In a move as shocking as a botched heel turn, Tony Khan has once again proven why he’s the ultimate promoter. The wizard of wrestling announcements has just revealed that Bryan Danielson’s upcoming match against Jeff Jarrett will have a ringside guest of mythical proportions. Prepare your popcorn, folks, because Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat is stepping into the fray!
Last Wednesday, Danielson boldly declared he’d retire if he loses to AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at All In later this month. Jarrett, trying to butter up the “American Dragon” with compliments, ended up with a match on his hands. And Khan, never one to shy away from turning up the drama, took to social media to drop the bombshell. “In the Final Countdown for his World Title shot vs Swerve Strickland, Bryan Danielson fights vs Jeff Jarrett, with special guest Ricky Steamboat at ringside!” Khan tweeted, probably while doing a victory lap around his office.
This isn’t Steamboat’s first rodeo with AEW drama. Just last year at All Out, Danielson stepped in for Steamboat in a Strap Match against Ricky Starks. Fresh off a heel turn that saw him cheat CM Punk and disrespect “The Dragon,” Starks tried to corner Steamboat into their own Strap Match. But when Punk was sent packing from AEW post-All In, Danielson answered the call and whooped Starks in a 16-minute showdown.
Now, almost a year later, Danielson has earned his own shot at the AEW World Championship by winning the Owen Hart Cup. Jarrett, who played special enforcer during the final against “Hangman” Adam Page, made sure to stir the pot by counting Danielson’s victory and drawing the ire of Page.
So, buckle up for what promises to be a match for the ages! With Steamboat ringside, anything can happen – except maybe a peaceful evening.