hype and Kayfabe

In wrestling, the idea of a “dream match” is a powerful one. It’s the promise of seeing two top talents, often with contrasting styles and backstories, finally collide in the ring. Bryan Danielson versus Will Ospreay absolutely fit that bill. The technical brilliance of Danielson against the high-flying, innovative offense of Ospreay? It had the potential to be something truly special.

AEW certainly understood the hype. The build-up on television included promotional segments, interviews, and the weaving of storylines designed to get fans invested. The anticipation was palpable; everyone was ready to see these two titans clash.

However, a nagging question remained: did the build-up truly live up to the potential of the match itself? Did it effectively sell the stakes and motivations for both wrestlers, or did it fall prey to the occasional inconsistencies and plot holes that sometimes plague wrestling narratives?

That’s where the concept of “kayfabe” comes in. Kayfabe, the presentation of wrestling as “real,” requires a certain internal logic. Were there inconsistencies in the story being told that detracted from the overall narrative? Did the build effectively establish why these two were fighting, beyond just the fact that they’re both incredibly talented wrestlers? These are the kinds of questions that can make or break a dream match, even before the bell rings.

In-Ring Performance: A Breakdown of the Action

The Ospreay vs. Danielson match was, at its core, a clash of styles. Ospreay brought a high-octane, aerial assault while Danielson relied on technical precision and storytelling.

Ospreay’s Offensive Arsenal

Ospreay is known for his spectacular, high-flying moves. He’s got a whole arsenal, from the OsCutter to the Hidden Blade. In this match, he unleashed a barrage of these signature moves, often stringing them together in rapid succession. The visual impact is undeniable – seeing Ospreay launch himself across the ring is always a highlight. These moves are designed to elicit gasps from the audience, and they usually do.

However, one of the criticisms leveled against Ospreay is his selling, or lack thereof. While he’s capable of taking a beating, there were moments in the match against Danielson where he seemed to shrug off damage that should have had a more significant impact. This inconsistent selling detracted from the believability of the match. It’s hard to buy into the drama when a wrestler no-sells a devastating move only to bounce back moments later.

Danielson’s Technical Prowess and Storytelling

Danielson, on the other hand, is a master of technical wrestling. His submission holds are legendary, and he has an uncanny ability to make even the most complex holds look incredibly painful. He creates a sense of realism and struggle in his matches that few can match. You believe that he’s genuinely trying to inflict damage, and that his opponent is fighting tooth and nail to escape.

Beyond the technical aspects, Danielson excels at storytelling. In this match, he effectively conveyed a sense of desperation as Ospreay’s aerial offense threatened to overwhelm him. You could see the determination in his eyes as he fought through the pain and kept pushing forward. He used his facial expressions and body language to draw the audience into the match and make them care about the outcome.

Pacing and Choreography: A Critical Look

The pacing of the match was a mixed bag. At times, it felt well-balanced, with moments of high-flying action interspersed with periods of technical grappling. However, there were also stretches where it felt rushed, as if they were trying to cram too many moves into a short amount of time. A bit more breathing room would have allowed the moves to have a greater impact.

The choreography was generally smooth, with fluid transitions between moves and sequences. However, there were a few spots that felt overly rehearsed, breaking the illusion of a real fight. Wrestling is, of course, a performance, but the best matches are the ones where you forget that you’re watching a performance and get completely lost in the story.

The Spectacle vs. The Substance: Match Narrative and Believability

Great wrestling is more than just impressive moves; it’s about storytelling. Did Ospreay vs. Danielson deliver a compelling narrative, or was it simply two top-tier athletes showcasing their abilities?

The Absence of a Compelling Narrative

While the match was undoubtedly a display of athleticism, it lacked a strong, underlying narrative. It was, essentially, two great wrestlers facing off. But did it effectively portray a struggle for dominance? Did it represent a clash of ideologies or styles? Some argue that the absence of a deeper story diminished the overall impact, leaving it feeling more like an exhibition than a crucial conflict.

Believability and the Suspension of Disbelief

A crucial element of professional wrestling is believability – the ability to suspend disbelief and invest in the drama unfolding in the ring. This match had plenty of impressive moves, but did it successfully create a sense of genuine threat and danger for both competitors? Did Ospreay’s high-flying offense realistically threaten Danielson’s technical prowess? Did Danielson’s attempts to ground Ospreay and lock in his submissions feel credible given Ospreay’s agility and strength? If the audience doesn’t believe the wrestlers are genuinely in peril, the impact of even the most spectacular moves is lessened.

