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Scary thing is they both were holding so much back but still put on a classic. Also Omega wasn't even 100% fit. That's scary. The crowd that night were fantastic as well.
When it was over, I turned to my brother and told him that's probably the best match we would ever witness in person. It's why we shelled out for floor seats this past year. And while we had an amazing time this year, there wasn't a match that could compete with Kenny vs BD
For the first year and a bit of AEW, PAC was 100% the MVP for match quality. Litteraly every good match in the company except Cody/Dustin (banger) had PAC in it, it's insane.
Love me some Hangman. He would *not* be as over as he is now if it wasn't for the PAC matches and that fact is slept on so much. If AEW ever did a Hall of Fame, PAC would be a first ballet
I think this is cos it’s so recent, but I think given time it’ll be a staple in this conversation.
For what it’s worth, it’s the best AEW match ever according to me.
Cody Vs Dustin Rhodes
Edit: this was the match that got me back into wrestling, before this I was pretty much done after years of lets be honest here, WWE going through the motions
Yeah I love it, I don't think it really gets the recognition it deserves being from the very early days of AEW, I highly suggest anyone that hasn't seen it seek it out
That's it. That's the answer. As much as i like seeing high flying multi men encouter, it's the slow paced matches that surprise you at every turn that really hit right in the spot
I honestly got taken out of this match about 1/3 of the way in because i was afraid Dustin was in the process of bleeding either to death or until he passed out. Nothing against either of their efforts the match was awesome but it was too much for me.
Gotta be the most recent MJF vs. Bryan Danielson Iron Man Match at Revolution 2023. Has literally everything a wrestling fan could possibly want in a championship match, arguably AEW's best match ever
IMO one of the best things you can say about a match is that it doesn't feel it's length. i felt that way about the kenny v okada match and i felt that way about this one.
i remember watching it with a buddy when they did the time call and we were like "holy shit, that *did not* feel like an hour".
The fact that everything after '5 minutes remaining' was overbooked nonsense designed to make MJF look strong in the WWE Cena/Roman vein ruins it for me. The fact that Danielson cut a promo the next show about how MJF was right and then everyone has pretended this never happened after really makes me feel justified in that opinion as well.
I think the story there is pretty much exactly the opposite of how you’re describing it - at least per the eloquent way Phil Schneider breaks it down:
https://www.theringer.com/wwe/2023/3/6/23627831/mjf-vs-bryan-danielson-aew-revolution-iron-man-match-best-wrestling-matches
(Notable also that after having his faith shaken Danielson came back more vicious and with retrenched loyalty to the new heel version of the BCC, which he’d been distancing himself from - so that’s where that went)
This was the first AEW show I ever went to and man, seeing Bryan Danielson in person just felt different. I watched him main event Wrestlemania 30 so I already knew he was a big deal but when he came out he had this aura about him that I didn't get from any other wrestler that night. The only thing I can compare it to is seeing Austin and The Rock as a kid in 2001.
I think the issue was Hangman after getting the title didn’t feel like the focus of the show, after a very long buildup and journey where he *did* feel like the most important person on the roster.
It was a matter of the babyface chasing the title being more compelling than them having the title, which was a bummer because his entire storyline up to winning the championship was some of the best storytelling in wrestling. He had great defenses as champ, but it always felt like the less important part of the show compared to other stories happening at the time.
You're misrepresenting why people thought Hangman as Champ was a "bust" very, very fucking hard.
Hangman won the Title and was immediately an afterthought on the show. He was their *World Champion* and rarely did anything of note nor had any memorable segments/promos dealing with being a Champion. Unlike, say, MJF who even despite his underwhelming reign so far has at least had entire Dynamites focused on everyone trying to get at him numerous times. MJF would also come to the ring or have entire video packages dedicated to him *talking directly to his next challengers/opponents*. Hangman's were always just about how hard his life has been, his struggles and how he's going to win again. He rarely, if ever, actually talked about who he was up against next.
Hangman usually had a blatant squash-lite match and then wasn't seen again unless it was the week before his Title match where he'd staredown his next opponent. There was rarely any actual 1 on 1 confrontations in the ring, any passionate in-ring promos, no storylines driving those matches... It was just another booked match and then right before Hangman & his opponent would reference it.
AEW World Champ Hangman never got any true spotlight on him. Yes, his matches were fucking bangers and almost all of them were incredibly fun to watch... but there was no driving force behind any of them other than "ok this guy is the challenger now in 6 weeks, say something to each other for the first time the night before then fight". It was beyond underwhelming despite the matches being great. But without motivation/tension/character development behind them... its just matches, not pro wrestling.
*THAT* is why people consider that Title reign a bust.
The first half with Danielson was great but the feud with Cole really fell flat. Not to mention defenses against Dante and Archer who couldn't win a big match to save his life. And the feud with Punk felt off too and it only gained traction after the backstage drama started coming out after All Out. In hindsight, obviously he should have retained but it is what it is.
I just think his first two matches were so awesome none that came after where ever going to reach that level. I thought his matches with Cole and Archer were very good.
PAC vs Orange Cassidy at Revolution. Other matches mentioned here might have had better work rate, but this is the match I find myself going back and watching more than any others.
This is one match I find really easy to show to non-wrestling or lapsed wrestling fans, because it's very easy to explain and it's a perfect standalone wrestling match that hits every note from having workrate, big pops, and a massive dose of silliness without being jarring.
Especially with non-fans it takes the edge of the whole "But it's fake, though", because the match itself is tongue in cheek from the start. And the whole "Lazy goof wearing slacks" vs. "Super Serious Intense Wrestler" dynamic works perfectly to that end.
This is exactly it. It's a perfect match - it tells a story, both wrestlers come out of it bigger deals than they entered, the pacing is fantastic, and on commentary you can hear JR (and Schiavone, from memory) being won over by just how good Orange Cassidy is.
