Viva La Lucha: The Best Matches From Lucha Underground

What's happening kind folks?!  By now, we've all at least heard of this phenomenon called Lucha Underground.  It's a concept of famed director Richard Rodriguez, as well as Steve DeJoseph (former character in WWE known as Big Dick Johnson) and Chavo Guerrero Jr.  This is not a legit promotion in terms of traveling the world over, and it's even a seasonal series.  However, the level of excitement this show presents is damn near unparalleled and continues to reach audiences everywhere for those who either have the El Rey Network, or who subscribe to their YouTube channel or now catch them on Netflix, as the first two seasons appear.  This promotion involves mostly luchadors and luchadoras from the AAA promotion, as well as former WWE stars (Johnny Mundo, Mysterio) and famed indie stars (Prince Puma, Killshot, The Mack, Dante Fox, and others).  Mixing in soap opera-esque storylines with unbelievable athleticism, LU is virtually the CORRECT way to do the term "sports entertainment".  Basically it's WWE on steroids (I could go everywhere with that one), only with more intricate twists and turns.  This has garnered a mass cult following and now that we're approaching the end of season three, let's get into the best matches up to this point with the three seasons of LU.

15. Prince Puma vs. Mil Muertes
Ultima Lucha

The promotion's main fixture, or their franchise, is Prince Puma (world renowned high flyer Ricochet under a mask).  Puma is arguably the best overall competitor in the entire promotion and never fails to put on show-stealing performances in Dario Cueto's temple.  In the main event of their signature big event, Ultima Lucha, he defended the LU Title, against residential brute, Mil Muertes (former TNA, WWC, and AAA talent Ricky Banderas under a mask).  Muertes had been ravaging everything in his path, but Puma gave him a huge fight and an enormous effort.  Unfortunately, Puma's best wasn't good enough as Muertes captured the LU Title in a match that showed that Puma could in fact hang with the most physical of them all.  However, this also set up Muertes' role as the official head heel in the company and created a "darker atmosphere" for the temple for the following season.

14. Mil Muertes vs. Matanaza Cuerto
Season 2

If there were two men meant to beat on each other, they would be the two biggest, unstoppable behemoths, Mil Muertes and Dario's maniacal psychopathic brother Matanza Cuerto (excellent indie powerhouse Jeff Cobb in a mask and body suit).  These two three hundred pounders had the first of their two encounters midway in season two, and they beat on each others bones profoundly in a truly punishing match.  Nobody had taken it to "The Monster" the way Muertes had, and it would only get worse lkater in the season.

13. Aero Star vs. Drago (Match 5 out of 5)
Season 2

Dario wanted to put two of the most underrated, yet excellent, talents of LU against each other for a shot at the Gift Of The Gods Title (their version of the Money In The Bank contract).  These two legit luchadores had been tearing the house down with their best of five series, and when it came down to the final match, these two took the rest of the show with them.  This was a truly great match and showed the superb abilities of two of the most known luchadores in the AAA promotion and two of the most slept-on as well within Lucha.

12. The Mack vs. Cage/Falls Count Anywhere
Ultima Lucha

The Mack (known as Willie Mack in the indies, primarily in PWG) is a super tough, yet very agile and quick big man, and he met another man who is even more powerful, but every bit as agile and quick in Cage. These two had fought previously a week or two before, but these two men engaged in a WAR at Ultima Lucha I, and it's a surprise neither man saw a hospital bed.  This match had the people out of the palm of their hands from the beginning.  They had a rematch at the next Ultima Lucha but it didn't quite match the unbelievable display of straight toughness like the first one did.

11. Aztec Warfare
Season 1

Their signature match is a match called Aztec Warfare, which is a Royal Rumble formatted battle royal, only with pinfall or submission being how one gets eliminated.  This unique style of a match brought out some excellent in and out-of-ring action.  Everyone from Cage to Sexy Star to legendary masked mini-luchador Mascarita Sagrada competed furiously at the chance to become the first Lucha Underground, in which Prince Puma won the match in grueling fashion.  This match was hard-hitting from the jump and became one of the most exciting matches in all of Lucha Underground.

10. Mil Muertes vs. Matanza Cuerto/Graver Consequences
Season 3

While the first battle between Muertes and Cuerto was grueling and enough of an intense struggle, the rematch was even more intense, as impossible of a thought as that was.  These two big bulls competed in a Graver Consequences match and it was truly a vicious match.  We even saw some blood as Muertes had his mask ripped and was lacerated by "The Monster".  Keep in mind, this was for the Lucha Title that Cuerto had owned.  At the end, Muertes, and his valet Katrina, were both put in caskets, and the huge battle was over, but this was arguably the toughest fight that Cuerto had been involved in up to that point.

9. Killshot vs. Marty "The Moth" Martinez/Weapons Of Mass Destruction Match
Season 3

This match surprised a lot of people in terms of how good this match was.  Not because of the talents of these two, but because it wasn't a cheaply booked gimmick match.  In fact, this was an all-out assault from both men.  Killshot (indie fave Shane Strickland under a mask) and Marty Martinez (former Tough Enough contestant) had a somewhat peculiar and uninteresting rivalry going into this match, but the temperature was elevated way up for this match, as there were brutal spots, Martinez was lacerated, and his facial expressions and sells made him seem like a genuinely crazed man.  In the end, both men's clout was raided and they showed the world that they could turn out in the main event.  What an effort by both men.

