Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson - Full Gear 2021

Lore & Background

Leading into Full Gear 2021, Jon Moxley had lost the AEW World Championship to Kenny Omega on the December 2, 2020 episode of Dynamite (Winter Is Coming), and was looking to rebound against a new challenger. Bryan Danielson entered the picture as a debuting free agent who demanded respect through skill and endurance. Their rivalry was built on mutual admiration mixed with competitive fire, pushing each other beyond their limits. The narrative wasn't just about winning; it was about validation for both men. Moxley sought to prove he was still elite, while Danielson aimed to show he belonged at the top of the roster. The match served as a culmination of months of tension and psychological warfare on television. Historically, this contest is viewed as a benchmark for quality wrestling within AEW. It highlighted the company's ability to produce high-stakes, athletic storytelling that resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over Rosemont, Illinois, casting long shadows across the canvas. The air hummed with anticipation, a collective breath held by thousands waiting for the collision of titans. In one corner stood Jon Moxley, eyes burning with the fire of a defending champion who refused to yield. Across from him, Bryan Danielson exuded calm focus, ready to seize destiny. The bell rang, and silence broke into chaos. Sweat flew in the harsh arena lights as bodies collided against the turnbuckles. Every grapple told a story of years spent perfecting the craft. When the final submission locked tight, the roar was deafening, marking not just a victory, but a shift in eras.

Reader's Guide

The match began with a technical stalemate, showcasing Danielson’s precision against Moxley’s chaotic aggression. Early spots highlighted the contrast between the two styles, with Moxley targeting limbs while Danielson countered with submission holds. The narrative shifted as the physical toll mounted, leading to a brutal exchange of strikes and power moves in the corners. Midway through, the intensity escalated into near-falls that had the arena on its feet. Moxley utilized his signature brutality, attempting to ground the challenger, but Danielson’s resilience shone through every attempt at submission. The climax arrived when Danielson locked in the LeBell Lock, forcing a tap-out after a grueling display of endurance. This bout is celebrated for its authentic storytelling and emotional weight. It wasn't just about moves; it was about legacy. The finish cemented Danielson's status as a champion while closing a chapter on Moxley’s dominant reign. Critics cite the pacing and psychological warfare as defining elements that elevated this contest to legendary status within AEW history. It remains a standard for future title defenses.

Did You Know?

• This match ended in a 60-minute time limit draw, with no winner declared.
• Jon Moxley lost the AEW World Championship to Kenny Omega at the December 2, 2020 episode of Dynamite (Winter Is Coming), not at Revolution 2021.
• Bryan Danielson did not win any title at Full Gear 2021; the match ended in a draw and was non-title.

Event Overview and Venue Logistics

The fifth annual Full Gear event took place on November 18, 2023, marking a significant return to the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. As one of All Elite Wrestling's prestigious "Big Four" pay-per-views alongside Double or Nothing, All Out, and Revolution, this show traditionally occupies a Saturday slot around Veterans Day week. The production required unique scheduling adjustments because Full Gear occupied the usual time slot for AEW's weekly program, Collision. Consequently, that weekend's episode of Collision was broadcast live from the same venue on Friday night at 8 p.m., while Rampage also aired from Inglewood later that evening. To maximize accessibility, AEW partnered with Joe Hand Promotions to screen the event in select theaters and out-of-home establishments across North America. The card featured eleven total matches, including three contests on the Zero Hour pre-show, showcasing a packed schedule of high-stakes competition for the Los Angeles crowd.

Main Event Championship Stakes

The evening's primary attraction centered on the AEW World Championship, defended by champion MJF against challenger Jay White. Their intense rivalry was built over weeks of television segments where White claimed responsibility for MJF's past alliances and demanded a title shot after stealing the championship belt. The storyline escalated when White, accompanied by Bullet Club Gold members Juice Robinson and The Gunns, physically assaulted MJF before issuing his formal challenge. While the main event focused on the world title, the tag team division also saw significant action during the pre-show. MJF was scheduled to defend the ROH World Tag Team Championship alongside a mystery partner against Austin and Colten Gunn. Although Adam Cole originally held the titles with MJF, he suffered a broken foot in September, leading to Samoa Joe stepping in as the replacement after saving MJF from an attack on Rampage.

The Patriarchy vs. The Legends Trios Match

A major narrative thread involved a trios match pitting Sting and Darby Allin against Christian Cage's faction, known as The Patriarchy. This feud ignited after Cage retained the TNT Championship at WrestleDream, where he turned on his former ally Nick Wayne before attacking Allin with Luchasaurus. Although Sting attempted to make the save, Adam Copeland made his surprise AEW debut to rescue both men from further harm. Despite Copeland's initial refusal to fight Cage due to their shared history, repeated attacks by The Patriarchy forced him to join forces with Sting and Allin for Full Gear. This match represented a clash between wrestling generations, featuring the legendary Sting and the newly debuted Copeland against Cage's aggressive stablemates, creating a highly anticipated confrontation that highlighted the deep-seated animosity developed on Dynamite and Collision.

International Title Feud and Roster Expansion

The event also served as a pivotal moment for the AEW International Championship and international talent integration. Jon Moxley had won the title at All Out but lost it to Rey Fenix due to a legitimate concussion before Orange Cassidy regained it. Following Cassidy's successful defense against Claudio Castagnoli, Moxley challenged Cassidy for the championship at Full Gear, setting up a grudge match within the Blackpool Combat Club dynamic. Beyond the in-ring action, the event was notable for the official announcement of Will Ospreay joining AEW full-time. Although Ospreay had been appearing on AEW programming while under contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, his transition to the permanent roster was confirmed during this period, officially taking effect in February 2024 after his NJPW obligations concluded.