AEW is a company who seems to be getting more comfortable and better year upon year. In 2019, there was a lot of in-ring quality, but as time has gone on, there has been more focus on stories, better structure, and a lot of heated rivalries which has elevated the quality of matches too.
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In 2021, there was a big transition for wrestling as a whole, as fans began returning to live arenas from the pandemic. This gave wrestling a big boost, as there was more heat and a more special feeling around every match and show. In 2021, there were countless incredible matches, and Dave Meltzer’s star ratings are a great way to see which of these were of the highest quality.
10 Bryan Danielson Vs Eddie Kingston, Rampage (4.75 Stars)
Although this match had a relatively short build, Danielson and Kingston managed to create a lot of heat in the build-up, which made this feel like a deeply personal encounter. It was hugely physical, with Danielson’s red raw chest being proof of this.
Kingston’s selling throughout was brilliant, and it would take Danielson knocking him out in order to defeat him, showcasing his incredible fighting spirit in this brutal battle, which felt influenced by the classic All-Japan style.
9 Britt Baker Vs Thunder Rosa, Dynamite: St Patrick’s Day Slam (4.75 Stars)
This Lights Out Match was a huge talking point coming out of this show, with it being by far the most hardcore and violent women’s match in AEW history. Pools of blood, thumbtacks, and harsh-looking table spots got the world buzzing about this encounter.
Whilst it wasn’t to everyone’s taste due to its gruesome nature, there is no denying the intensity brought by both competitors, and it made for a captivating encounter as it main evented a strong night of wrestling.
8 Bryan Danielson Vs Minoru Suzuki, Rampage: Buy-In (4.75 Stars)
AEW brought this dream match to life - for free on YouTube, in a huge treat for the audience. Out of all the matches in AEW thus far, this is up there with the most physical.
For 20 minutes, they delivered hard-hitting blows to one another, with few ‘big’ moves taking place, making it so much more impactful when they did hit a huge maneuver. Every single strike had reverence, and although it was a different style of match to most in AEW, it was a breathtaking battle.
7 The Elite Vs Jurassic Express & Christian Cage, Full Gear (5 Stars)
The star rating of this match caused a lot of discussion online, as it didn’t quite feel how a ‘5-star’ match should feel. That being said, it was still hugely enjoyable, and the six-men involved put on a wild and chaotic brawl.
For the most part, it was a spotfest, and it gave the PPV some variety. However, from a story perspective, it didn’t quite carry a consistent or thrilling structure, relying more on the moves and spots than emotion - aside from the finish, which was very strong.
6 Young Bucks Vs Death Triangle, Dynamite (5 Stars)
The Young Bucks added yet another great match to their enjoyable reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions with this defense against PAC and Rey Fenix. The athleticism and chemistry between these men was fantastic, and they delivered one hell of a bout.
It was arguably not quite up to a 5-star quality, but there were many incredible sequences which made it a fantastic TV match.
5 Kenny Omega Vs Rey Fenix, Dynamite: New Year’s Smash (5 Stars)
Going into this match, the result was never in doubt. Kenny Omega was only a short-way into AEW World Title reign, with this being his very first defense. However, that predictability didn’t detract from this match in the slightest, as Omega and Fenix stole the show.
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These two men showcased unteachable chemistry, with fluid action, and liquid sequences involving great counters and hard-hitting moves, with Fenix’s selling making Omega’s offense look lethal.
4 Adam Page Vs Bryan Danielson, Dynamite: Winter Is Coming (5 Stars)
Adam Page’s very first AEW World Title defense was arguably the greatest match of his entire reign - and it is easy to see why. Page and Danielson wrestled to a stunning 60-minute time-limit draw, and every single second was enthralling.
Danielson masterfully kept the crowd engaged during the slower moments of the contest, with Page showcasing incredible heart and desire to not get beaten, with him potentially being seconds away from victory when the time limit expired.
3 Bryan Danielson Vs Kenny Omega, Dynamite: Grand Slam (5 Stars)
This was billed as a dream match, and when the first bell sounded, it had already lived up to expectations. The crowd went crazy, giving a standing ovation at just seeing these two in the ring together.
The in-ring work was perfectly executed, with Danielson and Omega showcasing why they are considered as two of the best workers on the planet. Even though this received 5-stars, and even though they wrestled to a 30-minute draw, it was clear that they still had more to give in an eventual rematch.
2 Kenny Omega Vs Adam Page, Full Gear (5.5 Stars)
The in-ring work in this match was very strong, with the pair dishing out stiff blows, big moves, and great moments. However, the draw of this match and what made it so special was the storyline leading into it.
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AEW successfully pulled off a multi-year story which culminated in Adam Page overcoming his demons, his enemies, and adversity in order to become AEW World Champion in a phenomenal moment.
1 The Young Bucks Vs Lucha Brothers, All Out (5.75 Stars)
These two teams can put on a 5-star classic in their sleep, but they were clearly wide-awake for this as they received a stunning 5.75 stars. This may very well be one of the best steel cage matches of all time, utilizing the structure perfectly.
It was violent, brutal, and full of countless thrilling moments. There was blood, apron bumps, thumbtacks, and a huge dive from atop the cage, containing everything needed to ensure that this was a classic.
