What a hell of a 2024 we have had thus far. From the start of the year with New Japan's annual huge event, Wrestle Kingdom, to WWE's history-making WrestleMania XL and AEW's unforgettable Revolution PPV, these and other PPVs and weekly shows have delivered several of the absolute best matches in modern history, from both athletic and storytelling standpoints. From the emotional Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns matchup to the absolute game-changing encounter between Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay, this has been a year we will be talking about for decades to come. Much like how the seventies and eighties delivered profoundly in terms of in-ring action with the Steamboat/Flair rivalry or the Rock N' Roll Express vs. Midnight Express rivalry or even The Fantastics vs. Sheepherders rivalry, these were feuds that resulted in matches that kept fans tremendously compelled and glued to their sets every time the matches would take place. The exact same could be said about the likes of Danielson vs. Sabre Jr, Danielson vs. Okada, Cody vs. Roman, or Ospreay vs. Okada, especially the year-plus long Cody vs. Roman rivalry. This has been a banner year by far, and on course to rival the last couple of years, if not eclipse them. This was not an easy list to make at all and even harder of a list to put in the Honorable Mentions list. All this being said, let's get into the top twenty matches of 2024 so far!
20. United Empire vs. Bullet Club War Dogs
Dog Pound Cage Match
NJPW New Beginning In Osaka '24
We start this list with a war. The crews of Will Ospreay's United Empire squared off against David Finlay's Bullet Club War Dogs in a Dog Pound Cage Match at NJPW New Beginning In Osaka. Visually, the structure wasn't the prettiest thing to look at, as this "cage" was a surrounding structure that encompassed the ringside area and was put together by wood with a typical steel fencing. The cage itself wasn't the highest either, likely no more ten feet in height. All that being said, the action here was intense and was filled with plentiful violence and blood. the story here was Ospreay was, obviously, on his way out of NJPW and about to head to AEW for his full-time run. He and his UE guys of Jeff Cobb, TJP, Francisco Akira, and Aaron Henare had unfinished business with Finlay's BCWD stable consisting of Dan Maloney, Gabe Kidd, Finlay himself, Clark Connors, and Alex Coughlin. These teams fought in a bloody brawl that had War Games-esque rules in terms of two men starting off, with a coin toss determining who would send in their next man to make it two on one and would alternate. For over an hour, these factions unleashed hell on each other with Henare sustaining the most severe injury, as a table was thrown at him and legit connected with the top of his head in such a way that reportedly exposed cranium and also concussed him. He competed the rest of the match heavily wrapped and bandaged up and was immediately sent to hospital following the match. The finale was dramatic and fitting, as Ospreay decided to take the beating for fallen and bloodied UE brethren, Francisco Akira, who had been decmated by Finlay and his War Dogs. Ospreay got little to no offense in and ultimately went down and took the bullet for his hurt and injured teammates. As a bloodied and emotional Ospreay thanked the crowd for his time spent in New Japan, with tears in his eyes, the fans gave him a standing ovation. It'll never be considered one of the greatest team cage bouts of all-time, but for what it was worth, it fun, violent, and compelling enough to keep you wondering just how far these groups were willing to go to hurt the other and claim supremacy over New Japan.
Check it out here
19. Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi
No Disqualification Match
NJPW Battle At The Valley '24
While we rightfully mention the likes of Will Ospreay, Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, and Zach Sabre Jr having such next level matches and runs this year, the same should be said about AEW's franchise player, Jon Moxley. The former three-time AEW World Champion has been on a tear in 2024, and one of his toughest and most solid opponents was the ferocious Shingo Takagi. He, himself, was a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the world today. It was only right for these two to eventually have a battle, and man what a battle they had at New Japan's Battle At The Valley event in San Jose, CA. Before Moxley eyed the IWGP Heavyweight Title that Tetsuya Naito was holding, he had to get past fellow LIJ member, Takagi, and this wasn't an average one on competitive match. This match was a No DQ match, and of course this was everything the Ohio native could imagine and be satisfied with. Both men bled and both poured out some of the most physical aggression you could ask from them in this encounter. Moxley would get the upper hand in this excellent fight and would challenge Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight Title at Resurgence, but before that happened, these two brought it all in this fight that leave both men bloodied, wounded, and damn sure with more respect for the other than before.
18. Connor Mills vs. Zach Sabre Jr.
RevPro High Stakes '24
British wrestler Connor Mills is one of the brightest wrestlers within the British scene. A former Tag Team Champion in Progress, Mills is a near decade long vet that has all the potential to be a worldwide name with enough exposure and outstanding matches. At RevPro's biggest annual event, High Stakes, he faced a British wrestling modern legend in Zach Sabre Jr. We all know ZSJ's pedigree. Former NJPW Television Champion, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and one of the greatest champions in RevPro history, ZSJ is the closest thing the game has to a modern-day Billy Robinson for someone in their mid-thirties. ZSJ was clearly there to make a statement within RevPro and he and Mills had a barnburner of a match. Mills learned quickly that ZSJ was that other level that many have known for over a decade. Any move you put on him, he can not only counter it, but can put the move back on you and do it better than you. Mills, however, was not about to back down regardless of the building legacy of ZSJ. The multi-year BRYAN DANIELSON Technical Wrestler of The Year winner through Wrestling Observer brought the school to the young Mills, but Mills would bring some very strong offense to "The Technical Wizard" as well. Although ZSJ did get the win, an impression was made by Mills, and he earned more respect than he did going in as it was. More matches like these and his name will certainly expand beyond the British scene. As for ZSJ, if one were to call him the best in the world at his craft, one would have a hard argument against it.