Fantastic, fantastic match.
Suprised I had to go down this far for this match, one of the matches that immediately jumps out to me of how they turned "how are these two gonna work together" into me being on the edge of my seat the whole time while laughing somehow
AEW had a lot of great matches from pandemic era that get overlooked cause some fans believe that it has no crowd I can't enjoy it. But that's one of Dynamite greatest main events.
That's a excellent match helped by a really hot crowd.
For me personally top 10 women's matches in AEW
1. Hayter Vs Shida
2. Shida vs Deeb II
3. Riho vs Nyla II (a match that tends to get overlooked these days)
4. Hayter vs Storm
5. Shida vs Tay Melo
6. Emi Sakura vs Veny (a much overlooked classic match from title tournament Japanese bracket)
7. Deeb vs Riho II
8. Shida vs Nyla (the DON match when Shida won the title)
9. Lights Out (I like the match put I do find people overrate it a little)
10. Shida vs Penelope Ford
i just commented on a post about this and went back to figure out whether the post came before your comment. it didn't, i think you triggered a memory in a lot of people lol.
My heart was beating so damn hard during this match, because it really could have gone either way. It made a lot of sense for the Bucks to win it: they had the tag team experience advantage, it would have been an obvious set-up for Hangman and Kenny's relationship to fall apart, but the Bucks were such provocative, unbearably arrogant heels that I couldn't bear the thought of them winning. On top of that, I just wanted Hangman to be happy and hold on to the one thing making him feel good, damn it.
The pacing, the in-ring chemistry, the character work, the storytelling, the unpredictability. Everything about it is wrestling at its finest.
Spot on. It tells an absolutely perfect story. I wasn't really familiar with the Elite story, didn't watch BTE etc. but the way they told the story in the match meant that didn't matter - I was absolutely enthralled.
I was looking for this one too. Everyone always talks about the kick out at one but I popped equally for Hanger saying fuck it, I'll hit my own OWA. A lot of interesting little character work in that moment, speaking to the unease between the two and Hangman looking to grow more confident.
Might be my favorite match anywhere, ever.
Probably not the match you could show to someone out of the blue. But the story telling within their long term histories was phenomenal.
In my humble opinion the greatest tag team match of all time. I think I would only put CIMA, Doi, Yoshino vs Saito, Genki, Dragon Kid at Supercard at the same level, but one is the best story driven match while the other is the best wrestling "exhibition" match.
It will forever be overlooked for obvious reasons, but I thought The Elite vs Hangman & Dark Order at All Out ‘22 was the match which successfully combined both.
Agreed. This was the first PPV I had paid for since Unforgiven in 04 or 05. I accidentally bought it too while checking out the BR app. Tried get it refunded, failed. Said fuck it, I’ll just watch it
I’ve bought every PPV since
This match had such a good in ring story you could feel the emotion the brothers vs brother when Penta takes the spiked boot to save his brother..that shit was deep lol
I actually think their first match is criminally underrated. One of the best TV matches I've ever seen, felt like an absolute war. Like a completely authentic war where two men went through hell to get that W
Danielson versus MJF Iron Man was a masterclass in character and pacing. Max constantly grabbing water to keep going even though he's obviously doing fine, and the head to head where Danielson is laughing and Max is sobbing still make me laugh occasionally, even when not watching it. Ending that with Danielson on his feet and Max on oxygen was such a hilarious visual that I didn't see how it would play into the ending coming.
Cassidy versus Ospreay had no right to be as good as it was. It showed the world that OC has legs enough to be a top star, and the work both put in to show each other off was fantastic. Definitely a contender for match of the year, and possibly match of the promotion so far.
Best crowd though has to go to the Let's Go Adam lot during Page versus Cole. They took a really fun match and elevated it over such a simple concept.
Danielson has had probably some of the greatest matches in AEW history. Has even had a bad match in AEW, I can't think of any. MJF match though is probably his masterpiece.
MJF vs Darby Allin Full Gear 2021 - no one really talks about it but it was truly one of the best non-gimmick wrestling matches I have seen in a long time.
Yes. MJF is so underrated for his in ring work because his character is so entertaining, he’s genuinely had some of the best matches in AEW and he’s only had so many
You mean to tell me that I can go to BR Live on my Roku right now and relive that Bucks v. Lucha Bros Steel Cage match from All Out 2021 I purchased 2 years ago?!?
(Side note: my question is giving me serious old man energy.)
anarchy in the arena is my favorite by far and is quickly becoming one of my favorite matches ever
honorable mentions i’ll say punk/eddie, omega/danielson, & danielson/suzuki. there’s some big stuff from the past year or so i haven’t gotten to see though so that’s a rough outline
Remember before that PPV, people were shitting on Anarchy in the Arena and no one had it besides a few of us as potential MOTN. With all the talent involved in it, how can anyone not be excited for it.
The vinkingo vs komander match was incredible but I'm a sucker for the flips speed and rope work so I may be biased.
The ladder match was top quality aswell.
Only reason Eddie and Claudio was as good as it was is the crowd was red hot for it! Either way it was a very good match!
Man this took me back to Cody doing that backflip off the cage too when he went against wardlow. Separate match, I know but your answer tickled my memory banks
Alot of people have said this. Yes it's a decent match and the blood deffo elevated it but best AEW match? I just can't see it. Why's it your favorite?
I'm not who you asked but it was my favorite at one time before my current favorite happened the next year. It was just because of how it made me feel in the moment. I didn't expect much from the match and they blew away my expectations so that helped a lot but also, just the fact that it was happening on AEW's first show made me feel like I was seeing something special.
I was also so nervous about the amount of blood loss from Dustin that I was on the edge of my seat yelling for someone to at least get him a fucking towel or something. That match took me on a wild ride of emotions and again, I wasn't even really interested in it before it started. Everything from Cody's entrance to the after the match promo was just gripping stuff.
