Nigel McGuinness' retirement, return to pro wrestling, and destiny-driven match against Bryan Danielson at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam is covered in a new mini-documentary.
AEW's YouTube channel recently released a mini-documentary series called AEW Stories. The first story told is that of Nigel McGuinness. The documentary follows Nigel getting ready for his return to the ring at AEW All In: London 2024 and finishes following his match with Bryan Danielson at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam later that year.
The documentary also features interviews with Roderick Strong, Colt Cabana, Shane Hagadorn, Mark Briscoe, and several of the individuals who work for AEW and were near Nigel and Bryan during their time together in Ring of Honor. Lee Moriarty, a young wrestler who was inspired by McGuinness, is also featured along with some footage of him and Nigel practicing in the ring together. Nigel was able to give Moriarty a dream match at Ring of Honor Final Battle 2024.
The mini-documentary is tied together with footage from Nigel McGuinness' 2013 documentary "The Last of McGuinness." The clips show just how frustrated Nigel became by the end of his career, believing he had failed to reach his full potential.
Following the cathartic match with Danielson at Queens, New York, in September 2024, McGuinness reflected on his journey with Danielson, his decision to take the road less traveled in his career and admits that it still hurts to have ultimately lost to "The American Dragon" in their final encounter.
"Before I came to AEW, my career was done. 'That ship has sailed,' I told so many people. I just thought there was no way, because no one believed in me, because I didn't believe in me, so why should anyone? But life works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? I never could have imagined this would happen. I will forever feel blessed to have gotten to stand there and face off with him one more time. But God, I can give all the epitaphs and soliloquies in the world... It's still fucking hurts to lose him," Nigel somberly admitted. "Seeing Bryan's career trajectory and all the success that he had, it certainly gave me a little bit of happiness to come up with him, be one of his peers, and see him succeed. As I said, he's one of the guys that proves that if you have a dream and you never give up, you can make it.
"It's hard to know, because here I am in 2024, [fifteen years later], however long, to be on that same stage with him. It took me a long time to meet him, but maybe I got there eventually," he continued. "Two paths diverged in a wood, and I chose the road less traveled, and it has made all the difference."
Fans can read Bryan Danielson's thoughts on his match with Nigel here.
Fightful has learned that Nigel McGuinness is planning to compete in more matches in his career. Learn more here.
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