One of the great things about wrestling is, it never ends. I couldn't even begin to count the number of shows much less matches that have taken place since I started writing this list. When I started this list I put a cutoff on it. I wouldn't look at any matches that took place after April of 2024. And well if I'm being totally honest, at least one match I've seen since April would be on this list and would knock one of the early matches off. But again that is the great thing about wrestling. There is some new great match to enjoy. So this my way of saying check out Bryan Danielson vs. Swerve Strickland from AEW All In 2024.
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| Will Ospreay feels the V-Trigger of Kenny Omega |
26 Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom 17 01/04/23- There was a natural comparison between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay. Both started in other countries and made their name in Japan. Both started as Junior Heavyweights and moved up to Heavyweight. They feuded with many of the same people. When Kenny Omega departed to join AEW it opened the door for Ospreay to become a main eventer. This came at a time where Ospreay in ring work reached another level. Add into the fact the two had only ever had a single one on one match for many Omega vs. Ospreay had become a dream match. However, a number of factors kept as just a dream. Political issues, injures to both men, the pandemic. But finally in late 2022 the deal was made. Kenny Omega would return to Japan and would challenge Ospreay for the IWGP United States title. For years the two men had traded barbs in the press and on social media. Omega was returning to the place he had made his name to show the world he was still the best. For Ospreay it was much more, he had been the made the stay in his own words at a time where crowds in Japan were limited and forbidden to cheer, he toweled in silence to keep New Japan alive for when they could cheer again.
We are back in the Tokyo Dome and this is a landmark event. It's the first full capacity show in Japan that also allowed fans to cheer. For his return to Japan Omega's entrance is amazing. Fire erupts from the stage; a giant black wing appears on the screen. Foreboding music plays. He walks to the ring after declaring "I'm back," with a cruel smile. Ospreay's entrance sees every member of his United Empire stable appear on the stage to greet him. As the theme he had been using starts is transforms into his former themes Elevated. The message is clear, Omega is back and is the villain, while Ospreay for this night is is the defender of the company. As Ospreay rises from the smoke-filled stage, his stablemate Great-O-Khan wave the United Empire flag. As both men start down before the match Ospreay hands the US title to the referee.
When the bell ring Ospreay comes out hot looking to land the first strike, Kenny Omega just side stops him. An early exchange of holds sees Omega slap Ospreay in the back of the head. After Ospreay kips up form a shoulder tackle he slaps Omega in the face. Omega tries a for a snap rana but Will Ospreay cartwheels out of it and lands a rana of his own sending Omega to the floor. Ospreay lands a plancha whipping Omega out before sending him crashing into the guardrail. Returning to the ring, Osprea looks for a flying forearm but Omega cuts him off causing Ospreay to smack his face on the top rope before he knocks Ospreay off the apron sending him flying and crashing into the guardrail. Omega hammers in strikes to Ospreay's back and shoulders before landing his Finlay roll and moonsault combo for a two count. A high hip toss and Ospreay lands on hard on his back again before eating a kick to the spine. Kenny Omega whips Ospreay into the corner and again Ospreay hits hard. This gives Omega a chance to remove the corner pad exposing the steel underneath. For a second Ospreay is able to avoid crashing into the exposed corner but all it takes is a hard front kick by Omega to send him crashing in. Omega follows up with a backbreaker and gets another two count.
In a great moment Ospreay goes for the Octopus hold, this was the move of New Japan founder Antonio Inoki. Wrestle Kingdom in 2023 was being held in tribute to Inoki who had passed away a few months earlier. It's a nice tribute to Inoki but also a message from Ospreay. He is defending New Japan from the invader just Inoki had many times in his career. Ospreay lands a hot shot into the top rope, a running kick and finally counters a suplex attempt into a stunner. The handspring kick by Ospreay connects before he follows up with the flying forearm drawing a two count. Omega escapes a powerbomb attempt and lands a chop only for Ospreay to regain control with an enziguri. The action spills to the apron. The two men exchange chops and kicks, it's Ospreay who lands the biggest shot with a thrust kick. Ospreay goes for the Oscutter but Omega hooks the ropes. Ospreay's back crashes into the apron and than onto the floor. With the US champion down Omega gets a chance to pulls out a table which slams onto Ospreay. Omega than climbs back to the apron and double stomps through the table into the kidney's of Will Ospreay. Ospreay digs deep sending Omega into the guard rail, lands a series of body shots and than suplexs Omega into the metal frame of the table. Ospreay climbs to the top rope and leaps of with his amazing looking sky twister press. Back in the ring Ospreay lands a flying elbow off the top to the head getting two count.