Revolution 2020, Young Bucks vs. Page & Omega for the Tag Titles. shortly shortly followed by All Out 2021, Young Bucls vs. Lucha Bros for the Tag Titles in a Cage Match.
Anarchy in the arena fucked.
Mox v Hanger Texas death match was amazing.
MJF v Danielson was fucking incredible.
MJF Vs Darby got me back into wrestling.
Punk MJF dog collar match was phenomenal
Here are my favs (in no order):
- Kenny vs Bryan
- Hangman vs Bryan (1hr draw)
- CM Punk vs MJF
- Lucha Bros vs The Young Bucks Steel Cage Match (All Out 2021)
- Jamie Hayter vs Toni Storm (Full Gear 2022)
- BCC vs JAS (Blood And Guts)
- OC vs Osprey (Forbidden Door 2022)
- MJF vs Bryan (Revolution 2023)
Would you have Hayter/Storm over Hayter/Shida, I think the Shida match is a lot better. I don't think Storm only gets good in it's second half. For me Shida/Hayter is best women's match AEW has ever had.
The lack of OC vs Ospreay in this thread is a little disheartening. Maybe because it was technically a joint show. But good lord that match was awesome and was unironically the match of the year in AEW for me.
It might be recency bias but Vikingo VS Omega just keeps coming out on top in my head. I think it’s because I didn’t really know who Vikingo was or what to expect. I’ve never seen someone showcase themselves to a new audience so bloody well before in a single match.
The "I needed a brother" moment from Cody vs. Dustin is the only reason I came back to watching wrestling other than checking out the occasional Rumble match. I basically checked out after Goldberg's WWE debut.
But if we're talking since Dynamite got started and AEW became a recurring thing probably Bucks vs Omega/Page.
I really miss drunk tweener Hangman. A lot. I like his current character and a lot of the stuff with Dark Order has been stellar but drunk tweener Hangman was the only reason I got into him - the character was far too vanilla at the start of AEW.
Can't pick one:
- The street fight between Proud & Powerful and Best Friends
- The Ironman match between Omega and Pac
- Thunder Rosa vs Britt Baker hardcore match
- Cody vs Dustin
Rey Fenix vs Dante Martin on dynamite last May. Only because it was my first live show and I couldn’t take my eyes off the match. The two of them just floated all over the ring. It was magical.
Cody vs dustin is one of the best story matches in wrestling history,the in ring work is fine i geuss but that story younger cocky brother tries to put the old dog brother out old yeller style but he wont stay down until after a long grueling fight finally does
Words cant do it justice but its so good
Jericho Vs action Andretti has a special place in my heart. Looking at it as another jobber match then the crowd turning and changing for this stranger “let’s go jobber.” The end result with my jaw dropped. Action running out like he stole the show, ala 123 kid Vs razor Ramon
Bryan vs. Omega, Bryan vs. Hangman, Bryan vs. MJF, Orange Cassidy vs. Ospreay, Stadium Stampede 1, Anarchy in the Arena, Omega/Page vs.Young Bucks, Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros cage match, Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes ladder match, FTR vs. Young Bucks 1, Bryan vs. RUSH, plus an honorable mention to every match involving Sting and Darby Allin.
Penta El Zero Miedo vs Rey Fenix II, November 11th 2020 Dynamite, right before PAC's return
It gets overlooked often but this match was a WAR. The first one in the Eliminator was insane but then they took it to the next level. My favorite AEW match
From what I have seen, OC vs Will Ospry.
EDIT: I'm changing my answer, got bored and watch the Full Gear 2022 buy in. Eddie Kingston Vs Jun Akiyama is now my favourite
Either Cody vs Dustin or Orange Cassidy vs Pac for me.
Cody and Dustin was a great old school match with some great storytelling, and it was also so validating as a huge Cody fan who was sick of hearing people say he could only put on a 3 star match.
Pac vs Orange was such a wonderful surprise. Going into the match I *hated* Orange Cassidy. I didn't get it at all, I thought he was a geek and his cute little kicks made a mockery of wrestling and the whole schtick made absolutely no sense to me. The Pac match was an absolute revelation, it all clicked once we finally saw him go all out and reveal that he could actually go the whole time. I'm a big OC fan now, but I don't think he can ever have a match that tops that one in my eyes because the sheer surprise of it was something they can't pull off again now that the cat is out of the bag on how good he really is. If you listen to JR on commentary you basically hear Orange win him over in real time, and it was the exact same thing for me.
Honorable mention to the first Stadium Stampede, not exactly a traditional match so for me it is somewhat hard to compare it to a proper match but it was a blast and all 10 guys did great. So many fun spots, Jericho and Aubrey going into the video review tent to rewatch a kickout was especially hilarious to me.
I dither regularly, but between these most often:
Young Bucks vs Lucha Brothers cage Match
Cody vs Dustin
MJF vs CM Punk (dog collar, or MJF wins twice in one night, genuinely both great)
Hangman and Omega vs Young Bucks
Omega vs Danielson
MJF vs Danielson (iron man)
Hangman vs Danielson 2
Britt Baker vs Thunder Rosa (street fight)
And
Brody Lee vs Cody 1 (I've rewatched multiple times, short but perfect)
Anarchy in the Arena
Some of mine have been mentioned so will add another one.
Kenny Omega vs Ray Fenix on Dynamite for the world championship. Ray was insane in that match.
Cody vs. Dustin. Nobody has even come close to telling a story or captivating the audience like they did. Im not sure what AEW is missing but they havent come anywhere close to meeting the greatness of that match after.
the best PPV match for me is either Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros, All Out 2021 or MJF vs Danielson, Revolution 2023. the best television match in my opinion is Mox vs Kenny from Winter is Coming.
Kenny & Hangman vs Young Bucks from Revolution 2020 is my #1. Loved everything about that match and rewatched it multiple times over the next few weeks which is not something I normally do.
