Here, we are counting down the Top 10 Best Matches of AEW – So Far. There have been countless absolute banger matches in AEW, so this has been extremely difficult and I know that I will have missed some off the list (let me know in the comments).
We start off with…
10. Hangman Page vs. PAC – Full Gear 2019
Kicking off our list is the incredible showdown between Hangman Adam Page and PAC at Full Gear 2019. Pac made his debut in AEW in 2019 and made a statement by defeating Kenny Omega. He then set his sights on Hangman and they had a match at Full Gear.
Page landed his Deadeye finisher, securing the victory after 18 grueling minutes. This win was significant for Page, marking PAC’s first pinfall loss in AEW. While praised for its aggression and storytelling, the match’s pacing dragged slightly in the middle, though the strong finish left fans satisfied.
9. The Young Bucks vs. FTR – Full Gear 2020
I actually had another FTR match in this spot – their match against The Bucks at Full Gear, however, I then remembered this match!! What an absolutely cracking match between these two teams. If I remember correctly, this match went around an hour long on an episode of Collision (when Collision was decent) and it blew my mind.
A 2 out of 3 falls match that went to the wire, with FTR picking up a 2-1 victory. I may have to think about moving this match up the list!
8. Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega – Lights Out Match at Full Gear 2019
The Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega “Lights Out” match at AEW Full Gear 2019 is widely regarded as one of the most intense and brutal matches in AEW history. It was a non-sanctioned match, meaning the results wouldn’t be officially recognized by AEW, allowing the competitors to go all out without consequences.
The match started off with the typical chaotic energy, but it quickly escalated into a bloody and violent spectacle. Moxley and Omega used a variety of weapons, including glass, barbed wire, and a steel chair. One of the most memorable spots came when Omega introduced a barbed-wire board, which both men would crash through at various points. Moxley also took a devastating spot when Omega hit him with a V-Trigger knee, sending Moxley through a pile of thumbtacks.
Throughout the match, Omega’s offense was particularly vicious, highlighting his willingness to push his limits, while Moxley showed resilience and a never-say-die attitude, proving why he’s one of AEW’s toughest fighters. The match reached its climax when Omega attempted a dramatic move, the One-Winged Angel, but it was countered into a DDT onto the barbed wire, and eventually Moxley was able to secure the victory after a brutal series of finishing moves and interference.
The overall chaos and willingness of both men to put their bodies through such extreme punishment earned the match rave reviews for its storytelling and the sheer physicality involved. Moxley and Omega both emerged as major stars after the match, and it set the stage for their future rivalry in AEW.
7. Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Jericho – Full Gear 2019
At AEW All Out 2019, Cody Rhodes faced Chris Jericho for the AEW World Championship in a high-stakes match with a unique stipulation: if Cody lost, he could never challenge for the AEW World Championship again. The intense match showcased Cody’s resilience and Jericho’s veteran cunning, with both wrestlers using technical and physical tactics to gain the upper hand. Jericho ultimately retained the title after MJF, Cody’s ally, threw in the towel, signaling the end of Cody’s pursuit of the title. This moment also set up MJF’s infamous betrayal, sparking a long-running feud between the two.
Did Cody back himself into a corner with this stipulation? Many think he did, as he stuck to his word and never challenged for the AEW World Title again, and later jumped over to WWE.
6. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. vs. Thunder Rosa – AEW Women’s Championship, St. Patrick’s Day Slam
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa at AEW’s St. Patrick’s Day Slam 2021 was a historic Lights Out match that solidified its place as one of the greatest women’s bouts in wrestling history. Taking place in the main event, it was a brutal, unsanctioned clash filled with extreme violence and storytelling, showcasing the culmination of their intense rivalry.
The match featured weapons such as steel chairs, ladders, and tables, with both women pushing their limits. Highlights included Baker’s bloody face becoming a striking visual, Thunder Rosa’s high-risk offense, and the unforgettable moment when Rosa delivered a Fire Thunder Driver onto a table to secure the victory. Baker’s resilience and Rosa’s determination drew critical acclaim, emphasizing both performers’ toughness.
This match not only elevated the women’s division but also gained universal praise for its storytelling and physicality, setting a new standard in AEW.