Check it out here
17. Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher
AEW Dynamite 3/6/24
Just days after his successful debut at AEW Revolution against Konosuke Takeshita in one of the most outstanding matches you'll find in company history, he goes to Dynamite to make his in-ring debut against former United Empire member, Kyle Fletcher, who is also another Callis Family member such as Ospreay. Obviously, the history between two is in play here as Fletcher was a member of UE in NJPW along with still sidelined Aussie Open partner, Mark Davis. Don Callis presented this as another exhibition between "family members", but what we got was another stellar match from the one they call the "Billy GOAT". Don't sleep on Fletcher though. Fletcher was absolutely up to the task of taking the fight right to his friend and former mentor. Fletcher was on the heels of Ospreay in every way, from his flying abilities to suplexes to move counters, the Australian made a personal believer out of Ospreay. Ultimately, Ospreay would prevail with his tremendous Hidden Blade running elbow, but this was a fantastic showcase of two awesome competitors. Even more so for Fletcher, as he needed to show the world, he could hang with the likes of arguably the world's best in Ospreay, and he did just that. As for Ospreay, the era of the "BRUV" was underway, and the sky truly is the limit for the "Aerial Assassin".
Check it out here
16. Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles
WWE Championship
WWE Backlash '24
In what would be his first official WWE Title defense since winning the WWE Championship in historic fashion against the incomparable Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL, Cody Rhodes would collide against one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, in a stellar encounter. The event, Backlash, was already at record fever pitches in France, but the crowd was extra charged as soon as the ring introductions were underway with the crowd chanting a unique chant at AJ. Once the bell rang, these two put on quite the fantastic matchup that was as even as you could picture between the two Georgia Bulldogs. After a nearly twenty-five-minute battle, Rhodes came away with the excellent win, but Styles showed, once again, why he's among the best to ever do it and why, when his time to step away from the ring finally occurs, he will be remembered for matches like these against another "phenomenal" competitor in his own right. Although they would have a more ferocious battle at Clash At The Castle the next month, this one was the better of the two in terms of move for move, and counter for counter. This was indeed a match that Cody's old man surely smiled gladly watching from upstairs.
Check it out here
15. Miscara Dorada vs. Templario
2 Out Of 3 Falls
CMLL Super Viernes
If you've been sleeping on the world's oldest wrestling promotion still in existence, CMLL, it's time to wake up. Since the 1930s, CMLL has been functioning as the biggest and most historic wrestling promotion, especially for Lucha Libre. While it's had more than its fair share of controversies over the past several years, especially involving wrestling politics, their in-ring action continues to be arguably the most acclaimed amongst any Mexican wrestling organization, even more than AAA. Their Super Viernes weekly shows are like their AEW Dynamite, in terms of tremendous wrestling with that one match that ends up being a MOTY contender every few weeks. The match between Miscara Dorada and Templario is one such match. In a 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match between the two, these two had a knockout of a match. The former Gran Matalik (Dorada) challenged for the CMLL World Middleweight Title in a match that was simply incredible and was as classic Lucha Libre-styled as one could imagine in terms of dazzling aerial moves and overall unbelievable athleticism. The two babyfaces were engaged in a match that was hold for hold, aerial assault for aerial assault and counter for counter. For every dive that was to be executed, either it would be effective, or the dive(s) would be countered. This was a spectacular match that ultimately had Dorada defeating Templario with his ever-graceful Shooting Star Press after a damn awesome near hour. By all means, take time out of your schedule and find this match to see absolute greatness with CMLL and two of their single best stars.
14. Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns
WWE Universal Championship/"Bloodline Rules"
WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two
The single most dominant World Title run in over three decades in WWE came to a dramatic end at WrestleMania XL, as Cody Rhodes faced off against the champion, "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns in the most anticipated rematch in the company. At Mania 39, Cody came within an eyelash of becoming champion, but thanks to Solo Sikoa, that was not to be. However, Cody won the 2024 Rumble match and, even having been pinned the night before at the first night of Mania XL, was determined to "finish the story". You could feel the drama and suspense, as the awesome ring introduction by Samantha Irvin was showing. Once the bell rung, Roman was showing the world why he was among the most physical champions in the business. On the other hand, as he is in fact a Rhodes, Cody would find a way to fight from underneath, and nothing was standing in his way. With lots of interference from the likes of both Usos, Sikoa, The Rock, Seth Rollins, Cena, and even The Undertaker, Cody was focused and undeterred. The moment we thought we would never see happened: Roman lost the Universal Title to one of the most emotional and intense ovations we've heard in a long time in WWE. Even Irvin was emotional declaring Rhodes as the new champion. You may not a more exhilarating and tear-jerking moment than Cody Rhodes being able to do what his father, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, was never able to do and that's becoming WWE Champion. On that evening and that moment, Dusty, with that ever noticeable and trademarked smile, was grinning from Heaven in pride looking at his youngest child, become the man in the business.