8. The Mack vs. Johnny Mundo/All Night Long Ironman Match
Season 3

While we all know how incredible Mundo can be in a big match feel, or a main event, we needed to know just how good The Mack could be, as he definitely contained all the tools to be a big game player.  Well, in the All Night Long Ironman Match in season three, Mack became a bonafide star within Lucha Underground with this match.  The match was for the Lucha Underground Title and this was truly a match in which Mundo was more than willing to make Mack look incredible, and he did just that.  That's not taking anything away from Mack, as he's truly helping to redefine the big, agile super-heavyweight in the game, but with Mundo's nearly fifteen year experience and main event expertise, he ehlped Mack get to a new level, and the result became Mack's most exciting match to date in one of the best matches in entire three seasons trek of LU.

7. Aztec Warfare II
Season 2

With the fantastic success of the first Aztec Warfare, the levels were expected to get raised to even higher platforms, and the expectations were not just met, they were surpassed.  With the first one, it was strictly about the Lucha Title, and that was it.  This Aztec Warfare had a few different stories going into it.  For starters, the Lucha Title was on the line, as Fenix went into it as champion.  The second was the shocking and riveting debut in the temple of iconic superstar Rey Mysterio Jr.  The third story was the auspicious debut of Dario Cuerto's maniacal, homicidal brother "The Monster" Matanza Cuerto.  All of these elements made for a classic moment within LU history and one of the most genuinely exciting matches within the sport as a whole.  

6. Vampiro vs. Pentagon Jr./Ciero Miedo Match
Ultima Lucha

Ian Hodgkinson, also known as Vamprio, had been retired for over a decade due to back and neck issues.  He was also the voice of Lu alongside Matt Stryker (these two together are a great pairing together).  However, he was goated into a feud with resident sadist Pentagon Jr. and the result was Vampiro making a one night only in-ring appearance against Pentagon at Ultima Lucha in a Ciero Miedo Match (translated, it means "no fear", but it meant a No Holds Barred match).  This match was as intense and undoubtedly the most violent match in the short history of LU.  Both men lost blood, specifically Pentagon with his mask ripped, and it was truly for those that missed hardcore and edeath matches within the mainstream.  Blood, flaming tables, fluorescent light tubes, and thumbtacks were all used in this savage war with a twist so crazy it left the crowd in awe.  A memorable bloodbath but a hell of a showing for Vampiro to be willing to put his body through that kind of hell one time for the business.

5. Fenix vs. Mil Muertes
Season 2

The rivalry between Fenix and Mil Muertes had become quite an excellent one ot watch.  Fenix had gone from fantastic high flyer to a guy that could've seriously been considered as MVP for season two.  His Grave Consequences match with Muertes was unbelievable, and now he was getting a shot at the Lucha Underground Title held by Muertes.  Fenix has handed over his Gift Of The Gods Title for the LU title shot, and the match was almost every bit as excellent as their Grave Consequences match.  Once again Fenix bled profusely, but also once again, he continued to fight the big man tooth and nail.  A truly sweet moment, Fenix defied the odds and became LU Champion in a match that saw Fenix finally win the big one.

4. Prince Puma vs. Johnny Mundo/All Night Long Ironman Match
Season 2

Genuinely and legitimately, two of the best in the entire world put on a clinic for the Lucha Title as Prince Puma faced Johnny Mundo.  From the moment it was announced, we knew it would be nothing short of incredible, and didn't disappoint whatsoever.  Understand this, with commercial breaks and edits, it's very possible this match was not sixty minutes, and likely more so thirty minutes, just like Mundo and Mack.  Regardless, this match was a very sincere effort from both men to tear the house down and show themselves as certifiable phenomenons.  We already knew that about Mundo, but the more we see Puma (or Ricochet), the more we see him making every bit as much impact in the sport.  A benchmark in LU history.

3. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Prince Puma
Ultima Lucha Dos

The match the world was waiting on within the LU ranks was the icon vs. the franchise.  It was Mysterio against Prince Puma at Ultima Lucha Dos in a match that was truly phenomenal to watch and be invested in.  Puma showed why he was the star of the promotion all the way, but the iconic luchador showed that, after nearly thirty years in the business (don't forget he started when he was in his early teens in Mexico), Mysterio still had it, and had it well.  Multiple knee surgeries be damned, Rey Rey hung tough with the young phenom, and these two put on a match that will be forever remembered in LU history.

2. Fenix vs. Mil Muertes/Grave Consequences Match
Season 1

We are all compelled to be focused in on the David vs. Goliath stories within wrestling, and in the case of Fenix and Mil Muertes, that's what we got.  This match was phenomenal in showing the absolute brutality and viciousness of Muertes and the undying resilience and heart of Fenix.  This was their version of a Casket Match, and it was a doozy.  With his mask ripped and a bloody mess, Fenix looked like he was getting just short of killed in the match but would not stop coming at the big Muertes.  Somehow, the young luchador rose just like the mythical bird his named is penned after and scored a major win that put him officially as a star in that brand and put his career on a whole new level, especially in terms of respect.