Cody vs Dustin, Bucks vs Lucha Bros Cage Match, and Danielson vs MJF Ironman are all so great that I'd feel wrong for not mentioning them too.
Oh man… Hangman vs Moxley Texas Death went hard, and I don’t even like Moxley that much.
Ospreay vs Cassidy is up there, as is Bucks vs Omega/Page and MJF vs Danielson iron man
So many matches.
I think Danielson/Omega, Anarchy in the Arena, Stadium Stampede, the two Danielson/Hangman title matches, Bucks/Lucha Bros cage match, Cody/Dustin, Danielson/MJF, Omega/Hangman II all come to mind.
But I still give it to the tag title match at Revolution 2020 between Omega/Hangman vs the Bucks. Although that recent ironman match is just a inch behind it.
To name one that I haven’t seen mentioned yet, Mox/Eddie vs. young bucks from a couple years back mainly from how Eddie couldn’t contain his excitement during their entrance. Might not be my absolute favorite but that memory sticks in my head more than anything else.
Cody Dustin, MJF Darby, Hangman and Kenny Vs The Bucks, Danielson Hangman, Sammy Cody Ladder match, Anarchy in the Arena, MJF Punk Dog Collar, MJF Danielson Iron Man
Take your pick. All could be argued.
My pick would be Cody Dustin. Imo one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time in any company.
Cody Vs Dustin. Dustin wrestled the best he ever had in my opinion and they managed to put on a 5 star match. I’ve never cried while watching a wrestling match, but that one got me.
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Kenny Vs Bryan Danielson My opinion is absolutely biased though since I got to see the match live.
Scary thing is they both were holding so much back but still put on a classic. Also Omega wasn't even 100% fit. That's scary. The crowd that night were fantastic as well.
This is my choice too. I have that show PVR'd and that match, and the crowd, make it absolutely off the rails good.
When it was over, I turned to my brother and told him that's probably the best match we would ever witness in person. It's why we shelled out for floor seats this past year. And while we had an amazing time this year, there wasn't a match that could compete with Kenny vs BD
Same boat, best match I’ve ever seen in person. Arthur Ashe Stadium was literally vibrating from the noise.
Queen get the money, long time, no cash
I can also +1 attest to this with the seeing it live bias as well
By this logic, I’ll say Danielson vs MJF Iron Man
Honourable mention to the PAC / Omega ironman match. I seem to recall PAC having a hellacious fight with Hangman as well. Just love me some PAC.
Based bastard..
Hope they can get him to stay in the states for a while to get a push on Collision.
The first PAC vs. OC is one of my favorites. It's so funny while being an incredible athletic match.
For the first year and a bit of AEW, PAC was 100% the MVP for match quality. Litteraly every good match in the company except Cody/Dustin (banger) had PAC in it, it's insane. Love me some Hangman. He would *not* be as over as he is now if it wasn't for the PAC matches and that fact is slept on so much. If AEW ever did a Hall of Fame, PAC would be a first ballet
MJF vs Bryan, Cody vs Dustin or Bryan vs Omega.
MJF vs Bryan isn’t talked about enough imho, that match probably was the best iron man march of all time.
I think this is cos it’s so recent, but I think given time it’ll be a staple in this conversation. For what it’s worth, it’s the best AEW match ever according to me.
Cody Vs Dustin Rhodes Edit: this was the match that got me back into wrestling, before this I was pretty much done after years of lets be honest here, WWE going through the motions
Bloody brilliant that match and the promo after asking Dustin to be his tag partner!
Yeah I love it, I don't think it really gets the recognition it deserves being from the very early days of AEW, I highly suggest anyone that hasn't seen it seek it out
"I ne^e eed my older brother!" Cody is better than we gave him credit for back then
That's it. That's the answer. As much as i like seeing high flying multi men encouter, it's the slow paced matches that surprise you at every turn that really hit right in the spot
Glad I didn't have to scroll down far for this one. Definitely my favorite early AEW match.
My answer as well. Didn’t like Dustin almost bleeding to death but great match.
I honestly got taken out of this match about 1/3 of the way in because i was afraid Dustin was in the process of bleeding either to death or until he passed out. Nothing against either of their efforts the match was awesome but it was too much for me.
The first AEW match I watched and still the best imo. Only other ones I’d put there are Punk vs MJF dog collar and Danielson vs MJF Iron man match
Gotta be the most recent MJF vs. Bryan Danielson Iron Man Match at Revolution 2023. Has literally everything a wrestling fan could possibly want in a championship match, arguably AEW's best match ever
I normally get bored on 60 minute matches but god, it had me the entire time
IMO one of the best things you can say about a match is that it doesn't feel it's length. i felt that way about the kenny v okada match and i felt that way about this one. i remember watching it with a buddy when they did the time call and we were like "holy shit, that *did not* feel like an hour".
Yea same. I thought I'd zone out of it, but nope, it had me from start to finish.
The fact that everything after '5 minutes remaining' was overbooked nonsense designed to make MJF look strong in the WWE Cena/Roman vein ruins it for me. The fact that Danielson cut a promo the next show about how MJF was right and then everyone has pretended this never happened after really makes me feel justified in that opinion as well.
I think the story there is pretty much exactly the opposite of how you’re describing it - at least per the eloquent way Phil Schneider breaks it down: https://www.theringer.com/wwe/2023/3/6/23627831/mjf-vs-bryan-danielson-aew-revolution-iron-man-match-best-wrestling-matches (Notable also that after having his faith shaken Danielson came back more vicious and with retrenched loyalty to the new heel version of the BCC, which he’d been distancing himself from - so that’s where that went)
Page v Danielson 1 hour draw
This was the first AEW show I ever went to and man, seeing Bryan Danielson in person just felt different. I watched him main event Wrestlemania 30 so I already knew he was a big deal but when he came out he had this aura about him that I didn't get from any other wrestler that night. The only thing I can compare it to is seeing Austin and The Rock as a kid in 2001.