Check it out here
13. Saree vs. Mayu Iwatani
IWGP Women's Championship
Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom '24
One of Stardom's most anticipated matches this year came in the form of former NXT talent, Sareee, returning to Stardom and facing Stardom's "Icon", current reigning IWGP Women's Champion, Mayu Iwatani. Seen as a dream match within the Joshi world, this match was four years in the making. Just when we were on the verge of seeing it happen, Sareee signed with NXT, but needless to say, it was a disappointing two years for the "Sun God". After finally leaving NXT to head back to Japan, the stars were aligning for these two fantastic competitors to have their long-awaited match, and at Stardom's All-Star Grand Queendom, it finally happened, and what an excellent match it was. The crowd was into it early, as these two were having quite the feeling out process. That didn't last extremely long though, as both turned the volume up significantly. Both these women stuck in some stiff shots and uncomfortable landings from suplexes. These ladies have very similar styles in terms of their finesse styles of wrestling, and anything Iwatani would do, Sareee would have a counter, and vice versa. After over twenty minutes of punishing, hard-hitting, and spirited action, Iwantani emerged victorious, and still the IWGP Women's Champion, a reign that has lasted her for over a year. With both women saluting each other out of respect afterwards, one can hope that these two take care of business again because this was definitely a match that must be considered among the best matches in all of women's wrestling so far this year.
Check it out here
12. Sting & Darby Allen vs. Young Bucks
AEW World Tag Team Titles/Texas Tornado Match
AEW Revolution '24
For over forty years, the man known as Sting has graced our television screens and has been among the most popular stars of all-time in this business. When he announced that his final in-ring match would be at AEW Revolution in the city where his career was more or less established, Greensboro, NC, the anticipation was high, yet saddening with each passing month. Not long before Revolution, Sting and partner/friend/protege Darby Allen defeated Ricky Starks and Big Bill on Dynamite to become AEW World Tag Team Champions, only to be viciously assaulted by The Bucks, leaving Sting beaten, his two sons, Garrett and Steven Jr, beaten, and Darby beaten and bloodied. In an unfortunate twist of circumstances, Sting was unable to attend the next week's Dynamite due to the unfortunate death of his father, thus Sting had even more motivation and inspiration to not just compete, but to defeat The Bucks. At Revolution, with the entire evening basically centered around the final match in Sting's in-ring career, emotions were through the roof, but once the main event got underway, it never let up and the foot pedal stayed pressed. We got hardcore and extreme quickly, but the levels were taken up once Allen savagely landed through a plate of glass from a nearly twenty-foot-high ladder. Once Allen was incapacitated, it was Sting against The Bucks for the majority of the match. In typical Sting fashion, he kept fighting and giving his entire all. Once Allen got back involved, the Stinger got his help back and was able to submit Matt Jackson to not only retain the Tag Team Titles but retire undefeated. With tears in the crowd's eyes, the Greensboro crowd was able to say goodbye to a true legend and icon of the sport with pride and in celebration. As the locker room emptied out at the entrance to likewise show their respect and appreciation, Sting and Darby stood triumphant in a match that will not only be remembered as Sting's last match, but a hell of a wild and gutsy fight from one of the most beloved to ever step foot in a ring.
Check it out here
11. Go Shiozaki vs. Kaito Kiyomiya
GHC Heavyweight Title
NOAH Star Navigation '24 Day One
If you're familiar with Pro Wrestling NOAH at all, you're more than familiar with the name, Go Shiozaki. Among the most decorated stars to ever come from NOAH, the former five-time GHC Heavyweight Champion has had his fair of wars and memorable battles. His encounters with Keiji Mutoh (aka The Great Muta for the western fans), Katsuhiko Nakajima, Kazuyuki Fujita, and Satoshi Kojima are among his most revered matches, mainly due to the title being on the line, and whether he won or lost, the matches stayed within the mouths of anyone that were able to view them. Another name that's among that list is Kaito Kiyomaya. Kiyomaya, himself, a former GHC Heavyweight champion, is a tough and gutsy young competitor. The youngest to ever win the title at twenty-two, he would hold the title for just over a year, becoming the second longest reigning champion just behind an all-time great, Kenta Kobashi. Ironically, the person he lost the title to was Shizaki in 2020. These two would have other encounters between then and present-day, but this recent encounter on day one of NOAH's Star Navigation event was just magic. Obviously, no stranger to the other, moves were countered and more countered, but it never stopped the two from delivering their absolute best towards each other. Shiozaki's style is stiff, unapologetic, and straight-forward. Kiyomiya's is similar mixed with some finesse, and we had plenty of them all here. The crowd was very much into this one, as those that have been moving with them since 2020 knew about how high those levels would reach, and they definitely did. Brutal head butts, strikes, and suplexes were just some of the offenses both men used within this very excellent matchup. After quite the punishing and spirited back and forth, especially during the final five or so minutes, Kiyomiya retained the GHC Heavyweight Title from the mighty awesome Go Shiozaki in a match that can easily rank among their best matches ever. While Shiozaki may legit be one of the game's best stars to emerge from Japan, Kiyomiya hasn't even reached his full potential yet at under thirty years of age, and that's scary. Imagine what the next ten years for him will be like.