Again Ospreay looks for the Oscutterr. This time Omega is able to block move. He sends Ospreay into the ropes and hits a V Trigger to the back on the rebound, following up with a poison rana. Omega's suplex into a neck breaker draws a two count. Ospreay is able to block the snap dragon but at the cost of taking another elbow to his back. Omega sets up for the Super Dragon Plex. Ospreay lands on his feet and crashes into Omega with his Robinson Special kick. This time the Oscutter connect but Omega is able to kick out. Both men are down but Ospreay gets up and traps Omega's head in the corner without the pad. A series of thrust kicks to the face by Ospreay. Champion and challenger fight on the ropes. A hard chop by Ospreay knocks Omega down. Ospreay sets up for the Spanish fly but Omega punches the kidney area this stalls Ospreay enough that Omega hits a DDT from the top into the exposed metal ring of the corner. If you watch any form of combat sport you've likely seen that moment the big blow lands and while the fight goes on, it feels over. This is that moment for Will Ospreay the damage to his back was bad enough but now his head is damaged as well. On the floor the United Empire run to the leader to check on him. Blood covers Ospreay's face. Omega could get a count out. But something dark has been unleased in Omega. He hits the baseball slide dropkick on Ospreay sending him into the guard rail before doing the Terminator Dive. In a brilliant shot Omega lands on his feet and plays to the camera. All Ospreay can do is weakly reach up.
Omega finds the damaged table from earlier and rams Ospreay's head into over and over again when he drags him back into the ring he hits a piledriver. Another cover and somehow Ospreay gets his shoulder up. Omega takes the mount position and punches Ospreay. The action pauses as the ringside doctor and referee want to stop the match. Ospreay shoves teh ref away but pays the price taking a snap dragon. Omega taunts before hitting the V-Trigger, this gives Ospreay a chance to grab his leg but that's all Ospreay can do. Omega uses his free leg to hits knees to the body and head and then picks Ospreay up driving him into the ground with a tiger driver 98. Omega covers but Ospreay refuses to stay down as he puts his foot on the bottom rope. Omega lands the V-Trigger and knocks Ospreay back to the floor. Finally, Omega shows some mercy just tossing Ospreay back into the ring.
Omega climbs to the top rope looking for his dropkick to the back of the head. In a great moment a dazed Ospreay falls into the ropes causing Omega to lose his balance. Finally with a chance Ospreay lands a strike to the gut. But the badly injured Ospreay winds up slipping when he tries to climb the ropes. Still Omega is hurt from the fall and Osperay pushes on climb back up. It's huge mistake, Omega slips under and pulls Ospreay back into the steel of the exposed corner. Omega crosses the ring; the rest of the United Empire know what is coming and we hear them screaming "Will move!" The V-Trigger crushes Ospreay in the corner. Omega's blood lust takes over and he wants The One Winged Angel off the top, Ospreay blocks but instead takes a German suplex off the ropes. Another V-Trigger and Omega covers. Ospreay still won't stay down he gets the shoulder up. Omega screams at Ospreay to stay down before landing knees to his face. A fleeting bit of hope as Ospreay catches the leg and stands. Ospreay with a flurry of chops and Kawada kicks. Omega tries to cut him off landing the V-Trigger but hwne he goes for the lariat Ospreay comes over the top for a sit down powerbomb. But it only gets a two count as we hit the thirty-minute mark.
Ospreay connects with the Chelsea Grin a roaring elbow to the back of head and then two running elbows known as the hidden blade. The Super Oscutter from the top draws a two count. Ospreay goes for the storm breaker his go to finisher. But Omega escapes, a battle for position and Ospreay lands the Styles Clash. Ospreay removes his elbow pad he's looking and crushes Omega with a hidden blade but Omega kicks out. Knowing his fading Ospreay calls for the fans. They will him on, he again goes for the Storm Breaker, but Omega escapes and lands the V-Trigger to the face. Ospsreay wings with a hidden blade. Both men are down stand together to exchange elbows. Ospreay overcommits letting Omega lock in a straight jacket German suplex. Omega sets up for the Kamagoya, a knee smash to the face this version is the finisher of Omega's friend and Ospreay's rival Kota Ibushi. Ospreay knows it's over, Omega has control of the wrist, he's got the position he needs for the move, and Omega is fresher less damaged. All Ospreay can do is spit at his challenger one final defiant act. Kamagoya to the face and right into the One Winged Angel. Just like that Kenny Omega has taken Ospreay gold and made it clear who the better man is. Ospreay is motionless the United Empire must roll him out of the ring. Ospreay wants to fight on but for now it's over.