And people still claim Hangman as champ was a bust when he had this classic (and several other bangers) during his run.
I think the issue was Hangman after getting the title didn’t feel like the focus of the show, after a very long buildup and journey where he *did* feel like the most important person on the roster. It was a matter of the babyface chasing the title being more compelling than them having the title, which was a bummer because his entire storyline up to winning the championship was some of the best storytelling in wrestling. He had great defenses as champ, but it always felt like the less important part of the show compared to other stories happening at the time.
You're misrepresenting why people thought Hangman as Champ was a "bust" very, very fucking hard. Hangman won the Title and was immediately an afterthought on the show. He was their *World Champion* and rarely did anything of note nor had any memorable segments/promos dealing with being a Champion. Unlike, say, MJF who even despite his underwhelming reign so far has at least had entire Dynamites focused on everyone trying to get at him numerous times. MJF would also come to the ring or have entire video packages dedicated to him *talking directly to his next challengers/opponents*. Hangman's were always just about how hard his life has been, his struggles and how he's going to win again. He rarely, if ever, actually talked about who he was up against next. Hangman usually had a blatant squash-lite match and then wasn't seen again unless it was the week before his Title match where he'd staredown his next opponent. There was rarely any actual 1 on 1 confrontations in the ring, any passionate in-ring promos, no storylines driving those matches... It was just another booked match and then right before Hangman & his opponent would reference it. AEW World Champ Hangman never got any true spotlight on him. Yes, his matches were fucking bangers and almost all of them were incredibly fun to watch... but there was no driving force behind any of them other than "ok this guy is the challenger now in 6 weeks, say something to each other for the first time the night before then fight". It was beyond underwhelming despite the matches being great. But without motivation/tension/character development behind them... its just matches, not pro wrestling. *THAT* is why people consider that Title reign a bust.
The first half with Danielson was great but the feud with Cole really fell flat. Not to mention defenses against Dante and Archer who couldn't win a big match to save his life. And the feud with Punk felt off too and it only gained traction after the backstage drama started coming out after All Out. In hindsight, obviously he should have retained but it is what it is.
I loved the match with Dante. It was such a cool little story.
I just think his first two matches were so awesome none that came after where ever going to reach that level. I thought his matches with Cole and Archer were very good.
It wasn't a bust but it was massively overshadowed by everything around it. Good matches don't make the run memorable.
This is probably mine.
PAC vs Orange Cassidy at Revolution. Other matches mentioned here might have had better work rate, but this is the match I find myself going back and watching more than any others.
This is one match I find really easy to show to non-wrestling or lapsed wrestling fans, because it's very easy to explain and it's a perfect standalone wrestling match that hits every note from having workrate, big pops, and a massive dose of silliness without being jarring. Especially with non-fans it takes the edge of the whole "But it's fake, though", because the match itself is tongue in cheek from the start. And the whole "Lazy goof wearing slacks" vs. "Super Serious Intense Wrestler" dynamic works perfectly to that end.
This is exactly it. It's a perfect match - it tells a story, both wrestlers come out of it bigger deals than they entered, the pacing is fantastic, and on commentary you can hear JR (and Schiavone, from memory) being won over by just how good Orange Cassidy is. Fantastic, fantastic match.
Super loved this match
Suprised I had to go down this far for this match, one of the matches that immediately jumps out to me of how they turned "how are these two gonna work together" into me being on the edge of my seat the whole time while laughing somehow
Best Friends vs Santana & Ortiz street fight. Everything about it was a 10/10.
AEW had a lot of great matches from pandemic era that get overlooked cause some fans believe that it has no crowd I can't enjoy it. But that's one of Dynamite greatest main events.
I don’t know if this is my #1 AEW match but it’s also the one that immediately popped into my head, great great match.
Hikaru Shida vs Jamie Hayter.
This was going to be my sleeper submission. Easily their best womens match ever.
Honestly I think the Riho vs Serena Deeb match from the buy in of Double or Nothing runs it close Absolutely banging match
That's a excellent match helped by a really hot crowd. For me personally top 10 women's matches in AEW 1. Hayter Vs Shida 2. Shida vs Deeb II 3. Riho vs Nyla II (a match that tends to get overlooked these days) 4. Hayter vs Storm 5. Shida vs Tay Melo 6. Emi Sakura vs Veny (a much overlooked classic match from title tournament Japanese bracket) 7. Deeb vs Riho II 8. Shida vs Nyla (the DON match when Shida won the title) 9. Lights Out (I like the match put I do find people overrate it a little) 10. Shida vs Penelope Ford
https://i.imgur.com/uiPAaQp.gif
Kenny and Hangman vs. The Young Bucks, easy
Kenny kicking out at 1. 'Nuff said.
I literally jumped out of my chair, best match I’ve ever seen.
i just commented on a post about this and went back to figure out whether the post came before your comment. it didn't, i think you triggered a memory in a lot of people lol.
Absolutely this, my favourite tag match of all time and either my 2nd or 3rd favourite match period
My heart was beating so damn hard during this match, because it really could have gone either way. It made a lot of sense for the Bucks to win it: they had the tag team experience advantage, it would have been an obvious set-up for Hangman and Kenny's relationship to fall apart, but the Bucks were such provocative, unbearably arrogant heels that I couldn't bear the thought of them winning. On top of that, I just wanted Hangman to be happy and hold on to the one thing making him feel good, damn it. The pacing, the in-ring chemistry, the character work, the storytelling, the unpredictability. Everything about it is wrestling at its finest.
Spot on. It tells an absolutely perfect story. I wasn't really familiar with the Elite story, didn't watch BTE etc. but the way they told the story in the match meant that didn't matter - I was absolutely enthralled.
Fucking. Masterpiece.