10. Mayu Iwatani vs. Syuri
Stardom Ittenyon Stardom Gate
The ever-popular IWGP Women's Champion, Mayu Iwatani, was in for quite the battle facing off against former fellow World Of Stardom Champion, Syuri. Whether it's a 5STAR Gran Prix tournament or past excellent World Championship matches, these two know each other and know each other well. Both of these women were very familiar battling each other in the past, and these two were all in from the opening bell. These two ladies pulled no punches and were as spirited as they were stiff. Uncomfortable looking bumps, even worse looking (and sounding) headbutts, and from slams and suplexes (not to mention the ever-unsettling visuals of apron suplexes) were the rule here. After a nearly thirty-minute clash, Iwatani retained her championship from the mountainous challenge of Syuri, but you can believe that this was a ferocious encounter that ranks among the most competitive and most fierce championship matches Stardom has had all year thus far.
Check it out here
9. Hechicero vs. Zach Sabre Jr
2 out of 3 Falls
CMLL Sabados de Coliseo
If CMLL had a luchador that rivaled the technical and scientific prowess and submission grandeur of the likes of Danielson, ZSJ, Pete Dunne and the legendary Blue Panther, it would be Hechicero. The former CMLL World Heavyweight Champion is as great as a technical performer as anyone you'd come across over the past couple decades. His match with Ultimo Guerrero that garnered him the title is one that's still regarded as one of the best World Title matches in recent years within CMLL. Being that NJPW has a partnership with CMLL, it's only right that CMLL's submission specialist met up with perhaps the game's most proficient technical grappler, Zach Sabre Jr. The match was set for a Best Of Three Falls match at Sabados de Coliseo, and every single minute of this match was meaningful. Very reminiscent of ZSJ's initial battle with Bryan Danielson at AEW WrestleDream, this was that "game of human chess", in the words of the late, great Gordon Solie. Both men were considered heels here, so you still had some bits of chicanery here, but yet in still, this was an encounter that was about holds, rest holds, and plenty of counters. Coming in at just under twenty minutes, this was a rather fast-paced match, but was a wonderfully executed display of technical craftsmanship between the two outstanding grapplers. ZSJ got the win to even up their series at one a piece, as Hechicero defeated ZSJ at PWG's Smokey & The Bandito event in 2018. The rubber match will take place at RevPro's Anniversary event in August and one can only wonder how much better this rivalry can get between the two.
Check it out here
8. Josh Alexander vs. Will Ospreay
TNA Impact 1/18/24
Since the reemergence and rebranding of Impact Wrestling going back to TNA, the level of action has picked up and so has the excitement. Always seen as the underdog of the mainstream wrestling circuit (along with MLW), TNA has been providing decent to great matches quite regularly. None, however, came close to matching what Josh Alexander and Will Ospreay did at the beginning of the year for their Impact weekly show. Just last year, Ospreay was involved in a damn sure MOTY candidate against "Speedball" Mike Bailey at their Bound For Glory event. This match was also considered the greatest match in TNA/Impact Wrestling history. This match easily gives that distinction a run for its money. Josh Alexander is a former two-time TNA/Impact World Champion, who's fantastic technical abilities get underrated and lost in the sauce, at times, compared to the likes of Danielson, ZSJ, Takagi, and others. Facing Ospreay during the final stretch of his free agency before officially joining AEW in March, he delivered another game changer. Alexander was a different type of opponent for Ospreay than Bailey was. Bailey's offense, alone, was unorthodox due to his Taekwondo and martial arts background. Alexander is a former amateur wrestler and his scientific, mat grappling mixed with his impressive strength and fundamentals makes him quite the opponent for the otherworldly talents of Ospreay. These two put on a clinic that longtime TNA fans have rarely seen. This resembled very much a Bret vs. Shawn matchup of the mid-nineties in terms of styles and abilities. Alexander was at his technical best here in ways we haven't quite seen, which considering his output in TNA and the indies, including PWG, that's saying a lot. Never to be outdone, Ospreay was being Ospreay. His dazzling display of aerial offense, as well as his ability to present his unique way of storytelling is excellent. Alexander's suplexes meant serious business whenever Ospreay didn't reverse or counter by landing on his feet. This was a different Alexander from their previous encounter in 2023, in which Ospreay got the win. Alexander was ready for almost everything Ospreay threw at him and he, himself, countered a lot of Ospreay's offense as well. Ospreay ultimately succumbed to Alexander via submission, even after giving Alexander his best signature moves of the Storm Driver '92, his Os Cutter, Storm Breaker, and the ever-devastating Hidden Blade elbow strike and none were enough to put the tough Canadian down. This was undoubtedly the best showing in Alexander's career, and who better against than the go-to man of the business whose name isn't Okada, Omega, Danielson, AJ, or Cody. Ospreay brought something out Alexander that presented a match that is on par with his match against Mike Bailey as the GOAT TNA match in its twenty-plus year history. With the series being tied at one and one, people are clamoring for one more match. How in the world can it live up to this memorable classic? Time could tell us.