The “Best in the World” Debate

The commentary and promotion leading up to the match heavily emphasized the “Best in the World” status of both competitors. While this added hype, it also raised questions about the importance of AEW’s actual championships. By focusing so intensely on individual rankings and bragging rights, did the match detract from the significance of the title picture? Were the championships themselves overshadowed by the desire to crown an unofficial “Best in the World”? Some argue that this approach ultimately devalues the titles and the wrestlers who hold them.

Crowd Reaction and Atmosphere: The AEW Audience

Modern wrestling crowds are a different beast than the crowds of yesteryear. They’re often incredibly knowledgeable about wrestling history, in-jokes, and tropes, leading to a more participatory experience. That participation can be a double-edged sword.

The Modern Wrestling Crowd

These crowds often engage in elaborate chants and reactions, sometimes feeling like they’re trying to “be part of the show.” While this enthusiasm can add to the excitement, it can also be distracting, pulling focus from the wrestlers and the story they’re trying to tell in the ring.

The AEW Dynasty Crowd: A Case Study

During the Danielson vs. Ospreay match at AEW Dynasty, the crowd was electric. However, at times, the cheering and chants felt excessive. Did it enhance the match, or did it detract from it? It’s a subjective question, but there were moments when the crowd’s exuberance felt like it was overshadowing the incredible athleticism on display.

Comparing Crowd Reactions to Historical Matches

Think back to the legendary matches of Hulk Hogan, where the crowd hung on every punch and slam, or the electric atmosphere of a Steve Austin vs. The Rock showdown. Even the intensely invested crowds of Kenta Kobashi or Hiroshi Tanahashi matches seemed to react to the action, not over it.

There’s a fine line between a passionate crowd and a distracting one. The Ospreay/Danielson match, while phenomenal, perhaps suffered slightly from a crowd that was trying just a little too hard to be part of the show. The focus should always be on the performers in the ring, and sometimes, less is more when it comes to crowd participation.

Match Outcome and Long-Term Impact

Let’s be honest, going in, a lot of people probably thought they knew how this one was going to end. Given Ospreay’s recent arrival in AEW and his push as a major star, it seemed almost inevitable that he’d pick up the win. But did that predictability detract from the match itself?

Looking ahead, this match feels like a huge win for Ospreay. A victory over Bryan Danielson, regardless of Danielson’s age, immediately elevates him in the eyes of the AEW audience. It’s a statement that he’s here to stay and that he’s a main event player.

For Danielson, it’s a different story. While a loss never feels good, this match doesn’t diminish his legacy. He went out there and put on an incredible performance, showcasing his skill and toughness. It may even solidify his reputation as one of the greatest of all time. He’s willing to put over new talent and give them the rub.

Will we be talking about this match years from now? It’s tough to say. It was undoubtedly great, but wrestling history is filled with amazing matches. Time will tell if this one truly stands the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Let’s recap: Ospreay vs. Danielson was a match brimming with potential, a showdown between two of the best wrestlers on the planet. The storytelling was present, though perhaps not as deeply layered as some might have hoped. The in-ring performance was undeniably spectacular, showcasing both men’s incredible athleticism and technical prowess. The crowd was hot, reacting to every near fall and high-impact move.

But did it reach “classic” status? That’s where things get tricky. While undeniably entertaining and technically brilliant, the match lacked that certain je ne sais quoi that elevates a great match to legendary status. Perhaps it was the somewhat predictable structure, or the feeling that both men were holding back just a little, saving their absolute best for another time. Or maybe, just maybe, the expectations were simply too high.

Going in, the wrestling world buzzed with anticipation, expecting a five-star, Match of the Year contender. While Ospreay and Danielson delivered a very good to great match, it didn’t quite reach that mythical level for everyone. Some might have found it lacking the emotional resonance of Danielson’s best work, or the unpredictable insanity of Ospreay at his most unhinged. Others might argue that it was a near-perfect display of modern wrestling.

Ultimately, wrestling criticism is subjective. What resonates with one fan might fall flat for another. There’s no definitive answer, no objective scale to measure the “greatness” of a wrestling match. Whether you walked away thinking Ospreay vs. Danielson was an instant classic or just a very good match, the beauty of wrestling lies in the eye of the beholder. Your preferences are valid, and the conversation is part of the fun.