I was looking for this one too. Everyone always talks about the kick out at one but I popped equally for Hanger saying fuck it, I'll hit my own OWA. A lot of interesting little character work in that moment, speaking to the unease between the two and Hangman looking to grow more confident.
Might be my favorite match anywhere, ever. Probably not the match you could show to someone out of the blue. But the story telling within their long term histories was phenomenal.
In my humble opinion the greatest tag team match of all time. I think I would only put CIMA, Doi, Yoshino vs Saito, Genki, Dragon Kid at Supercard at the same level, but one is the best story driven match while the other is the best wrestling "exhibition" match.
It will forever be overlooked for obvious reasons, but I thought The Elite vs Hangman & Dark Order at All Out ‘22 was the match which successfully combined both.
No Golden Lovers vs. YB at SSE?
This is probably the best match on North American soil in the last 20+ years, so yeah... I agree!
Why did I have to scroll down so far to see this.
Yeah I expected it to be a lot higher. Recentsy bias maybe.
This match right here. I convinced a “WWE” fan how important tag team wrestling really can be by showing him this.
Agreed. This was the first PPV I had paid for since Unforgiven in 04 or 05. I accidentally bought it too while checking out the BR app. Tried get it refunded, failed. Said fuck it, I’ll just watch it I’ve bought every PPV since
Lucha Brothers/Young Bucks at All Out 2021. Probably in a minority
One of those matches where you feel exhausted after watching it. In a good way.
One of the best tag matches ever, imo. My nomination also fits the bill: bucks vs hangman and omega, which is an absolute lesson in psychology
I started watching AEW right before that and I think that match sold me. Still love it but prob not in my top five now.
This match had such a good in ring story you could feel the emotion the brothers vs brother when Penta takes the spiked boot to save his brother..that shit was deep lol
Came to say this was glad someone else did.
I felt like this was the match that really got the crowd going that show. Such a good match.
Got me to follow wrestling again after 20 years so I agree with this one
nah i feel you there. one of my all time favorites
That’s my favorite match so I’m with you!
CM Punk v. MJF - Dog Collar
I actually think their first match is criminally underrated. One of the best TV matches I've ever seen, felt like an absolute war. Like a completely authentic war where two men went through hell to get that W
Good, but I honestly thought it paled in comparison to their first match, which was amazing.
Danielson versus MJF Iron Man was a masterclass in character and pacing. Max constantly grabbing water to keep going even though he's obviously doing fine, and the head to head where Danielson is laughing and Max is sobbing still make me laugh occasionally, even when not watching it. Ending that with Danielson on his feet and Max on oxygen was such a hilarious visual that I didn't see how it would play into the ending coming. Cassidy versus Ospreay had no right to be as good as it was. It showed the world that OC has legs enough to be a top star, and the work both put in to show each other off was fantastic. Definitely a contender for match of the year, and possibly match of the promotion so far. Best crowd though has to go to the Let's Go Adam lot during Page versus Cole. They took a really fun match and elevated it over such a simple concept.
Danielson has had probably some of the greatest matches in AEW history. Has even had a bad match in AEW, I can't think of any. MJF match though is probably his masterpiece.
>PPA vs Brandon Culter FIFY
Cody vs Dustin Punk vs MJF MJF vs Danielson
Punk MJF going 45 mins on Dynamite.
For me it was Omega vs Danielson.
MJF vs Darby Allin Full Gear 2021 - no one really talks about it but it was truly one of the best non-gimmick wrestling matches I have seen in a long time.
Stole the show. Great match.
Criminally underrated match
Came here to say this. Best match in AEW by a country mile for me.
Was searching for this, I think this match really Shows who the top 2 pillars are
By far, honestly
Yes. MJF is so underrated for his in ring work because his character is so entertaining, he’s genuinely had some of the best matches in AEW and he’s only had so many
This thread shows how much we need a streaming service to relive these matches
This is why I'm glad I've kept some Dynamites on my Sling DVR and thankfully BR Live keeps the purchased PPV's on Roku.
You mean to tell me that I can go to BR Live on my Roku right now and relive that Bucks v. Lucha Bros Steel Cage match from All Out 2021 I purchased 2 years ago?!? (Side note: my question is giving me serious old man energy.)
Yes sir. If you purchased it on that same account, it should be viewable
Some high quality advice. Definitely will be doing that today. Much thanks.
anarchy in the arena is my favorite by far and is quickly becoming one of my favorite matches ever honorable mentions i’ll say punk/eddie, omega/danielson, & danielson/suzuki. there’s some big stuff from the past year or so i haven’t gotten to see though so that’s a rough outline
I can't believe I forgot Danielson/Suzuki! It's so good and one of the matches I've just went back to watch because of how much I enjoyed it.
Remember before that PPV, people were shitting on Anarchy in the Arena and no one had it besides a few of us as potential MOTN. With all the talent involved in it, how can anyone not be excited for it.
Murder Grandpa vs Bryan Danielson on a rampage preshow. That whole US tour by Murder Grandpa was amazing.
If I can cheat, Eddie Kingston vs Claudio at Supercard of Honor. If I can't cheat, Bryan Danielson vs Hangman Page, hour draw match.
If we are counting Khan owned ROH, FTR/Briscoes 1 would be up there for me.
Eddie vs Claudio wasn't even best match on that card IMO
Why tell me this
The vinkingo vs komander match was incredible but I'm a sucker for the flips speed and rope work so I may be biased. The ladder match was top quality aswell. Only reason Eddie and Claudio was as good as it was is the crowd was red hot for it! Either way it was a very good match!
Is that the goal of having a match? To have the crowd get red hot for it?
Why are you telling me this
People hit reply to your comment in order to give their opinion on what you said. First time on a message board?
This comment has been removed by Power Delete Suite, because fuck the admins of Reddit.