Check it out here
7. Bryan Danielson Vs. Kazuchika Okada
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
There were two legit dream encounters people were clamoring for at AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door '23: the Omega vs. Ospreay rematch for the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Title and Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada for the very first time ever. Okada and Danielson were in a complete chess match, which considering Ospreay and Omega took place just two to three matches before this was NO easy feat. During the match, Danielson broke a bone in his forearm, and it put a damper on what was one HELL of a match. Danielson, somehow, managed to get Okada to submit with the Lebell Lock with one functioning arm. ONE ARM FOLKS! The ever-proud Danielson was not satisfied with that type of win. Okada definitely didn't like the fact that he lot at all. Just months later, Danielson suffered an orbital bone injury that was ironically caused by Okada in a Trios match on Dynamite. This did not sit well with "The American Dragon". Danielson challenged Okada to a rematch at Wrestle Kingdom 18, and Okada gladly agreed. The match was met with a slight bit of pessimism, as Danielson wasn't one hundred percent cleared, but was good enough to compete apparently. That, on top of a surgically repaired arm and of course the recipient of at least one concussion in 2023, made his fans fearful of another injury. Any pessimism was wiped away as Danielson was fearless and aggressive in this encounter. With his eye patch on his injured eye, it was a fresh target that Okada occasionally went after. Okada was not about to let Danielson upstage him at the event that has been synonymous with some of the most legendary moments of Okada's career, and he took the fight to Danielson even more than in their initial encounter. Both men brought their signature moves and offense to the other all throughout the match. The last few minutes were as competitive as anything you'll see this year as Danielson kept trying to go for his Bushido knee strike, while Okada kept trying to go for his Rainmaker lariat. Both men would counter the other into other moves in such fiery frenzies. Ultimately, it was a Rainmaker lariat from Okada that put "The Dragon" down, thus putting their rivalry at one to one. Afterwards, both men showed respect to each other to the delight of the highly enthusiastic crowd. This match was what their first match should've been but due to Danielson's injury, but fortunately this match more than made up for it. Okada and Danielson are two of the all-time greats and anytime we get a chance to see these two compete against each other, consider it a treat. One day, hopefully before Danielson retires, we will get that one more match between the two, and one can hope that their third prospective encounter will be their best one yet.
Check it out here
6. Bryan Danielson vs. Zach Sabre Jr
NJPW New Beginning In Osaka '24
One of the single greatest matches, not just of 2023, but of modern times was the first ever encounter between Bryan Danielson and Zach Sabre Jr at AEW WrestleDream in Seattle, WA. Seen as the technical wrestling fan's dream match for years, these two were originally scheduled to collide at the first Forbidden Door in 2022 but due to a concussion by Danielson, the match was delayed for the foreseeable future. What these two did at WrestleDream was have a technical mat wrestling classic to say the least. Danielson got the win that day, but there was no possible way these two weren't going to revisit this match again. it was just a matter of when, and there was no better place than in NJPW, ZSJ's home turf. Looking to get his own win in this rematch, ZSJ was a little more aggressive than he was in their first encounter, but it was still a complete masterclass in technical mat wrestling, where both men were countering and countering some more. Although a bit more aggressive than their first encounter at WrestleDream, this match had both men in fantastic condition to further their story of the true best technical wrestler of their generations. Danielson was more ahead on points this time around unlike their first encounter, but barely both times. Counters and standing switches were just as common and frequent as in their first match, if not more so. Even with ZSJ's leg being prevalently worked on by a focused Danielson, he still managed to get a crucifix hold in to pin Danielson in a sensational thirty-minute classic. Much like the two Omega vs. Ospreay matches, one can make an argument that the second match was better, but someone else could state the original was better. Either way, this was a match that was every bit as wonderful and beautiful in the most masculine, athletic way possible. Pure, technical wrestling from perhaps its two best masters. Just like the aforementioned match of Danielson vs. Okada, the match rivalry is even at one a piece. If, or when, we get that final match, you can bet it could be quite possibly the greatest mat wrestling match of all-time.
Check it out here
5. Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita
AEW Revolution '24
The time had finally come for Will Ospreay to make his full-time debut in AEW, and it was against his fellow Callis Family associate, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita at AEW Revolution. Ospreay had been a member of this "family" since 2023 just in time for his much-anticipated rematch against Kenny Omega at last year's Forbidden Door. Keep in mind, he's the only babyface within this heel faction. Callis wanted to put his two best against each other as means for an exhibition. The crowd was absolutely on their feet for Ospreay's arrival and the fact that this, on paper alone, looked to be an outstanding one, and that it absolutely was. These two outstanding young athletes presented a monstrous outing for the fans in Greensboro and for everybody watching. From all the brutal suplexes, forearms, and kicks, it came down to Ospreay's devastating looking Hidden Blade elbow and his Storm Breaker to definitively pin the ever-gamey Takeshita in the best possible match Ospreay could have for his official AEW debut. While it can be argued that Takeshita is arguably the most underachieved star in the company today, his continued excellent performances hopefully will result in a championship or two soon. Meanwhile, Ospreay is the most exciting and thrilling wrestler on the planet for a reason, and this was yet one more example. Stay tuned, there are plenty more where this acclaim comes from.