1. Sexy Star vs. Mariposa/No Mas Match
Season 2

With the women's revolution all the rage within wrestling, seeing women main event a show where there's all or mostly men is a huge deal.  We've seen it with Charlotte vs. Sasha and Sasha vs. Bayley in the mainstream.  However, LU's version of Charlotte/Sasha was Sexy Star and Mariposa (indie vet Cheerleader Melissa in a mask).  The story going in was Sexy was stalked and kidnapped by Marty Martinez and his enigmatic sister, Mariposa.  The usually fearless Sexy was turned into a frightened, cowering luchadora when it came to them, but enough became enough and the match was on in a No Mas stipulation (translated: I Quit match).  Folks, these two put LU to a whole other platform.  These two ladies presented arguably the most physical and intense match in all three seasons of the promotion.  In spite of Sexy losing a lot of blood, she and Mariposa BRUTALIZED each other, and in arguably the most jaw-dropping moment of the match, Sexy let out an emphatic "FUCK YOU" when the ref asked her if she wanted to quit.  This match deserves a ton more credit in this game when it comes to how much women wrestling and main eventing has grown in the sport over the last couple years.  This was inspiring and hopeful of the future of women in the game, as Sexy and Mariposa put on a classic that should be mentioned when it comes to not just physicality, but its importance.  This was one of the most incredible I Quit matches this decade and the honors go completely to these two heroines.

Honorable Mentions

Prince Puma vs. Mil Muertes vs. Pentagon Jr. (Season 2)

Prince Puma vs. Drago (Title vs. Career)(Season 1)

Pentagon (Jr.) Dark vs. Matanza Cuerto (Ultima Lucha Dos)

Angelico/Ivalisse/Son Of Havoc vs. Disciples Of Death (Season 2)

Killshot vs. Dante Fox (Season 3)

Pentagon (Jr) Dark vs. The Black Lotus Triad(Season 3)

The Mack vs. Cage (Season 2/Ultima Lucha Dos)

Alberto El Patron vs. Johnny Mundo (Season 1)

Ivalisse vs. Muertes (Season 2)
Son Of Havoc vs. Texano (Bar Fight/Ultimo Lucha Dos)

Drago/Aero Star/Fenix vs. Mundo/Black/Evans (Season 3)
Drago/Aero Star/Fenix vs. Mundo/Black/Evans (Ultima Lucha Dos)

Mysterio/Puma/Azteca vs. Fenix/Drago/Aero Star (Season 2)

Aero Star vs. Drago (Match 3 out of 5) (Season 2)

Drago vs. King Cuerno (Last Lucha Standing) (Season 1)

Fenix vs. Prince Puma (Season 1)

Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. (Season 1)

Fenix vs. Mil Muertes (Death Match) (Season 2)

Angelico/Ivalisse/Son Of Havoc vs. The Crew (Ladder Match) (Season 1)
Prince Puma vs. Pentagon Jr. (Season 2)
Fenix vs. King Cuerno (Ladder Match) (Season 2)
King Cuerto vs. Mil Muertes (Death Match) (Season 2)
Aztec Warfare III (Season 3)

With future of Lucha Underground in the air, cherish these moments and matches as much as possible.  Hopefully we will see more from LU, as it's bringing the lucha form of wrestling to a North American audience not seen since the days of WCW.  This is one of the single most fun promotions to watch and tune in to.  If the awesome athleticism isn't enough, the soap opera storylines that are written by some of the best writers around will keep you intrigued.  Here's to another season or five, as LU may be the refreshing and energetic promotion the industry needs.  Until next time!

Okada vs. Omega: The Rivalry That Has Redefined Pro Wrestling

What's going on people??  This past Sunday, the wrestling world, or at least those that had access to New Japan World, witnessed the MUCH-anticipated rematch between Bullet Club leader, "The Cleaner" Kenny Omega and IWGP Champion, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada.  This was the official rematch to their beyond words match-up at Wrestle Kingdom 11 at the beginning of 2017.  The match-up completely shook up the business, as so many wrestlers, critics, journalists and bloggers all agreed that this was one of, if not the, best main events in modern history.  The match-up went forty-seven minutes, which was one of the longest matches in NJPW history, and it showed the absolute best between two of the finest in the world.

 Omega, over the last few years, has been among the fastest rising stars in recent memory in New Japan.  Within the last couple of years, he has been Junior Heavyweight Champion, Inter-Continental Champion, and the first non-Japanese wrestler to ever win the highly revered G1 Climax Tournament.  Not to mention, has elevated the Bullet Club to even bigger heights last left off by the likes of Finn Balor and AJ Styles.  Although quite hated by Jim Cornette, Omega has immense talent and has been considered New Japan's new version of AJ.

As for "The Rainmaker", Okada may legitimately be the best wrestler in the world today.  After capturing the belt a year ago, Okada has been on a complete roll, but within the span of these past four months, he has been putting unbelievable numbers on the board.  His match with Omega was given the never before heard of SIX star rating (out oif five) from the esteemed wrestling journalist, Dave Meltzer, but he has also had phenomenal matches with the likes of Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi in the legendary Tiger Mask getup), Minoru Sazuki,  the classic with Katsuyori Shibata, and even got a great match out of Bullet Club member Bad Luck Fale, which is saying something.  Okada, having seemingly moved on from his iconic rivalry with Hiroshi Tanahashi, is just that damn amazing, and has the best dropkick in the business by far.

After their historic match in the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom 11, it was only right for these two to have another match, with this time Omega possibly getting the best of Okada and becoming the IWGP Heavyweight Champion.  The rematch finally arrived at NJPW Dominion 2017.  The event itself was simply fantastic.  Easily the second best event all year in NJPW, and among the top three events in all of wrestling, matches such as RPG Vice vs. The Young Bucks, Michael Elgin vs. Cody Rhodes, KUSHIDA vs. Takahashi, and especially the amazing match between Tanahashi and Tatsuyo Naito were all matches that showed why NJPW is the best company there is, but then it was game time.  Okada and Omega fought their rematch, and to be honest, from a storytelling perspective, this match was even better.  How the hell do you get better than a match that was that exceptional?  This match filled in any slight holes the first one had and it blew even more people away.  The match went to a sixty minute time limit draw, thus making it officially the longest IWGP title match of all-time, and no two better people were able to tell the story than Okada and Omega.If it was any more possible to elevate the stature of these two young gladiators, they did it, and outdid themselves.