Wrestle Kingdom is the first major show every year and after this match it felt like the 2023 match of the year award had been locked up. It was that good of a match. It's one of those matches only these two men could have. Now a lot of people could have the wild brawl Austin and Bret had for example (very unlikely they could of done it as well though) but the moves both men pull off. The layered story telling plus the moves they pull off and just how well they pull them off. Hell they managed to get so much out things like an exposed corner or the section where Ospreay is dazed after the DDT off the top. Going into their match there were a lot of questions. Could this match live up to the hype and expectations around it that had been growing since 2019? Could Omega had only worked a single tag match since the Hangman Page match regain his former form? And in both cases, it was a resounding yes.
Will Ospreay's efforts to be the hero had led to him taking a beating. Even late in the match as the tries to mount the comeback it's feels so futile. All it will take is one blow to put Omega firmly back in control. For Omega it's almost like this match purges all of darkness. There is a level of aggression he didn't show even at his worst vs. Okada or Page. But the story wasn't done. As Will Ospreay was led out of the Tokyo Dome the dried blood on his face he had one desire revenge.
27 Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Bryan Danielson All Elite Wrestling Revolution 2023 03/05/23- Some people are just meant to be pro wrestlers. Maxwell Jacob Friedman is one those people. He is a natural in the ring and on the microphone. He invokes a classic heel from the seventies and eighties yet is more than able to mix in modern moves. When he joined an upstart AEW he bragged he was the future of the company, and he was right. The future arrived November 19th, 2022, when he captured the AEW world title from Jon Moxley. Moxley was a member of the Blackpool Combat Club a faction managed the time by William Regal. Regal turned on Moxley to help Friedman take the belt. However, in storyline Friedman held a grudge against Regal and attacked him later on sending him out of AEW. Bryan Danielson was also a member of the BCC and was also close to Regal. Since the last time we saw Danielson on this list he's had a quite a story. Joining the WWE and overcoming the odds to win the WWE world title in the main event of WrestleMania, only to be forced into retirement due to injures just over a year later. Only to get cleared two years later. In 2021 his WWE contract expired and he jumped ship to AEW.
This is an iron man match where the two men will wrestle for an hour whoever scores the most falls in that time wins the match. In kayfab this is to limit MJF's heel actions as he can't grab a quick cheap win, while also giving Danielson a chance to punish him. In the lead up to the match Danielson suffers a shoulder injury only made worse as it's targeted by MJF and other heels. The two men's entrances contradict each other. Danielson enters to his music only in his trunks and boots he's come to wrestle. MJF meanwhile enters with a string orchestra playing the intro to his music. Not only wears his custom title belt but a jacket and a Devil mask. MJF is an ego manic using outside factors to hype himself up. During the intros MJF drops to his knees flips off the fans and than drops the world title as he stands up. Was it a legit mistake or a small act to hint he's a nervous champion facing his biggest test?
The bell rings and both men take a second to look around the arena listening to the fans who are already cheering loudly before they touch. Danielson mocks MJF wanting to lock up early but Friedman drops the floor. Upon returning to the ring the world champion lands the first real move of the match with an arm drag. Soon enough though Danielson gets MJF down and ties him up, an Indian Death lock into a bow and arrow, into a stump puller, and even looking for his LeBell lock finish. MJF avoids them but he's clearly behind in the exchanges. Danielson and Friedman go back and forth exchanging various holds and moves this time MJF is able to keep up and both men wind up face to face. Suddenly being sporting MJF offers his hand but we all know it's a trick hoping for a cheap shot. Danielson know it as well and kicks MJF's hand. Pissed off Maxwell rolls out of the ring and jumps into the crowd doing all he can to stall. More stalling by Friedman who gets Danielson to finally chase him only to jump back in the ring. Finally, back in the ring they battle over a full nelson until Danielson rolls the champion pu for a two count. When MJF tries the same trick Bryan Danielson sees it coming. This lets him tie up the up the knees and crawl at the face. Adding the punishment Danielson drives Fieldman's knees into the ground before landing a series of round house kicks.