Check it out here
4. Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland
AEW World Championship
AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door '24
When two of the best wrestlers in all the world get together for a match, it's a huge deal, much less when it's for the World Championship. That was the case at AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door. At AEW Dynasty, Ospreay faced Bryan Danielson in a match that will be forever remembered for years and generations to come. However, later in the show, Swerve made history by defeating Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship and becoming the first Black man to hold such an honor. Fans knew that, at some point, the match would have to happen, as Ospreay is arguably positioned as the company's biggest babyface, even more than the champ himself. While Ospreay is as clear of a babyface as one can get, Swerve is rough around the edges more. He's not afraid to do a low blow here and there, not afraid to verbally eviscerate, and not afraid to get in one's head. Thus was the case in the build to this encounter and Swerve brought up Will's real-life wife and stepson in a promo. The seeds were indeed planted to be way more than a competitive match for the Title. This all culminated in the (confusing and pointless) weigh-in for these two, as there was a brawl at the stage that resulted in Swerve getting his head almost taken off with Ospreay's Hidden Blade. This was just a week or two after Swerve knocked Ospreay's block off with Swerve's House Call finisher. After weeks of button pushing and getting to personal levels, we finally arrived at the main event for Forbidden Door and MY GOD did they deliver! While many almost overwhelmingly felt Ospreay was about to be a double champion just like Mercedes Mone earlier in the evening, Swerve was about to make a believer out of any naysayer again. The action was all day intense and Swerve, quite frankly, looked outstanding here. We all know Ospreay is the best wrestler on the planet, but Swerve elevated his game even higher than it already was here. The finish involved a few stories all at one time. Ospreay was conflicted about using the screwdriver Ospreay used against Kenny Omega a year ago at Forbidden Door and deiced against using it on Swerve and Prince Nana. Also, Ospreay was once again hesitant to use the dreaded Storm Driver '93 that has been known to (kayfabe) nearly break Bryan Danielson's neck. At the end, Swerve, after punishment to Ospreay (especially that DEVASTATING Swerve Stomp on Ospreay through the announcer's table), decided to put Ospreay out of his misery and delivered the awesome looking Big Pressure Driver for the pinfall win. With Swerve encouraging an emotional Ospreay, we saw two of the absolute finest in wrestling today put on a memorable match that both men can put in their upper echelon of prized matches, especially Swerve. This was quite the defining match for him especially as it was time for Swerve to officially affirm himself as THAT performer as the World Champion, and this was the match that did it in magnificent fashion. As for Ospreay, this was another day in the office for him, and both men came out even better than they did going in, if that's even possible.
3. Will Ospreay vs. Kazuchika Okada
NJPW Battle At The Valley '24
It would be safe to say Will Ospreay became virtually a god among insects this year, and really the last few years as well. No matter who he has faced, it's been at the very least, the match of the evening or week. When you step in the ring with an all-time legend like Kazuchika Okada, we change the levels. These two are no strangers to each other whatsoever, as these two were a part of the babyface faction, CHAOS, in NJPW. It was in 2019 when Ospreay turned against Okada and CHAOS and wanted to become his own boss, thus the formation of United Empire in 2020. As far as facing each other goes, these two have had several encounters against each other, with Okada getting the better of him in most instances, but even in defeat, Ospreay would look outstanding in his efforts. The best outing they've had to date was their match at Wrestle Kingdom 16, in which Okada defeated Ospreay to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Title in truly an unforgettable encounter. Their previous matchup was at Kingdom 15, and an almost as outstanding battle. Not to mention their EPIC match in the G1 Climax of 2022. Now we turn our focus to Ospreay vs. Okada at New Japan's Battle At The Valley event in San Jose, CA. With Ospreay wrapping up his New Japan and RevPro careers to go to AEW, he needed one more momentous match (notwithstanding the aforementioned Dog Pound Cage Match from New Beginnings In Osaka), and he didn't have to look any further than Okada, who likewise was wrapping up his New Japan career for AEW as well. In this their farewell matches, these two engaged each other in another matchup that ranks up there with the rest of their exceptional matches. These two knew each other so well in the match that there were counters a-plenty. Okada was smooth as silk, like he usually is, however even turned up the volume throughout this match as well. Ospreay, who can adapt to virtually any style imaginable, was right there with Okada with offense and counters being of equal value from him. One particularly awesome counter was him power bombing Okada out the blue as Okada was attempting his world-renowned dropkick. After a thunderous Rainmaker, Okada defeated Ospreay in a nearly thirty-minute epic that exemplified the sheer talent these two possessed in the ring and even showed each other respect and admiration afterwards. Despite both men being jumped by the BC War Dogs shortly after this sign of respect (they were eventually chased out by the UE and Eddie Kingston), Okada and Ospreay are masters at their particular crafts, and we simply can't wait for the next chapter in the stellar rivalry that is Okada and Ospreay.