With this match getting another six stars out of five, this leaves the obvious question out floating?  Is this the greatest rivalry of all-time?  All-time may be a stretch right now, but definitely of this generation.  While Okada and Tanahashi have competed in the most consistently exceptional matches of our time and era, they all got five stars or four point seven five stars.  Incredible numbers and damn near perfect matches themselves and deserves to be mentioned among the all-time best rivalries in wrestling, none of them obtained six stars.  No match in wrestling has gotten six stars except another match in Japan in the early to mid nineties.  These two matches have set an entire new bar of storytelling and athleticism the likes of which we've never seen in decades, and it's not likely we'll see a bar set that high in the foreseeable future.  When Steamboat and Flair fought, every match of theirs went beyond that era and became the definition of stealing the sport.  Taker and Shawn did it in '09 and again in 2010.  Their match especially in '09 at Wrestlemania 25 was the new greatest main event in WM history, ousting the previous winner in Steamboat and "Macho Man" Randy Savage from WM3.  With Okada and Omega, the psychology and storytelling in these matches went beyond anything seen the game, especially in the s3econd one as both men appeared to not just be fighting for the title, but putting their LIVES on the line for the title.  It was even more compelling, emotional, draining, riveting, and enrapturing as a fan to watch.  It was true art.

It'll be interesting to see where the story goes, as it would make sense that Omega will get one last attempt at the belt and finally defeat Okada, after forcing a draw from the champion.  Omega isn't done, not by a long shot.  As for "The Rainmaker", he will be facing Bullet Club member Cody Rhodes for the title at the G1 U.S. Classic, and how would it be if Rhodes was able to do what his Bullet Club leader couldn't do and beat Okada?  In any event, Okada and Omega has redefined the business and the showmanship and psychology of in-ring work for this generation with their two matches.  To all other promotions, best of luck trying to step up to the bar Okada and Omega have now set.  To all jaded wrestling fans, if you think he sport is dying or not being taken as seriously or all "Vince'd out", watch these two matches and look stupid.  Wrestling is alive and well, with high thanks to Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega.  Until next time!

Absolute Impact: The Best Matches in TNA/Impact Wrestling Ever

What's happening folks?!  Within the ranks of mainstream globally marketed wrestling promotions, perhaps the organizations that has the rockiest moments has been TNA, or as it's known as now Impact Wrestling.  A promotion presented by Jeff Jarrett back in the early millennium, it was embraced as the second biggest mainstream promotion behind WWE during this time.  Vince had bought WCW and a bankrupt ECW so there was no alternative for fans that may had been all WWE'd out.  Alas, here comes TNA, who under the NWA banner had some outstanding moments during its glory years of '05-'10.  During this period, former ROH stars such as AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Danierls, Low-Ki, and Nigel McGuinness (known here as Desmond Wolfe) all became household names, with AJ especially becoming the face and franchise of the promotion.  Before long, megastars such as Kurt Angle, Christian, Sting, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and Rob Van Dam all ventured into the house of Dixie Carter, who had taken over ownership of TNA by the end of the past decade.  he turmoil, this promotion has some very stellar matches that really help define TNA's early legacy and with that, let's get into some of these matches.

15. Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolfe/Three Degrees Of Pain

Final Resolution '09

In 2006, the wrestling world was stunned when multi-time champion Kurt Angle left WWE for the burgeoning TNA.  Everyone knew that he would have incredible matches and would arguably be the next face of the company.  We got an indication of how excellent his TNA run would be in a great match against Desmond Wolfe (formerly ROH's Nigel McGuinness).  Wolfe, and established ring general in his own right, gave Angle as much as he could handle and was an exemplary exhibition of two fantastic grapplers.  While Wolfe looked good in the match, Angle was, as usual, the man.

14. Samoa Joe vs. Christian Cage

NWA World Heavyweight Title
Destination X '07

Samoa Joe was simply a bulldozer during his tenure in TNA, especially for the first couple of years he was there.  In '07, he met up with former multi-time WWE Tag Champion and I-C Champion Christian Cage (he was simply Christian in WWE) for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Cage was the consummate heel in this one, not showing to be intimidated by "The Samoan Submission Machine", but both men put on an overall damn good match that showed that these two had great chemistry with each other.

13. Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong

NWA Knockouts Title

Final Resolution '08

If there was a legendary rivalry from this promotion that involved the women, this was it.  The technically gifted Gail Kim and the brutal onslaught of Awesome Kong.  These two made magic anytime they stepped inside the ring against each other, and this was arguably their best one on one encounter.  This NO DQ match was quite intense and highlighted Kong's ability to be a total badass.  However, Kim was the zero-quitting athlete that was too determined to lose, and the result was a sensational fight between two of the most recognized and respected names in the Knockouts division.  This was how you promoted mainstream women's wrestling.

12. AJ Styles vs. Abyss

Six Sides Of Steel

Lockdown '05

WWE had Kane.  In TNA, they had Abyss, a six foot eight, three hundred fifty-pound menace that exactly as he referred to himself as, a "Monster".  At Lockdown '05 (a pay-per-view in which all the matches were inside the Six Sides of Steel cage), he faced a fearless, gamey AJ Styles in a fantastic match.  There were some fairly brutal looking spots in this match, and there were times you were genuinely concerned for the well being of the bloodied Styles, but as usual, Styles was a survivor and in spite of chairs, blood, and thumbtacks, Styles prevailed in a match that saw him overcome one of his biggest hurdles, literally and figuratively.

11. Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle

Victory Road '12

At Victory Road '12, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy collided in what was easily the match of the night in what was not a bad pay-per-view as a whole.  We all know the younger Hardy brother to be a valiant warrior at it is, but a year prior, he was in the midst of the most embarrassing and humiliating point of his career, and possibly in his life when he was too high to compete in a match against childhood idol Sting in the main event of Victory Road '11.  The company, nor the fans, gave up all hope on him, and the result was him giving everyone a very special showing against a mat animal in Angle.  Arguably one of Hardy's all-time best showings.

10. Chris Harris vs. James Storm

Texas Death Match

Sacrifice '07

Amerika's Most Wanted consisted of "Cowboy" James Storm and "Wildcat" Chris Harris and they were one of the best teams in the game at that time.  They had won five tag team championships and were considered the 'it' team there.  Then, Storm turned on Harris, and a hell of a rivalry ensued.  It culminated in a blood-soaked Texas Death Match at Sacrifice 2007.  In one of the most brutal and bloodiest fights in TNA's history, these two tore each other apart using any and everything they could get their hands on, as especially Storm was unrecognizable in blood.  In the end, the match was decided when Harris nailed Storm with the same thing that broke them up: a beer bottle.  Hell of a fight.

9. AJ Styles vs. Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams

Ultimate X Match

Final Resolution '05

When one thinks of the X Division within TNA, they think of the highlight match of the division, which is the Ultimate X Match, a unique version of a ladder match only without ladders, however you're climbing up beams and going across wire to unhook the title from the center.  Some of the most awe-inspiring contests have been Ultimate X matches, but none more so incredible than the one at Final Resolution 2005 between the champion, Petey Williams, then-rookie Chris Sabin, and AJ Styles.  All three men were athletic marvels in this match.  Although AJ came away with the title, Williams and Sabin both grew in stock and stature as a result of this outstanding match.

8. Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries

TNA World Heavyweight Title/Ladder Match

Turning Point '12

The ever-talented Austin Aries.  The man that stopped the two-year reign of Samoa Joe and his historic dominance of the ROH World Title had returned to TNA after being away from the promotion for about five years.  Aries squared off against then TNA Champion Jeff Hardy in a stellar Ladder Match.  We all know Hardy's history with ladders, as they made he and his brother's careers, but we weren't incredibly familiar with Aries' usage of the ladder.  These two tore it up and it was truthfully one of the best ladder matches you'll see to this very day from that promotion.

 7. Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles

Last Man Standing

Hard Justice '08

Talk about a winning combination.  Angle and Styles, on paper, looks like the best rivalry one could ask for.  Guess what?  It was like that on camera too and then some.  These two had a much-revered rivalry that culminated in a dynamite Last Man Standing match at Hard Justice 2008.  These two delivered punishment to each other and it was non-stop, but the story and psychology presented in this match was impeccable.  Leave it to two all-time greats to steal the show and make a fairly average pay-per-view like this was worth watching and getting fully into it.  Amazing match.

6. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

Turning Point '06

After their unreal first match at Genesis not long before of that same year, Kurt and Joe got themselves in a rematch that was damn near as good as the first encounter.  They aimed to make this rematch as physical as the first match and it was.  Joe was even hungrier than before, as he sought to avenge the loss to Angle at Genesis.  By the time this second match had concluded, it was official and apparent that we had seen one of the most meant-to-be rivalries not just in TNA, but in the sport as a whole. as these two showed out once again.

5. AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe

TNA X-Division Title

Sacrifice '05

In the midst of his awesome undefeated streak, Samoa Joe went ahead and challenged AJ Styles for the X Division Title in a match that reaffirmed the shear dominance of Joe.  A thrilling match that showed that AJ was worthy of the title and the accolades he had been given up to that point, Styles put his all into trying to stop and defeat the savage Joe, but it was not to be.  A hell of a match through and through, this became a celebrated rivalry within the rankings of TNA.

4. AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

Ironman Match

Against All Odds '05

Real-life best friends Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles were even better enemies on camera, as they had perhaps the most revered rivalry with the entire X division.  In 2005, at the Against All Odds pay-per-view, Styles and Daniels met in a thirty minute Ironman Match and that match completely stole the show, as anyone would've expected.  These two had a classic matchup and one that deserves all the props it got.  The match itself went to a draw, as both men had one fall each on the other until then-on camera figurehead Dusty Rhodes ordered the match to get restarted under Sudden Death rules.  This match was climaxing and completely engaging.  These guys took the entire evnt home with them that night.

3. Amerika's Most Wanted vs. Triple X

NWA World Tag Team Titles/Six Sides of Steel

Turning Point '04

What has been revered as arguably the greatest tag team match in the history of the promotion was the unbelievable encounter between Tag Team Champions, Amerika's Most Wanted and challengers, Triple X.  Earlier we mentioned how Harris and Storm nearly destroyed each other in their Texas Death Match, but when they were a unit, they were one of the best teams around anywhere, but they faced a team almost their exact equal in Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper.  This highly bloody encounter was already vicious enough, but the climax was when Skipper tight rope walked the very top of the cage and delivered a hurricanrana from the top of the cage down to the mat below, which made every highlight reel in the game at that time, and still stands up to this day.  This match had it all in terms of adrenaline, emotion, and intensity unlike most tag team matches you'll see to this day in TNA.

2. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

Genesis '06

This was it.  The most anticipated grudge match in years, and perhaps ever in TNA happened when the unstoppable Samoa Joe took on new TNA signee, Kurt Angle.  We knew this would be very intense, physical, and an exhibition of both men's outstanding wrestling abilities, and all of those were beyond apparent.  Angle had so much to prove, but this was Joe's yard and he wasn't about to let the Olympic Gold Medalist come in and stop his path of rage.  This match not only put the only blemish on the undefeated streak of Joe, but this match lived up to the hype, thus beginning a rivalry the likes of which would never quite be duplicated within the recent memory of TNA.

1. AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe

TNA X-Division Title

Unbreakable '05

This was the match of all matches within the history of TNA.  Three of the best in the entire world going after each other for the X Division Title, and they put on what has been referred to as "the greatest match in the history of TNA".  The skill level from all involved was practically flawless and these three completely and totally took the whole house down.  The match was so hyped that was put as the main event, even ahead of the NWA World Title match between Raven and Rhyno.  While the event as a whole was one of the best, this match was, and is, considered the very best, and rightfully deserves its distinction.

Honorable Mentions

Rockstar Spud vs. Ethan Carter III (Impact Wrestling '16)

Aries vs. Roode (Destination X 2012)

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle (Genesis '09)

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle (Lockdown 2011)

Styles/Daniels vs. LAX (No Surrender '06)

Kim vs. Terrell (Slammiversary '13)

Galloway vs. Lashley (Slammiversary '16)

Storm vs. Roode (Bound For Glory '12)

Styles vs. Lynn vs. Low-Ki (TNA '02)

Angle vs. Wolfe (Turning Point '09)

Styles/Daniels vs. AMW (Slammiversary '06)

MCMGs vs. Team 3D (Turning Point '10)

Sting vs. Joe (Bound For Glory '08)

As you can see, TNA has some matches they can be plenty proud of within their history.  While it remains to be seen if they still have any more legit memorable matches left in them to add to the list, we can take solace in the fact that TNA has etched their place in history and they proved that they can be a certified force within the sport.  Until next time!

 

Best In The World: The Best NJPW Matches Of All-Time

What's the word kind people?!  In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing a salute to all the major promotions in the game and their best matches.  We featured ROH last time, but now we're featuring arguably the best promotion in the world, possibly ever, in NJPW, or New Japan Pro Wrestling.  Since 1972, NJPW has been looked upon as one of the preeminent promotions in the world, but over nearly the last decade in particular, this promotion has been better than ever before with stars such as Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kenny Omega, and Tetsuya Naito really propelling the promotion high into the stratosphere.  Seen as the best wrestling on the planet, putting together a list of the best matches ever was VERY arduous, as this organization constantly spills out classic matches and way above average showcases of athleticism.  This could've been a list of one hundred, but I shortened it down to twenty, with numerous honorable mentions.  Without any more stalling, let's get into the list.

20. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tomoaki Honma/NEVER Openweight Title

New Beginning In Sindel '15

Honma is that guy that tends to lose, and lose a lot, but his perseverance and overall cheerful attitude just tends to win people over.  He had a match against resident brute, Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Title (this belt has compared to something along the likes of the NXT Title to WWE).  Ishii is a super tough-as-nails stiff hitter, but Honma displayed grit and heart to where he nearly scored one of the biggest wins of his career, however it was not to be this particular night.  This was an exceptional match and showed that Ishii had to give it all plus a lot more just to keep Honma down.

19. Riki Choshu vs. Shinya Hashimoto

G1 Climax Finals 6

The most honored and revered wrestling tournament in the world is the G1 Climax tournament, a three-week round robin tournament to declare the winner and who will compete for IWGP Heavyweight Title.  In '96, Choshu and Hashimoto competed in a BATTLE for that top spot.  These guys gave it all they had in a fantastic match that has been considered one of the greatest G1 final matches ever.  A human chess game was this match.

18. KUSHIDA vs. Kyle O' Reilly

Best Of the Super Juniors '16

American fans may be very familiar with former ROH Tag Team and World Champion Kyle O' Reilly, but we rarely had a chance to see KUSHIDA in the states before this time.  These two outstanding young athletes competed in the prestigious Best Of the Super Juniors tournament in 2016, and arguably had the best match of the entire tournament.  Both guys are great strikers and are even better submission specialists, and their match was one of showing the best of both those traits against each other.

17. Kenny Omega vs. Tatsuya Naito

G1 Climax 26

These two are considered two of the finest and most revered wrestlers in all of NJPW.  The interesting note of this match was that they're both leaders of significant factions.  Omega leads the ever polarizing Bullet Club and Naito leads the defiant group, Los Ingobernables de Japon.  Both leaders displayed why their both hated and arrogant guys, but also why they are in the upper echelon of NJPW with an incredible match that made people stand and sit on the edges of their seats almost all throughout.  Although "The Cleaner" came away winning the tournament, this may have been his toughest opponent in the entire tournament.

16. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

G1 Climax Final 25

Before he was "The Artist" in WWE, he was simply the "King Of Strong Style" in NJPW.  I'm talking about Shinsuke Nakamura.  His electric charisma is unlike anything else in the business, but his in-ring capabilities are second to none.  Likewise, Hiroshi Tanahashi is among the greatest champions of all-time in Japan, and considered the John Cena of the far east.  These two men engaged in a highly memorable match to conclude the G1 Climax of 2015.  The crowd was split down the middle but gave both men a long standing ovation afterwards and rightfully so. They had just witnessed an amazing match.

