Bryan Danielson Dreamed Of Becoming NJPW Star

Bryan Danielson had dreams of NJPW glory.

During his career Bryan Danielson has tasted success everywhere he’s performed, most notably in WWE where he became World Champion and headlined WrestleMania. However, speaking at a press conference ahead of his match with Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Danielson revealed that he craved success in NJPW above all else.

“I just want to say how grateful I am to be here in Japan, especially New Japan. It’s been almost 20 years since my last tour of New Japan. To be here now, at the Tokyo Dome…when I started professional wrestling, what I really wanted more so than main eventing WrestleMania in WWE, which I did twice, more so than anything, I wanted to be a star in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

20 years after my last tour, I get to wrestle Okada in the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom,”

Bryan Danielson Defeated On NJPW Return

When Danielson and Okada finally made it to the ring in the Tokyo Dome it was the Japanese star who got the win, smashing his rival with a Rainmaker. The victory earned Okada a measure of revenge after he was beaten by Danielson at Forbidden Door II back in June 2022. During the match, the American Dragon famously suffered a broken arm but wrestled the contest to a finish, forcing Okada to submit.

It’s long been rumoured that the pair will meet again at All In at Wembley Stadium as Bryan Danielson begins to wind down his full-time career.

H/t to Fightful