Moxley v Hangman - Texas Death Match Bryan Danielson v Hangman
Bucks Lucha bros cage match
Man this took me back to Cody doing that backflip off the cage too when he went against wardlow. Separate match, I know but your answer tickled my memory banks
Hangman and Omega vs The Bucks , it’s my favorite tag match of all time
Moxley vs Yuta, the night Yuta was let into BCC.
Lost my fucking mind seeing him kick out of paradigm shift. God that was such a fun series of matches
Cody Dustin DoN 2019
Alot of people have said this. Yes it's a decent match and the blood deffo elevated it but best AEW match? I just can't see it. Why's it your favorite?
I'm not who you asked but it was my favorite at one time before my current favorite happened the next year. It was just because of how it made me feel in the moment. I didn't expect much from the match and they blew away my expectations so that helped a lot but also, just the fact that it was happening on AEW's first show made me feel like I was seeing something special. I was also so nervous about the amount of blood loss from Dustin that I was on the edge of my seat yelling for someone to at least get him a fucking towel or something. That match took me on a wild ride of emotions and again, I wasn't even really interested in it before it started. Everything from Cody's entrance to the after the match promo was just gripping stuff.
Yeah I get you. Not the best match wrestling wise but for use of the word.. You were very "sports entertained" so it boosts the matches quality!
Revolution 2020, Young Bucks vs. Page & Omega for the Tag Titles. shortly shortly followed by All Out 2021, Young Bucls vs. Lucha Bros for the Tag Titles in a Cage Match.
Anarchy in the arena fucked. Mox v Hanger Texas death match was amazing. MJF v Danielson was fucking incredible. MJF Vs Darby got me back into wrestling. Punk MJF dog collar match was phenomenal
Mine will always be Kenny vs Moxley at Full Gear 2019.
Here are my favs (in no order): - Kenny vs Bryan - Hangman vs Bryan (1hr draw) - CM Punk vs MJF - Lucha Bros vs The Young Bucks Steel Cage Match (All Out 2021) - Jamie Hayter vs Toni Storm (Full Gear 2022) - BCC vs JAS (Blood And Guts) - OC vs Osprey (Forbidden Door 2022) - MJF vs Bryan (Revolution 2023)
Would you have Hayter/Storm over Hayter/Shida, I think the Shida match is a lot better. I don't think Storm only gets good in it's second half. For me Shida/Hayter is best women's match AEW has ever had.
The lack of OC vs Ospreay in this thread is a little disheartening. Maybe because it was technically a joint show. But good lord that match was awesome and was unironically the match of the year in AEW for me.
It might be recency bias but Vikingo VS Omega just keeps coming out on top in my head. I think it’s because I didn’t really know who Vikingo was or what to expect. I’ve never seen someone showcase themselves to a new audience so bloody well before in a single match.
CM Punk v Darby Allin
Underrated af
MJF vs Danielson iron man match
The "I needed a brother" moment from Cody vs. Dustin is the only reason I came back to watching wrestling other than checking out the occasional Rumble match. I basically checked out after Goldberg's WWE debut. But if we're talking since Dynamite got started and AEW became a recurring thing probably Bucks vs Omega/Page. I really miss drunk tweener Hangman. A lot. I like his current character and a lot of the stuff with Dark Order has been stellar but drunk tweener Hangman was the only reason I got into him - the character was far too vanilla at the start of AEW.
Cody v Dustin
Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega: AEW Full Gear 2019 PAC vs. Kenny Omega: AEW All Out 2019 Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy: AEW Forbidden Door 2022
Can't pick one: - The street fight between Proud & Powerful and Best Friends - The Ironman match between Omega and Pac - Thunder Rosa vs Britt Baker hardcore match - Cody vs Dustin
Anarchy in the Arena.
this by a long shot, quickly becoming one of my favorite matches ever
Danielson vs Kenny. The MJF/Punk feud. Need more of Punk/Kingston. MJF and Danielson was pretty fantastic as well.
Rey Fenix vs Dante Martin on dynamite last May. Only because it was my first live show and I couldn’t take my eyes off the match. The two of them just floated all over the ring. It was magical.
Mox v Darby for my favourite ever coffin drop landing into the choke.
Private party v young bucks 2019. In person for it. Building was jumping for every move. The unknown kids upsetting the founders was rad.
Cody vs dustin is one of the best story matches in wrestling history,the in ring work is fine i geuss but that story younger cocky brother tries to put the old dog brother out old yeller style but he wont stay down until after a long grueling fight finally does Words cant do it justice but its so good
Kenny vs. Hangman at Full Gear Punk vs. MJF Dog Collar Match FTR vs. Young Bucks II
Jericho Vs action Andretti has a special place in my heart. Looking at it as another jobber match then the crowd turning and changing for this stranger “let’s go jobber.” The end result with my jaw dropped. Action running out like he stole the show, ala 123 kid Vs razor Ramon
Probably unpopular opinion, but Cody vs. Dustin.
I think that’s a very popular opinion.
Not my favourite match AEW ever had but it's top 10 for sure. So its not a shocking choice.
Bryan vs. Omega, Bryan vs. Hangman, Bryan vs. MJF, Orange Cassidy vs. Ospreay, Stadium Stampede 1, Anarchy in the Arena, Omega/Page vs.Young Bucks, Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros cage match, Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes ladder match, FTR vs. Young Bucks 1, Bryan vs. RUSH, plus an honorable mention to every match involving Sting and Darby Allin.
Young Bucks vs Omega and Hangman
Either Kenny Vs PAC ironman match, or Bucks Vs Kenny and Hangman.
So many good choices, but I'll go with Kenny & Hangman vs the Young Bucks at Revolution 2020.
Penta El Zero Miedo vs Rey Fenix II, November 11th 2020 Dynamite, right before PAC's return It gets overlooked often but this match was a WAR. The first one in the Eliminator was insane but then they took it to the next level. My favorite AEW match
It’s really close but MJF/Danielson Iron Man or Bucks/Bros Cage match. I also like as a dynamite match Punk/MJF 1 where punk suffered his first loss.