2. Will Ospreay vs. Michael Oku
RevPro British Commonwealth Title
RevPro High Stakes '24
The final match Will Ospreay had before officially becoming a full-time star with AEW was his THRILLING encounter with RevPro British Commonwealth Champion, Michael Oku. This match was subsequently a rematch from their prior match in 2021 in which Ospreay was the winner in a match was already considered one of the best matches of the early decade throughout wrestling, not just for RevPro. Oku had been on a roll since, especially winning the Title from United Empire's Great O-Khan at RevPro's Epic Encounter in 2023. Oku had been haunted with the images of losing to Ospreay back in 2021 and felt he was never given the respect and the accolades Ospreay ended up receiving after the match. The time had come at RevPro's biggest annual event, High Stakes, for Ospreay to finish up his business with Oku, but for Oku, this was a means to get the stain of that loss from 2021 off of him and move on with his very bright career. From the onset, you could tell Oku was having none of the mind games from the heel Ospreay here. A lot surer of himself and a lot more confident with himself as well going into the match and by the start of the bell. A lot of offensive moves you typically see Ospreay do Oku was doing as well, and it was slightly throwing Ospreay off his game. Undeterred, Ospreay started coming back with a more methodical approach to his game much like the last encounter, while also utilizing his typical aerial offense as well. With both men bloodied, the match turned up in temperature progressively and before too long, Oku came back in even stronger fashion. We, then, started to get a back-and-forth affair with counter after counter starting to rule. It hit new levels when Oku's girlfriend, Amira, got hit with a Hidden Blade from Ospreay presumably by accident (Ospreay earlier kicked her as she spat on him so who knows?) and this was what Oku needed to rev his battery backup. After a PHENOMENAL forty-seven minutes of some of the most incredible in-ring storytelling you'll find this entire decade if not over the past couple, Oku finally did it. He defeated Ospreay with a deeply leaned-in single leg Boston Crab for the tap out. Folks, this was pure magic. Ospreay did what Ospreay does and that's being the absolute best performer in the world today, and among the greatest of all-time. On the other hand, this night belonged to Michael Oku, a young champion that needed THAT one win to elevate his stature in the game, and this was it. If it was not for this next entry, this would've been an easy pick for MOTY so far, and rightfully so. The ten minute plus standing ovation from the British crowd (not to mention the 'Thank you Tony' chants as Tony Khan was in the building watching the event) was evidenced of this. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer gave this a ridiculous "six stars" rating and for tremendous reason. This was absolutely an all-timer and one nobody that had the privilege if watching will soon forget.
Check it out here
1. Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson
AEW Dynasty
What do you do when you have arguably THE two best in-ring performers in the world and definitely two all-time greats face each other for the first time ever? The question answered in the form of Bryan Danielson against Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty. When Ospreay got signed officially to AEW, there were fantasy bookings a-plenty and this match was among the very top of most fantasy bookers' lists. The IWC and every fantasy booker alive went nuts when the match was announced as a reality. Advertised as a "Dream Match", this was the epitome of what a dream match is supposed to be. When one looks back as modern-day dream matches, we can go back to matches such as Sting & Lex Luger vs. The Steiners from the first SuperBrawl or The Steiners vs. The Miracle Violence Connection at the Clash in '92 or even as recent as Ospreay vs. Omega from Wrestle Kingdom 17. Those matches you never thought you would see but could visualize it happening. This is one of those matches. In the build-up to the match, both men would face the same opponent in the ever tough and extremely formidable, Ketsuyuri Shibata, in tremendous matches that would have both men struggle for their wins. The tension here was night and d ay different from Ospreay's tension against Swerve, as there was no physical activity between these two as opposed to, he and Swerve and how personal it got, even in spite of the mutual professional respect. Once the bell rang for this match, there was an immediate standing ovation and plenty of "HOLY SHIT" chants and "This is awesome" chants within the first couple of minutes. We won't drag this out. This was a masterpiece of a match. A true game of human chess, as you had the most technically perfect wrestler of his generation in Danielson against the best overall performer in the world in Ospreay and each man showed their God-given gifts and athleticism. The first eight or so minutes were worth more than your average thirty-minute match just by the chemistry both men showed between each other. Danielson knew how to counter practically every bit of offense Ospreay threw in his direction, but Ospreay brought offense to Danielson that rocked the Washington native on several occasions, including a Hidden Blade from the apron to Danielson on the outside. Danielson, however, would show his presence of studying the exciting Ospreay by delivering a flying knee strike when Ospreay was going for an Os Cutter. The dramatic finish came when Ospreay delivered a CRAZY Storm Driver '92 to Danielson, which depending on the camera angle, made it look like Danielson landed on his neck and not on his shoulder like it ended up being (think last year's impact to Omega at their amazing Forbidden Door encounter). From there, as Danielson is selling his ass off, Ospreay took Danielson's head off with his Hidden Blade for the pinfall win in a match that was a work of art. Although the conclusion was dramatic and was selling an injury angle, the match itself belongs in the GOAT category for modern wrestling. As Danielson is closing in on full-time in-ring retirement, he's still showing why he'' mentioned in the same respect as Flair, Bret Hart, Angle, and HBK. He's wrestling brilliance mixed with undying and unparallel passion. Meanwhile Ospreay is a thirty-two-year-old phenom that has captured the imagination of a generation. His revolutionary, state of the art style is as transformative for the business as the likes of Jushin Liger, Hayabusa, and Rey Mysterio before him. Able to show range once the pandemic hit and became more methodical and systematic as much as he was aerial, he became a well-balanced performer who knew how to be THAT star for today. Good luck for anyone to match or to even come close to matching the magic and brilliance we witnessed for over thirty minutes. We mention all of the Okada vs. Omega matches or any of the Steamboat vs. Flair encounters or even Ospreay's matches against Omega, Okada, or Takagi. Bottom line: this one match belongs with them all. This was...in a word...WOW!
