Wrestling's Finest: The Best Matches From NWA/WCW

What's going on everybody?  This salute goes to a company that is among the richest in tradition in all of wrestling history.  Going back to the days of the Crockett family in the fifties and sixties, on up through the seventies until billionaire media mogul Ted Turner acquired the promotion in the early nineties, the NWA has been responsible for many of the sport's most memorable matches throughout time.  Once it went from the National Wrestling Alliance to World Championship Wrestling, even more memories flourished.  In fact, WCW was for the purist as heart in terms of wrestling, much like the AWA and Verne Gagne.  Once the mid-nineties came, a resounding change occurred, in which it was no longer a southern thing.  It became worldwide, having partnerships and talent exchanges with Mexico and NJPW.  Plus, the emergence of the NWO completely turned the wrestling world on its ear and actually defeated WWE for over a year straight in the ratings.  With that, here are several of the most impactful matches in the company's history.

25. Sting & Lex Luger vs. The Steiner Brothers

WCW World Tag Team Titles

SuperBrawl I

On paper, this was a dream match.  The best tag team on the planet at that time in Rick & Scott Steiner against close friends Sting and Lex Luger.  What was already a great pay per view in Superbrawl at that point got even hotter with this encounter.  This wasn't a long match, as this was barely under ten minutes, but those minutes were on fire with back-and-forth action.  While we weren't crazy with the finish, as Nikita Koloff blindsided and bloodied Sting for The Steiners to pick up the win, the match itself, in those few minutes were intense and makes one wonder what would've happened had there been another ten plus minutes.

24. Diamond Dallas Page vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage

Great American Bash '97

This was quite possibly the best rivalry DDP was ever involved in within his career.  Who better than against an all-time great like Randy Savage?  Pushing boundaries like involving wives and families was just the boiling point needed to have some highly intense struggles between the two men.  Their rivalry was most exhibited at The Great American Bash of '97 in the height of the NWO era.  This was a hell of a match presented by Page and Savage was just begin the great in-ring general he hads always been.

23. The Road Warriors, Nikita Koloff, Dusty Rhodes, and Paul Ellering vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger, and JJ Dillon/War Games

Great American Bash '87

One of the most exciting gimmick matches in the sport at that time was War Games, a match in which there were two rings side by side with a fifteen-foot cage with a roof on top (think miniature Hell in A Cell) surrounding them.  Usually the matches comprised of two teams of four or five and the only way to win was submission, surrender, or if the referee stopped the match after all eight or ten men had entered the ring.  The first one on record was between the team of Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, The Road Warriors and their manager Paul Ellering against The Horsemen and their manager JJ Dillon.  This match was a true, all-out fight.  There was blood and brutality all the way around.  In fact, there were numerous injuries in the match, especially Dillon's severely separated shoulder.  There would be plenty more War Games matches, but this was the first one, and it was damn good.

22. The Fantastics vs. The Sheepherders

Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Tag Team Tournament '86

Way before the world knew them as The Bushwhackers, Luke Williams and Butch Miller were the sadistic Sheepherders.  They were quite the physical and sick team throughout New Zealand, Canada, and the southern territories.  Perhaps their most known rivalry was the one they had with Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers, The Fantastics.  These teams spilled plenty of blood everywhere they fought, but at the Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Tag Team Tournament of '86, they fought an incredible match that many still believe is the best match Luke and Butch had within their careers.  This was a rivalry that many longtime southern fans will quickly remember as one of the most vicious, but in this match, this was every bit as passionate and one of the best tag team matches you would ever see in the eighties.

21. Southern Boys vs. Midnight Express

The Great American Bash '90

Originating from Baltimore, The Great American Bash '90 was most known as the event that Sting finally became the man and defeated Ric Flair to win his first World Heavyweight Title.  However, there were many that were quite compelled by another match on that card, and it was the very first match.  Jim Cornette's Midnight Express of Bobby Eaton and Sweet Stan were one of the most fantastic teams on planet Earth, but there was a young up-and-coming team named The Southern Boys that were gaining steam.  Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong (brother of Brad, Scott, and Brian "Road Dogg") gave The Express absolutely all they could handle in what was a surprisingly very excellent match that really set the tone for a memorable event.

20. Cactus Jack vs. Vader

Texas Death Match

Halloween Havoc '93

One of the most vicious rivalries in the entire industry in the early nineties was the one between Cactus Jack and Vader.  Vader was quite the brutal stiff-hander and we obviously know how violent Cactus was during those days, so the rivalry was almost meant to happen.  We had never seen anyone take it to Vader like Cactus did at this time, and between the numerous head and facial injuries Vader had given him, it all came to a head at Halloween Havoc of '93 in a bloody Texas Death Match that saw both men just beat the living hell out of each other in a match that not only showed Mick Foley's devout toughness, but that Vader was without question, one of the most destructive men in the world.

19. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko

WCW Cruiserweight Title

The Great American Bash '96

The Bash of '96 was known for a couple of things.  One was when Eric Bischoff got powerbombed off the stage through a table by newcomers Hall & Nash, as well as the highly entertaining Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan Falls Count Anywhere match.  However, the match that stole the entire show was the match between Dean Malenko and Rey Mysterio jr. for Dean's Cruiserweight Title.  This match was dazzling, and showed that the smaller guy can upstage anything the bigger guys were doing at this point.  Yes, there were matches that were entertaining from a fighting standpoint, but in terms of straight athleticism and competition, nothing held a candle to this match.

18. Magnum TA vs. Tully Blanchard

I Quit Cage Match

Starrcade '85

Talk about a feud between two people that went beyond kayfabe.  These guys genuinely and legitimately couldn't stand each other.  One of the first known true scandals in the game, Magnum was married to Tully's ex-wife and raising Tully's children (reportedly) so before there was Kurt vs. Jeff and Matt vs. Edge, this was the real deal scandalous feud.  It resonated even more on camera in one of the most personal and intense feuds around.  Many memorable bloodlettings occurred between them, but it all culminated in an I Quit Cage Match.  Folks, this was absolutely brutal.  Like, it could literally stand up against anything of today's standards and give it a run for its money.  These two PUNISHED each other until a bloodied Blanchard screamed "YES" in response to the ref asking if he had quit.  This match was hardcore before hardcore was the thing to do.

17. Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Flyin' Brian Pillman

SuperBrawl II

Jushin "Thunder" Liger is highly recognized as one of the true innovators of the junior heavyweight/cruiserweight style all over the world.  His resume is that of legend.  He faced WCW's own version of Liger in the form of Brian Pillman in a great match filled with high flying and high risk maneuvers.  This was truthfully a match ahead of its time, as mainstream American wrestling wasn't extremely used to a fast, high-flying style throughout a whole match.  These two put on a mighty fine exhibition of where the cruiserweights and junior heavyweights could go in America.

16. Ultimo Dragon vs. Dean Malenko

WCW Cruiserweight Title

Starrcade '96

Ultimo Dragon is considered to be one of the single most decorated and accomplished champions in wrestling history.  At one point, he won the J-Crown Tournament and held ten championships all at one time.  Nobody has yet to accomplish such a feat.  At Starrcade '96, he faced another internationally recognized cruiserweight in WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Dean Malenko, in what was an amazing one on one encounter that displayed just how great Dragon was as a performer beyond Japan and Mexico, as well as how incredible Malenko was being seen as.  This was the most talked about wrestling match during the entire Starrcade event.

15. Sting vs. Lex Luger

WCW World Heavyweight Title

SuperBrawl II

In '92, the spot was open for the next big face of WCW, being that Flair had left.  Everyone knew it was Sting, but he needed a great antagonist to stand in his way of the conquest.  Enter Lex Luger, his real life best friend and former business partner.  On camera, Lex had become heel once again and was WCW Champion under the the managerial tutelage of Harley Race.  This match was a changing of the guard, as Sting solidified the torch being passed to him to officially carry the company on his back, but the match to get him there was a complete struggle, as this was one of Luger's best matches.

14. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

WCW U.S. Heavyweight Title/Ironman Match

Beach Blast '92

The legend affectionately known as "The Dragon" was known for some of the most memorable rivalries in the business, primarily his iconic rivalry with Ric Flair.  However, one feud that doesn't get as much praise as it should is his rivalry with Rick Rude in '92 over the U.S. title.  Their months long rivalry culminated into a thirty-minute Ironman Match at Beach Blast '92.  This was yet another match that showed the magnificent working ability of Steamboat, but also showed that Rude was almost just as great of an in-ring worker, as the story they told in the ring was simply great.  One of the best Ironman matches ever seen.

13. Ric Flair vs. Vader

WCW World Heavyweight Title/Career vs. Title

Starrcade '93

What a buildup.  This match saw Flair putting his (at that time) two decades plus career on the line against the mighty behemoth Vader for his World Title.  The story leading to the main event was quite emotional as they filmed shots of him with his children (including WWE's Charlotte at a very young age), as well as the long ride up independence Blvd. towards the arena.  The match itself showed Flair's heart, grit, and toughness against a vicious Vader.  At the end Flair walked out with another World Title, but the match is considered among Starrcade's most emotionally driven matches.

12. Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

SuperBrawl I

Many consider the Japanese version of Ric Flair, in terms of accomplishments, in "The Dragon" Tatsumi Fujinami, who at the time was a dual champion, as he was IWGP Champion and NWA World Heavyweight Champion.  Flair lost to him at the much revered Japan Supershow, and this was the rematch.  This was an exquisite technical match, as both men showed why they're among the very best at their craft.  This was such an evenly wrestled match, and at an event that was so incredible as it was, this main event was the cherry on the sundae.