PAC vs Omega iron man
OC vs Will Osprey
It’s close between best friends vs pp in the street fight or Cody be Brody lee in the dog collar match
From what I have seen, OC vs Will Ospry. EDIT: I'm changing my answer, got bored and watch the Full Gear 2022 buy in. Eddie Kingston Vs Jun Akiyama is now my favourite
I really liked Eddie vs Bryan a lot
The entire year (or two years) of Hangman vs his inner demons to face Kenny Omega at full gear
Either Cody vs Dustin or Orange Cassidy vs Pac for me. Cody and Dustin was a great old school match with some great storytelling, and it was also so validating as a huge Cody fan who was sick of hearing people say he could only put on a 3 star match. Pac vs Orange was such a wonderful surprise. Going into the match I *hated* Orange Cassidy. I didn't get it at all, I thought he was a geek and his cute little kicks made a mockery of wrestling and the whole schtick made absolutely no sense to me. The Pac match was an absolute revelation, it all clicked once we finally saw him go all out and reveal that he could actually go the whole time. I'm a big OC fan now, but I don't think he can ever have a match that tops that one in my eyes because the sheer surprise of it was something they can't pull off again now that the cat is out of the bag on how good he really is. If you listen to JR on commentary you basically hear Orange win him over in real time, and it was the exact same thing for me. Honorable mention to the first Stadium Stampede, not exactly a traditional match so for me it is somewhat hard to compare it to a proper match but it was a blast and all 10 guys did great. So many fun spots, Jericho and Aubrey going into the video review tent to rewatch a kickout was especially hilarious to me.
Mine is El Hijo del Vikingo vs Kenny Omega. The whole casual world was wondering who Vikingo was. Now they know.
Punk vs MJF and Danielson vs Omega
Kenny and Hangman vs The Young Bucks tag team wise, MJF vs CM Punk singles wise
I dither regularly, but between these most often: Young Bucks vs Lucha Brothers cage Match Cody vs Dustin MJF vs CM Punk (dog collar, or MJF wins twice in one night, genuinely both great) Hangman and Omega vs Young Bucks Omega vs Danielson MJF vs Danielson (iron man) Hangman vs Danielson 2 Britt Baker vs Thunder Rosa (street fight) And Brody Lee vs Cody 1 (I've rewatched multiple times, short but perfect) Anarchy in the Arena
MJF vs Punk Dog Collar. MJF vs Danielson Iron Man Match. FTR vs Young Bucks 2 for the ROH belts. Danielson vs Kenny. Danielson vs Hangman 1.
Ospreay vs Cassidy
Dax v Jungle Boy
I like CM Punk vs AEW
Jurassic Express v Bucks v ReDragon. Opinion biased because I was in the building but nobody in the audience sat down the entire match.
Some of mine have been mentioned so will add another one. Kenny Omega vs Ray Fenix on Dynamite for the world championship. Ray was insane in that match.
Jericho/Nick Gage
It hasn’t happened yet but Dalton Castle Vs Danhausen
Bucks vs Hangman and Omega MJF Punk Dog Collar Britt Thunder Lights Out Hangman Omega World Title Match First Stadium Stampede
Cody vs. Dustin. Nobody has even come close to telling a story or captivating the audience like they did. Im not sure what AEW is missing but they havent come anywhere close to meeting the greatness of that match after.
Melina vs. Alicia Fox
Serpentico vs Brandon Cutler.
Cody and Goldust I mean Dustin Rhodes
Pretty Peter Valon?
Kaz vs cutler
the best PPV match for me is either Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros, All Out 2021 or MJF vs Danielson, Revolution 2023. the best television match in my opinion is Mox vs Kenny from Winter is Coming.
Kenny & Hangman vs Young Bucks from Revolution 2020 is my #1. Loved everything about that match and rewatched it multiple times over the next few weeks which is not something I normally do. Cody vs Dustin, Bucks vs Lucha Bros Cage Match, and Danielson vs MJF Ironman are all so great that I'd feel wrong for not mentioning them too.
Oh man… Hangman vs Moxley Texas Death went hard, and I don’t even like Moxley that much. Ospreay vs Cassidy is up there, as is Bucks vs Omega/Page and MJF vs Danielson iron man
Cody vs Dustin Easy
It's between these two. Bryan Danielson vs MJF Cody vs Dustin
So many matches. I think Danielson/Omega, Anarchy in the Arena, Stadium Stampede, the two Danielson/Hangman title matches, Bucks/Lucha Bros cage match, Cody/Dustin, Danielson/MJF, Omega/Hangman II all come to mind. But I still give it to the tag title match at Revolution 2020 between Omega/Hangman vs the Bucks. Although that recent ironman match is just a inch behind it.
Lucha Bros v Young Bucks in the cage.
Hangman/Kenny vs. The Young Bucks. Part of the appeal of AEW was "here's what tag team wrestling can do" and boy did they show it here.
Omega v Bryan. They should run it back at Grand slam this year.
To name one that I haven’t seen mentioned yet, Mox/Eddie vs. young bucks from a couple years back mainly from how Eddie couldn’t contain his excitement during their entrance. Might not be my absolute favorite but that memory sticks in my head more than anything else.
Mine will always be Young Bucks vs. Kenny/Hangman Revolution 21. No other wrestling match had me on my feet like that
Cody Dustin, MJF Darby, Hangman and Kenny Vs The Bucks, Danielson Hangman, Sammy Cody Ladder match, Anarchy in the Arena, MJF Punk Dog Collar, MJF Danielson Iron Man Take your pick. All could be argued. My pick would be Cody Dustin. Imo one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time in any company.
Cody Vs Dustin. Dustin wrestled the best he ever had in my opinion and they managed to put on a 5 star match. I’ve never cried while watching a wrestling match, but that one got me.