5. Will Ospreay vs Konosuke Takeshita – Revolution 2024
The match between Will Ospreay and Konosuke Takeshita at AEW Dynasty 2024 was an instant classic, showcasing their incredible athleticism and storytelling ability. This was a first-time matchup between two highly regarded stars, and it delivered on the hype. Ospreay’s signature high-flying offense meshed perfectly with Takeshita’s strength and striking, creating a dynamic and engaging bout.
Both competitors brought their best, with the pacing building steadily toward an explosive climax. Ospreay utilized his precision strikes and aerial prowess, while Takeshita countered with powerful moves that highlighted his resilience. The match was highly praised by critics for its technical excellence and emotional depth, setting a high bar for the rest of the night.
Ospreay himself reflected on the bout, emphasizing the respect he holds for Takeshita as an opponent. He described their clash as a perfect blend of mutual admiration and the drive to push each other to their limits, adding that the intensity of their moves showcased their hunger to prove themselves. He admitted to enduring some painful moments, including a spot involving a corner bump, which he humorously claimed left a lasting impression both physically and mentally. Despite the pain, Ospreay praised Takeshita for bringing out his best, labeling the match a career highlight.
4. Will Ospreay vs Kyle Fletcher – Full Gear 2024
Aew doesn’t do stories. Right? Well here is one for you that has been told over several months. Fletcher and Ospreay were the best of friends, teaming together as part of Aussie Open. They had been through a lot together and when Ospreay joined AEW, he was tentatively aligned with the Don Callis Family. Ospreay went his seperate ways from the family and eventually this led to Kyle betraying Ospreay and trying to make a name for himself.
Their match at Full Gear was fantastic storytelling throughout and culminated in Fletcher picking up the win and looking like a megastar in the process. It seems Ospreay can’t fail to put on a great match, whoever he goes up against.
3. The Elite vs. The Inner Circle – AEW Dynamite, Stadium Stampede – Double or Nothing 2020
The Stadium Stampede match between The Inner Circle and The Elite at AEW’s Double or Nothing 2020 was a groundbreaking and wildly entertaining spectacle. Set in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ TIAA Bank Field, the cinematic-style match blended over-the-top action, humor, and drama in a uniquely AEW fashion. Featuring stars like Kenny Omega, Matt Hardy, Chris Jericho, and Sammy Guevara, the brawl spanned various parts of the stadium, including bars, goalposts, and even a swimming pool.
Notable moments included Matt Hardy’s transformations during a pool fight with Santana and Ortiz, Hangman Page riding a horse through the stadium, and a climactic One-Winged Angel from Omega off a balcony onto Guevara. The match ended with The Elite triumphing in an unforgettable, chaotic clash that defined AEW’s creativity during the pandemic era.
2. Swerve Strickland vs Bryan Danielson – ALL IN 2024
World Title vs Career. Danielson’s career on the line. Wembley Stadium. This match had a great build going in and the match delivered an outstanding performance from both competitors and a great storyline pay-off. Swerve had promised to end Danielson’s career however, the American Dragon came out on top and celebrated in the ring with his family to end the show. This match had great storytelling throughout (as you would expect with these two) as Swerve continued to taunt Danielson right in front of his family. The right man won and the celebration afterwards was epic.
1. Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page – AEW Full Gear 2021
And here it is—our number one match!
Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page at AEW Full Gear 2021 was a masterclass in storytelling and wrestling. This match marked the culmination of a two-year saga of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. Hangman, once doubting himself after losing the AEW Tag Titles with Omega, overcame his insecurities to challenge his former partner, who was on a dominant AEW World Championship reign.
The match itself was an emotional rollercoaster. Both men delivered hard-hitting sequences, with Omega’s vicious strikes and Hangman’s explosive offense. The pacing and psychology were flawless, with callbacks to their history, including Hangman countering the One-Winged Angel. The Young Bucks, who had been pivotal in their story, chose not to interfere, subtly nodding in approval of Page’s moment.
Hangman’s victory was cathartic, symbolizing personal growth and fulfilling AEW’s long-term narrative. The crowd erupted as he pinned Omega to claim the AEW World Championship, solidifying one of the best arcs in modern wrestling.
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