15. Big Van Vader vs. Stan "The Lariat" Hansen

Super Fight In Tokyo Dome '90

Talk about a match of infamy.  This is a change up from the technical and dazzling athleticism in this list, as this was a fight.  Not a wrestling match, a fight.  A damn brutal one at that.  Hansen is known as the most famous American to ever compete in Japan, but Vader was almost just as known and respected.  These two men were involved in one of the most memorable brawl in NJPW history.  These two were stiffing the entire match.  So much so that Hansen beat Vader so badly at one point, Vader's eyeball was literally hanging on by an eyelid or two.  What did the SOB do?  Pushed it right back in and kept fighting!  Absolutely ungodly stuff.

14. Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kazuchika Okada/IWGP Title

Sakura Genesis '17

Katsuyori Shibata is known as one of the most feared and toughest men on the planet.  His MMA background plus his practical inability to even crack a grin makes him appear as an indestructible robot.  He's also a very respectable workhorse, and he earned himself a World Title opportunity against Okada at Sakura Genesis '17.  This match was such a hard hitter, as one would expect from Shibata, but it got a little too real for him when he delivered a near fatal head butt that has subsequently ended his career.  However, if this is indeed his last match, he went out performing in arguably his greatest match ever against arguably the best in the world.

13. Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay

Best Of the Super Juniors '17

In 2016, two of the most phenomenal highflyers in the world took to the stage at the Best of the Super Juniors tournament and had a dazzling exhibition of acrobatics and athleticism.  Unfortunately, many were also scoffing over it, referring to it as more of a circus than a wrestling match.  In 2017, they reappeared again facing each other, in what was an even better match than before, plus it incorporated more of a story in it, as Ospreay looked to avenge the loss to Ricochet in 2016.  He did just that, but not without putting his body and soul on the line along with Ricochet in what has to be considered a career best for both men.

12. Kazuchika Okada vs. AJ Styles

IWGP Heavyweight Title

Dominion '15

On paper, Kuzuchika Okada and AJ Styles colliding is a virtual dream match, and it did in fact live up to every expectation.  Before Styles was wowing people in WWE like he had done everywhere else he had gone, he delivered a phenomenal (pun intended) encounter with another guy considered one of the absolute best in the world.  It was magic. It was competitive.  It was everything.

11. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuchike Okada

G1 Climax 26

Okada was just on fire in 2016.  He won the IWGP Title and was putting on incredible matches left and right.  On this night, he met up with "The Stone Pit Bull" Tomohiro Ishii in a HELL of a match.  Okada had to have been thinking, "What in God's name do I have to do to keep this big man down for three seconds?"  On this night, the answer was simple: nothing.  Ishii would not be denied and took it all from "The Rainmaker".  As complete of a wrestler as Okada is, the toughness of Ishii stands out every bit as much, and this match was just another level in excellence.

10. Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. The Great Sasuke

Super J-Cup '94

Th esteemed wrestling journalist, Dave Meltzer, pinned this night as "the single greatest night of wrestling ever", and for great reason.  This night was basically perfection on every level.  Not one match was underwhelming.  One of the more standout matches involved one of the all-time greats and a dynamic up-and-comer: Jushin Liger and The Great Sasuke.  Both guys were innovators of the high-flying style that has completely enraptured global wrestling to this day, sans lucha libre.  These two delivered in quite a unique but exceptional match, as Liger was in an unfamiliar role as heel here.  The ending sequence was so excellently played out and Sasuke became an instant superstar.

9. Michael Elgin vs. Tatsuya Naito/IWGP Inter-Continental Title

New Beginnings in Osaka '17

American fans are very familiar with ROH's Canadian powerhouse, "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin.  The former ROH World and TV Champion challenged Tatsuya Naito for the IWGP Inter-Continental Title and these two competed in a match that was nothing short of AWESOME.  Elgin is a freak of nature.  His beyond scary strength mixed with his quickness and his athleticism for a guy his size is incredible.  However, Naito is likewise a wonderful athlete, and although he's extremely defiant and disrespectful, he can go all night long, and these two delivered in a major way.  If one doubted how Elgin would do in a match against someone the caliber of Naito, this match silenced any and all naysayers.

8. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles

IWGP Inter-Continental Title

Wrestle Kingdom 10

There wasn't a better place for these two world-class athletes to compete at than New Japan's version of Wrestlemania, Wrestle Kingdom.  At this one, a dream match was unfolding as I-C Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura was facing "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.  Needless to say, this match was magical.  A true testament to the uncanny abilities in both men and they put on a show that will still be talked about a decade from now.  While we wait with anticipation to see them collide in WWE at some point, we can have a big taste of what may be to come by seeing this classic whenever possible.  This match nearly stole the entire show at WK10...NEARLY!

7. Dynamite Kid vs. Tiger Mask

Sumo Hall Show '83

This is the match that put the junior heavyweight/cruiserweight division on the map worldwide.  The intense and passionate style of The Dynamite Kid and the finesse of the original Tiger Mask met in a match that was way ahead of its time.  This was phenomenal wrestling and showed that smaller guys could take the show from bigger ones.  We all know DK went on to become one half of the legendary British Bulldogs with the late Davey Boy Smith and Tiger Mask would be the most imitated wrestler possibly ever, but what they put on in '83 was something of a blueprint of how to wrestle your ass off as a junior heavyweight.  An all-time classic.

