By Holden McNeil
“The Final Countdown Tour” officially kicks off on Thursday night September 10th in Philadelphia, PA with another set of “ROH on HDNet” TV Tapings. After the second night in Philly, the tour continues on to Dayton, OH and Chicago Ridge, IL on September 18th & 19th. Finally, we wrap things up on September 25th & 26th in Boston, MA and New York City, NY with “Glory by Honor VIII”. Between these six events, Bryan Danielson is going to be tested with some of the toughest opponents he has ever faced, and one he has never gone one-on-one with here in Ring of Honor. Here’s a look at the last six nights of “The American Dragon’s” ROH career:
Thursday September 10, 2009- The Arena, 7 Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Bryan Danielson and Roderick Strong vs. The American Wolves
Bryan and Roderick recently went to war on HDNet against The Wolves & Chris Hero in 6-Man Tag action with KENTA as their partner, and despite the fact that Strong pinned Edwards, The Wolves claim that this team does not deserve a shot at the belts either. “Strong got lucky,” said Edwards. “But one lucky night doesn’t mean he and Bryan deserve a shot. They’ve both failed before, many times, so tell me how they deserve a chance? And besides I know Danielson really doesn’t want me to tap him out one more time. I mean is that really how he wants to say goodbye?” ROH officials will look at the facts and rule on the title match shortly, but in the meantime, Danielson and Strong have sent word that their training over the next few weeks will be at an all time high. Not only because of this match, but also because of the match that Danielson requested for his last match in Philadelphia.
Friday, September 11, 2009- The Arena, 7 Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Bryan Danielson vs. Roderick Strong
It’s been a very long time since Bryan and Roddy have gone one-on-one, since “Anarchy in the UK” in 2006 to be exact, but their matches over the ROH World Title were some of the hardest hitting contests in company history. In fact Bryan’s chest still bears scars from their wars. But it was these wars the created high level of respect between these two warriors, and regardless of the paths their careers took since their last outing, the two men have always respected one another. That is why Danielson hand-selected Strong to be his last opponent in ROH’s hometown. “Roddy is one of the best wrestlers, period,” said Danielson. “And as corny as it sounds, it would be my honor to say farewell to the city where ROH started with one last match against him.” Then with a smile he added, “Hopefully this time I won’t bleeding from my chest.”
Friday, September 18, 2009- Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45409
Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Hero
This match was signed prior to the announcement of Bryan’s departure, but it is apropos that he face “That Young Knockout Kid” as part of his farewell tour. One of the most memorable feuds in ROH history was the war with CZW in 2006, and all of that kicked off after Hero challenged Danielson for the ROH World Title at “Hell Freezes Over”. Only one other time in ROH history have these two faced off in singles competition, and both fighters have greatly improved since their last singles meeting at “Undeniable”. Unlike Strong, Hero is a man who would take great pleasure in ruining Danielson’s Dayton farewell, and will most certainly go to any lengths necessary to insure that happens.
Saturday, September 19, 2009- Frontier Fieldhouse, 9807 Sayre Avenue, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black
Since their first singles meeting at “Breakout”, Black and Danielson have engaged in some of the most memorable battles of the last year and a half. Whether it was the unforgettable battle at “New Horizons” or any of their top shelf matches for ROH on HDNet, these two seem to bring out the best in one another. In fact, Danielson was so impressed by Tyler that he picked Black as his partner at “Tag Title Classic” when they challenged The Wolves for the World Tag Titles. Unsuccessful that bid may have been, it did earn them a rematch on HDNet in which they again come up just short of being crowned champions. In their most recent go-round Tyler, after two inconclusive finishes, managed to finally defeat Danielson on HDNet. The question is now if Tyler can do it again? Bryan once said that he knew Tyler would be better than him one day, and that day he was. Tyler’s now has to prove he can stand up and say “I’m better than you every day.” This one, much like the Strong match, will be a battle of respect.
Friday, September 25, 2009- Boston University (Case Gym), 285 Babcock Street, Boston, MA 02215
Bryan Danielson vs. Davey Richards
Where Strong and Black will be battles of respect, this one will most certainly be a war of attrition. Never before in ROH have these two warriors met, and Danielson himself selected Davey to be one of his final opponents. These are two of the most vicious striker in ROH who have both shown their willingness to inflict punishment in order to secure their victory. They are both accomplished mat wrestlers, both at the top of their game, and each man constantly strives to be the best. Danielson has long laid claim to the moniker of “Best In The World”, but Richards is one guy who would love to snatch that crown, even if Bryan’s head is still attached to it. This is most certainly a Dream Match for the ROH faithful, and is liable to leave both men battered as they head into two huge matches in NYC the following night.
Saturday, September 26, 2009- Manhattan Center (Grand Ballroom), 311 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries
“Glory by Honor” is a name synonymous with some of the greatest nights in ROH history, and “The American Dragon” has been a large part of many of those nights; Danielson vs. Gibson, Danielson vs. KENTA, and Danielson vs. Morishima just to name a few of his “GBH” matches. Well the 8th edition of this ROH event will be memorable for several reasons. Not only will it mark the final night of Bryan Danielson’s ROH career, but it may also mark the crowning of a new champion as he faces Austin Aries with the ROH World Title on the line. Their bouts have been some of the best in ROH’s history, and their rivalry has largely been fueled by competition and mutual respect. This time it has a lot more to do with disrespect; disrespect to the ROH World Title and disrespect emanating from every word out of Aries’ mouth. What better way for Danielson to close this chapter in his life than by capturing the ROH World Title for the second time and shutting A Double up at the same time? It would certainly be a bittersweet victory, given the circumstances, but this writer couldn’t think of a better parting gift for this ROH Legend.
So please join us as we celebrate the career of Bryan Danielson, and bid him a fond farewell during the month of September. Tickets for all six of these events are available right here at www.rohwrestling. Come take part in this “Final Countdown”…
