 Throughout the rest of the year, McGuinness successfully defended his title against the likes of Tyler Black, Austin Aries, Kevin Steen, Claudio Castagnoli, Go Shiozaki, Jerry Lynn, Roderick Strong, El Generico and on 22 November 2008, at Rising Above, in a grudge match against Bryan Danielson.On 20 March 2009, McGuinness sustained an arm injury competing in a tag team match.However, despite the injury reportedly requiring surgery, he still wrestled at the "Seventh Anniversary Show" the next night and defeated KENTA to retain his title.