6. Kota Ibushi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura/IWGP Inter-Continental Title

Wrestle Kingdom 9

Besides Tanahashi and Okada, there wasn't a more talked about wrestler in all of New Japan than "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura.  At WK9, he put his I-C belt on the line against junior heavyweight wrestler, Kota Ibushi.  Ibushi was a former multi-time Junior Heavyweight Champion, and a competitor in the over-the-top DDT promotion, but this was arguably the match of his career.  He took the eccentric Nakamura to the limit and delivered a career-best performance.  This match showed that Ibushi was a definite player with the big boys, but that also Nakamura, was just, to quote Triple H, "that damn good!"

5. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

IWGP Heavyweight Title

Wrestle Kingdom 9

The rivalry of rivalries, not just in Japan but perhaps in the entire sport.  Our modern-day Steamboat/Flair for our generation is the "Ace of New Japan" Tanahashi and "The Rainmaker" Okada.  There's no such thing as a bad match or average match between them.  Each one is above average at least and has defined the greatness that is NJPW over the past decade.  Their match at Wrestle Kingdom 9 was another astonishing example of this, as each man brought their complete A-game.  The seven-time champion Tanahashi got the best of Okada in this one, and it was enough for Okada to show unscripted, genuine emotion as he wept going to the locker.  These men gave of their complete hearts in this one.

4. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

IWGP Heavyweight Title

Wrestle Kingdom 7

Oh yes!  They made it one slot further up.  The match they had at Wrestle Kingdom 7 was every bit as incredible as the one previously mentioned.  Okada was the young gun.  The kid looking to earn his spot as the top guy against the red how "Ace" of NJPW.  While Okada was still finding himself in the ring, he still came off as a worthwhile challenger willing to stand up to the task of going toe to toe with the great Tanahashi, very similarly to when Sting faced Flair at the Clash in '88.  This was just the beginning of one of the greatest rivalries of all-time in the sport.

3. Pegasus Kid vs. The Great Sasuke

Super J-Cup Finals '94

Way before he was "The Canadian Crippler", Chris Benoit was The Pegasus Kid, and what he and The Great Sasuke put on at the historic Super J-Cup of '94 was unbelievable.  This match was just all about wrestling.  Plain and simple.  No acrobatics. No chair shots. No excessive high risk moves.  Just a brilliant display of pure wrestling.  Capping off a truly special night in the sport with the J-Cup, these two really exhibited their incredible talents.  There was no "sports entertainment" here folks.  These guys competed as if this was an actual and factual competition and the best man needed to win.  The end sequence was a thing of beauty, and this match deserves its place an all-time classic. 

2. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

IWGP Heavyweight Title

Wrestle Kingdom 10

Of all their classic matches throughout their highly storied rivalry, it was their match as Wrestle Kingdom 10 that may be the best one match they've ever had.  These guys were virtually perfect the entire ride and mistakes were few and far between.  This match was just breathtaking, as these guys just did not stop.  The main point coming out of this match was that this match was seen as a passing of the torch to Okada from Tanahashi, as the forty-year-old 'Ace" is being seen as having a winding down career while Okada is nearing the peak of his career.  The performances from these men will be forever remembered, and Okada, as a result, became the new "Ace" if you will.

1. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega

IWGP Heavyweight Title

Wrestle Kingdom 11

The match that turned wrestling upside down.  There are no words to describe the feeling you have after witnessing history like the kind of match Okada and Kenny Omega put on at Wrestle Kingdom 11.  None.  Omega had won the right to compete for the title after winning the G1 Climax of 2016 and we knew going in that this match would be extraordinary.  We did not expect the kind of flawlessness we saw that night.  Brilliantly executed psychology, this match put NJPW on a whole new level of superiority.  Dave Meltzer went so far as to give the match six stars out of five.  This was also the longest match in NJPW history, clocking in at not far from an hour.  Okada proved why he's the best in the world today, but Omega became a Bonafide superstar the world over with his performance.  These guys did more than tear the house down.  These guys delivered a match for the ages and one that will never be forgotten.  The new bar has been set in the sport and may not be duplicated for quite some time.  This is, without question, the greatest wrestling match in the history of NJPW, and arguably the greatest main event of the past two decades in the sport.

Honorable Mentions

Tanahashi vs. Naito (Dominion '11)
Tanahashi vs. Suzuki (King Of Pro Wrestling '12)
Tanahashi vs. Okada (Dominion '12)
Tanahashi vs. Okada (King Of Pro Wrestling '13)
Omega vs. Goto (King Of Pro Wrestling '16)
Omega vs. Goto (G1 Climax 26)
Elgin vs. Omega (Dominion '16)
Tanahashi vs. Nakamura (G1 Climax 25)
Okada vs. Styles (Dominion '15)
Ibushi vs. Styles (Invasion Attack '15)
Okada vs. Nakamura (G1 Climax 24)
Ricochet vs. Ospreay (BOSJ '16)
Ishii vs. Shibata (Wrestle Kingdom 10)
Kanemoto vs. Samurai (BOSJ '97)
Mutoh vs. Vader (G1 Climax 14)

In all honesty, there are SO many more awesome matches that could've made this list and, as I said, this was a very hard list to compose.  This promotion is heralded as WWE, only with far better matches at a more consistent rate.  New Japan continues to show their critical dominance within the sport and with them expanding into the U.S., Vince will officially have a lot of problems.  New Japan truly is the best wrestling in the world.  Until next time!