11. Sting, Flyin' Brian Pillman, & The Steiner Brothers vs. Ric Flair, Barry Windham, Sid Vicious, & Larry Zbysko/War Games

Wrestle War '91

War Games was traditionally the most anticipated gimmick match of the year within the NWA/WCW years, and this particular one of the very best.  Sting captained a team consisting of himself, Brian Pillman, and The Steiners against Flair, Windham and Vicious of The Horseman, and Larry Zybysko, who was filling in for a legit hurt Arn Anderson.  This match was as brutal as expected, but the story revolved around the smaller Pillman, who had come into the match kayfabe injured, but showed his toughness.  In the end, it was Vicious' two power bombs (one was legit botched) that decided the fate of Sting's team, but this is definitely considered among the best War Games matches during that era.

10. Barry Windham vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

Crockett Cup '87

Barry Windham was one of the most naturally gifted in-ring competitors to ever grace the ring.  During this time, this second-generation athlete was just on the cusp of stardom when he fought Ric Flair for the NWA Title at the HIGHLY underrated Crockett Cup tournament of '87.  In what was overall a decent night of action, this was the main event, and this match was very, VERY good and showed just how much of a star Windham had the capability of becoming.  Of course that next year, he would end up becoming a Horseman so go figure.

9. Lex Luger vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

Starrcade '88

Not long after he turned on The Horsemen, Lex Luger challenged Flair for the NWA Title at Starrcade '88, and much like others before him such as Sting and Barry Windham, his career was solidified after this match.  Luger showed his enormous potential to be a household, worldwide star, and he brought it.  This rivalry should be considered among the best rivalries during the eighties and of course Flair making Luger look like a million dollars showed how much he believed in "The Total Package".  This match was Flair at his working and selling best, and his ability to still walk out the champ made you either hate him that much more or respect him that much more.

8. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Eddie Guerrero

WCW Cruiserweight Title/Title vs. Mask

Halloween Havoc '97

Talk about two of the greatest in-ring competitors to exist.  Rey Mystery Jr. and the late, great Eddie Guerrero provided magic anytime they stepped inside the ring against each other.  While they resumed their rivalry in WWE years later, this particular match stands as their absolute best.  It was Eddie's Cruiserweight Title against Rey Rey's mask, and this match EASILY stole the show on an athletic storytelling level at Halloween Havoc of '97.  Two of the most iconic luchadors of this or any era were engaged in a contest that many still regard as the best contest they've seen either of them compete in.

7. Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk

NWA World Heavyweight Title

The Great American Bash '89

While we all mention names such as Dusty Rhodes, Sting, and Ricky Steamboat as Flair's greatest rivals, we can't, in all truth and honesty, forget about his bloody rivalry with Terry Funk.  The crazy man from Amarillo, TX was hardcore before it became popular to be so, but was also a fantastic in-ring worker as well.  Flair had returned after two months from a neck injury Funk inflicted upon him after Flair's unreal match against Steamboat at Wrestle War '89 and the two engaged in a hell of a war at The Bash.  Both men would end up bloodied, and there was a brawl after the match between them, The Great Muta, and Sting that showed that this rivalry would continue.  However, this match was the beginning of one of the most underrated rivalries of the eighties in NWA/WCW.

6. Sting, Nikita Koloff, Dustin Rhodes, Barry Windham, and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (Sting's Squadron) vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude, "Stunning" Steve Austin, Arn Anderson, "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton, and Larry Zybysko (The Dangerous Alliance)/War Games

Wrestle War '92

There was never a more intense, violent, and brutal War Games match than the one at Wrestle War '92 between Sting's Squadron and The Dangerous Alliance, a faction headed by Paul Heyman when he was the shiesty Paul E. Dangerously.  An already heavily intense rivalry going into the match, this War Games was an all-out bloodletter.  A few of the men were severely lacerated (Dustin and Austin especially) but the shear toughness we witnessed from everyone involved is to be highly commended in this ruthless display of guts and supremacy.  This was the epitome of an enclosed street fight and everyone delivered.  Just remember before there was Hell in A Cell and Elimination Chamber, there was War Games, and this particular one was grotesquely beautiful.

5. Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk

I Quit Match

Clash Of the Champions: New York Knockout

Near the end of '89, the Flair/Funk rivalry had reached an incredible climax, and it was time to settle it all.  This was bigger than Flair's World Title.  This was a deeply embedded rivalry about who the true greatest was, and at the Clash in Troy, NY, these two got engaged in a phenomenal I Quit match.  While Funk was at his craftiest best, the story was Flair and an utter intensity we rarely saw at this time.  This was some next level intensity from "The Nature Boy", as he very aggressively delivered a beating to Funk that resulted in the Texas legend screaming, in front of the world, "I quit".  A definite classic going into the nineties, nobody outperformed and outwrestled Flair in the sport during this time.  Absolutely no one.

4. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

Chi-Town Rumble '89

The first of the most legendary trilogy of matches perhaps in wrestling history occurred at Chi-Town Rumble of '89, as Steamboat and Flair competed for Flair's World Title.  This match was just, as Larry Zybysko would call "a game of human chess", as two masters competed in wrestling brilliance.  This marked Steamboat's first and only World Title reign in NWA, but he defeated Flair in a display of what perfect chemistry really is inside the ring. Steamboat was already considered one of the best in-ring workers in the business at this time, but he was put on a whole other level at this time.  Yes, this is better than the match he had against Randy Savage at Wrestlemania III, and that's really saying something. A must watch for wrestling purists.

3. Sting vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

Clash Of the Champions '88

When we talk about stars getting made and careers breaking out, there's no better example of this than when Sting faced Flair for the NWA World Title at the first Clash of The Champions from Greensboro in '88.  Sting, at this time, was the proverbial guy who needed that one match to shatter the ceiling, and the match he had with Flair did just that and then some.  The chemistry displayed between them paralleled Flair rivalries with the likes of Dusty and that next year Steamboat.  We witnessed the birth of a young Venice Beach native becoming an official somebody in the sport, and this match that ended in a forty-five-minute draw proved it and it became the beginning of a truly legendary career.

2. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title/2 Out Of 3 Falls

Clash Of the Champions: Ragin' Cajun

The New Orleans Superdome was the home of a truly magical event in the form of "Steamboat/Flair II."  This was the rematch from Chi-Town Rumble when Steamboat won the World Title from Flair, and this time it was a Best of Three Falls match.  Yet another display of wrestling mastery and athletic precision, these two legends competed in what many call, to this day, the greatest Best of Three Falls match of all-time, as these two wrestled for nearly an hour.  No gimmicks, just pure wrestling at its absolute best.  This match is simply golden and for the pursuits of heart, this is one that will leave you speechless.  Although the finish was controversial, it set the stage for their final encounter, but this match is a wrestling masterpiece.

1. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Ric Flair

NWA World Heavyweight Title

Wrestle War '89

The finale of the greatest on-air trilogy of all-time in wrestling occurred at Wrestle War '89, as Steamboat defended the NWA Title against Flair, as Flair was going for World Title reign number six.  Not a lot to say here except this was arguably the most perfect wrestling match of all-time.  Arguably better than their prior two meetings (word has it that their matches were even better at arena and house shows, which is beyond the realm of thought), this match showed what true WRESTLING, chemistry, psychology, and storytelling is all about.  This was the match that made it okay to be a wrestling fan, as these two beautifully displayed athleticism in such magnificence that they really couldn't replicate it in later years.  Steamboat showed he was head and shoulders above most of his peers, but Flair won his sixth title, and proved that he was indeed "the man".  Although the moment afterwards was marred by a vicious assault from Terry Funk upon Flair, this match was, is, and will always be wrestling perfection.  

Honorable Mentions

Flair/Anderson vs. Hollywood Blondes (Clash 23)
Goldberg vs. DDP (Halloween Havoc '98)
Benoit vs. Sullivan (Great American Bash '96)
Cactus Jack/Maxx Payne vs. Nasty Boys (Spring Stampede '94)
Cactus Jack/Sullivan vs. Nasty Boys (Slamboree '94)
Sting/Luger/Savage vs. Hall & Nash (Bash At The Beach '96)
Hart vs. Benoit (WCW Nitro '99)
Sting vs. Cactus Jack (Beach Blast '92)
Hogan vs. Flair (Bash At The Beach '94)
Booker vs. Benoit (Great American Bash '98)
Benoit vs. Malenko (Hog Wild '96)
Sting vs. Vader (Superbrawl III)
Steamboat vs. Flair (Spring Stampede '94)
Fantastics vs. Midnight Express (Clash Of The Champions '88)
Luger/Windham vs. Anderson/Blanchard (Clash Of The Champions '88)

As you can see, NWA/WCW is very rich in outstanding, classic wrestling and are responsible for the some of the memorable matches in the sport's history.  Many would say they actually are the bar for pure, traditional professional wrestling.  Sadly, in today's times, NWA/WCW isn't mentioned quite as much as they should be, albeit it gets a decent amount of love on the WWE Network.  What can't be disputed is the historic impact they made on the sport and its unbelievably rich legacy.  For new and younger fans that would love to see true beauty displayed in the form of athletic showmanship (wrestling), find these matches, and more, to fully revel in the art that was the NWA/WCW.  Until next time!

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!