The tide turns when MJF grabs Danielson by the trunks to drive him into the corner face first. Series of back body drops by MJF sends Danielson crashing. But he goes to the well once to often. First Danielson gets a inside cradle for two, and then lands his own back body drops. Danielson attempts an Irish whip but his injured shoulder allows MJF to block it. Following up MJF drops Danielson shoulder on the rope and then drives him into the corner. MJF also starts a bit that will run during the match, he exits the ring to get water which will help to play into the finish. MJF stays on the shoulder even using Danielson's hair to make sure he can't get away. Heading to the floor Bryan Danielson is tossed into the guard rail shoulder first. Fully in control MJF taunts the fans. It's a mistake, Danielson lands a baseball slide. Danielson than goes for the topa suicida dive but MJF catches him and than drives him into the steel guardrail shoulder first. Returning to the ring MJF uses a hammer lock DDT getting a two count.
MJF uses a series of holds and throws that all target the shoulder. A series of near-falls though upset the AEW champion who resorts to just choking Danielson. Fifteen minutes down and Friedman puts Danielson on the top ropes. Danielson connects with headbutts and is able to lands a second ropes sunset flip power bomb, Danielson first big move in a while. Now it's MJF who is sent into the corner. Danielson with a series of strikes including three running dropkicks. A top rope rana by Danielson gets a two count. Danielson tries another running knee but MJF gets his elbow up and then comes off the ropes stomping onto Danielson's bad shoulder. Danielson tries another rana but MJF blocks it and hits a backbreaker power bomb gaining another two count. MJF is able to sends Danielson to the floor with a dropkick to the gut. Exiting his comfort zone MJF looks to show off and looks for a moonsault to the floor. He misses and hurts his knee on the landing. Danielson lands the topa. Back in the ring Danielson comes off the top but MJF catches him in the Fujiwara Arm Bar known as Salt of the Earth. Danielson fights back up only for MJF to hit a pump handle driver that drops the challenger on his head and neck. It gets another MJF two count. A series of near falls as both men fight over basic holds that puts the others shoulders on the mat. It's an amazing fast paced back and forth that goes on for several minutes. And it looks flawless. Both men land big clotheslines and fall to the mat exhausted. With both men down the referee counts to ten but both men beat the count. Danielson is fresher he lands the flying Busaiku Knee and gets the first fall with just over thirty four minutes left.
Now desperate MJF a low blow it gives Danielson a second fall via DQ, but MJF scores two quick falls on the injure Danielson tying it two-two. MJF pauses again to get water and taunts the fans standing over the injured Danielson. Maxwell Friedman goes for his head seeker piledriver but Danielson tosses him off. Dropkick off the top by Danielson sends MJF back to the floor. Danielson looks for a running knee on the floor but Friedman gets up and lands a clothesline. MJF tries a running attack but Daniels cuts him off and lands a series of hard kicks to the chest just after the halfway point lands another Busaiku Knee. Danielson does all he can to destroy MJF's knee as he drives it over and over and over again into the steel ring post. Back in the ring Bryan Danielson locks in a figure four. Maxwell Jacob Friend screams he hates Danielson and slaps at him to try and get free. Danielson responds by turning into a heel hook and slapping MJF back. Danielson taunts the champion screaming for him to tap and lands a stiff kick to his back. The match spills to the apron and both men fight. Danielson attacks MJF's bad leg, and MJF attack's Danielson's bad shoulder. Finally Danielson's kicks are enough to drop Friedman. Danielson wants to land a suplex off the top rope to the floor. MJF out of desperation grabs a corner mounted camera after a back elbow he sends Danielson crashing onto the apron and then the floor. Friedman puts Danielson on the ringside table used by AEW's ringside doctor and comes off the top rope with a flying elbow drop.