Check it out here
Honorable Mentions
Bryan Danielson vs. Blue Panther/CMLL Super Viernes
Will Ospreay vs. David Finlay vs. Jon Moxley/NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zach Sabre Jr./NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
Tama Tonga vs. Shingo Takagi/NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
FTR & Daniel Garcia vs. House Of Black/AEW Collision 1-13
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada/NJPW New Beginning In Osaka
Volodor Jr vs. Rocky Romero/NJPW/CMLL Fantastico Mania Night 6
FTR vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley/AEW Revolution '24
Swerve Strickland vs. Samoa Joe vs. Hangman Page/AEW Revolution '24
Shareee & Chichiro Hashimoto vs. Cosmic Angels/Stardom Cinderella Tournament
Michael Oku vs. Leo Rush/wXw 16K Gold Tournament
Bryan Danielson vs. Ketsuyori Shibata/AEW Collision 3-16
Adam Copeland vs. Christian Cage/AEW Dynamite 3-20
BCC & Matt Sydal vs. Blue Dragon, Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero, & Volodor Jr/CMLL Homenaje A Dos Leyendas
Dijak vs. Oba Femi vs. Josh Briggs/NXT Stand & Deliver
Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Roman Reigns/WWE Wrestlemania XL night 1
Sami Zayn vs. Gunther/WWE Wrestlemania XL Night 1
Bayley vs. Io Skyy/WWE Wrestlemania XL Night 2
Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley/WWE Wrestlemania XL Night 1
Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable/WWE Raw 4-15
Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Mone/AEW Double Or Nothing '24
PAC vs. Kazuchika Okada/AEW Dynasty
Swerve Strickland vs. Samoa Joe/AEW Dynasty
Randy Orton & Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga/WWE Backlash
Chuck Taylor vs. Trent Beretta/AEW Rampage 4-27
Crazy Star vs. YoungOED vs. FWC vs. 02Line/Stardom Grand Queendom '24
Maika vs. Momo Wantabe/Stardom Grand Queendom '24
Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles/Clash At The Castle
Mustafa Ali vs. Ace Austin/TNA Under Siege
Will Ospreay vs. Rey Fenix/AEW Dynamite 6-12
El Desperado vs. Taiji Ishimori/NJPW Dominion '24
Will Ospreay vs. Kyle O' Reilly/AEW Collision 6-1
Team AEW vs. The New Elite/AEW Double Or Nothing '24
Will Ospreay vs. Roderick Strong/AEW Double Or Nothing '24
Nic Nemeth vs. Steve Maclin/TNA Sacrifice
Josh Alexander vs. Hammerstone/TNA Sacrifice
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Masa Kitamaya/NOAH Star Navigation Day 6
Shingo Takagi vs. Gabe Kidd/NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Night 2
Swerve Strickland vs. Christian Cage/AEW Double Or Nothing '24
Adam Copeland vs. Malaki Black/AEW Double Or Nothing '24
Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo Takagi/AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door '24
Kento Miyahara vs. Yuma Anzai/AJPW Super Power Series '24 Day One
Eddie Kingston vs. Gabe Kidd/NJPW Strong Resurgence
Jon Moxley vs. Josh Barnett/Bloodsport Bushido
Mustafa Ali vs. Chris Sabin/TNA No Surrender '24
ABC vs. GYV/TNA No Surrender '24
There were PLENTY of other matches that belonged on this list and/or the HMs, as this year has been THAT exceptional so far. Several generational matches have already taken place and we are just now entering the second half of the year. With wildly anticipated events on the horizon such as Summerslam, All In: London, All Out, the G1 Climax tournament, the RevPro Anniversary show, Slammiversary, and Bash In Berlin, one can bet there will be numerous other matches that will belong on these lists as this looks to be another year that will go down in history as one of the most exciting and compelling years for wrestling of the modern era. Stay tuned for more history-making matches in 2024!