Both men are down but MJF is able to drag the referee into the ring demanding he count Danielson out which would put him up by one fall with less than twenty-two minutes. Danielson just barley beats the count keeping it two apiece. Commentary makes it a point to note it's now the longest match of MJF's entire career. Maxwell drags Danielson to the floor again and lands a tombstone piledriver through the remains the of the table. But he's made a mistake as it hurts his knee again. Danielson is bleeding with just over twenty minutes left. Back in the ring MJF lands his heat seeker piledriver and scores a third fall giving him the lead by one. Once again MJF gets to get water. Taz a former wrestler on commentary wonder why he's doing this and even points out guzzling water can cause a cramp. With new fire MJF lands a series of hard punches to Danielson's face. Bitterly MJF taunts Danielson even bringing up the names of his kids as he tries to hurt him. Finally Danielson tries to punch but there is nothing behind it. Even when Danielson lands a palm strike with force all it takes is a single headbutt by the champion to take back over. Returning to the floor Friedman looks to toss Danielson into the guardrail, at the last second Danielson is able to revers and it's MJF who goes into the steel.
The final fifteen minutes of the time limit are upon us. Danielson dives off the top onto MJF. Back in the ring he crotches MJF on top turnbuckle. A spider superplex by Danielson sends MJF crashing into the ring. Diving headbutt by Danielson. Now MJF is bleeding badly. Danielson lands the Busaiku Knee and than puts MJF in the Regal Stretch. The former finisher of William Regal the person he is fighting for. Maxwell Jacob Friedman taps out trying it three falls each. Danielson goes back to the Regal stretch but MJF counters into the salt of the earth. Danielson escapes and goes into his own LeBell lock. With less the nine minutes in the time limit MJF is trapped in the center of the ring. Finally he escapes and gets back to salt of the earth. Desperate MJF drags Danielson to the center of the ring and works the arm. MJF ties up the other arm and one of Danielson's legs. Finally with the free leg Danielson gets a rope break. On their knees champion and challenger trade punches and headbutts. Standing up it becomes a battle of elbow strikes and both men drop again. We learn there are five minutes left and both men fire up again. Neither man can get the edge until a running Danielson elbow drops MJF. But a battle by the ropes lets MJF land the heat seeker for two. More water for MJF before he gets Danielson to the top and looks for a tombstone off the top. Danielson blocks it and lands his hammer and anvil elbows. Finally though MJF lands the second rope piledriver btu he can't follow up adn it does damage to knee injured knee again. Two minutes left. Danielson id down and not moving but MJF can't reach him for the pin. Finally MJF gets on top but Danielson kicks out and gets a knee strike. He puts Friedman in a single leg crab with one minute left. MJF wants to tap but he knows it means losing the title. The time runs out. After sixty minutes it's 3-3. Justin Roberts the ring announcer declares it a draw and that MJF has retained.
Doctors hit the ring actually giving MJF oxygen. On commentary Tony Schivone a man who was a frequent victim of MJF's bullying gets word from the back. Schivone has a message from AEW owner Tony Khan. It's now sudden death. Danielson is thrilled, MJF is heartbroken and attacks the referee but it nearly lets Danielson gets a fall. A low blow by MJF gives him a near fall. MJF tries to use the AEW world title belt but the ref warns him a DQ means he still loses the title. MJF hands the belt over, it's a trick anyway. As the ref gets the belt out of the way Friedman fishes out his Dynamite Diamond Ring. A weapon he's used man times over the years. Danielson avoids the shot and lands a poison rana. The third Busaki Knee of the match connects and it's over! Good has won, MJF has finally paid for his crimes. We wrestling fans could start fantasy booking Danielson's AEW title reign. Only what makes MJF the worst isn't just that he's a heartless bastard that cheats. It's that he a great wrestler and in moments like this great wrestlers find a way. MJF kicks out at two. We get a perfect shot of a shocked Danielson. Even commentary can't believe it and admit MJF should get respect for still being in the match at this stage. Danielson hammers in kicks to MJF's bad legs and lock in the half crab. Freidman wants to tap but he gets the ropes and then taps out. Because of the way hold is done Danielson doesn't see only hears the tapping and thinks he's won. MJF rolls to the floor but this time he's not looking for water. He crabs the oxygen tank from earlier and hits Danielson with it. MJF puts Danielson in his own LeBell Lock. Danielson fights and gight trying to get free. But all the work to his bad shoulder before and during the match, the cheap shot with the steel tank all proves to be too much. Bryan Danielson taps out. MJF has won. MJF has overcome it all and he's won. What was supposed to be his punishment is now just another thing he can brag about.
I can see why some may not like this match given the long run time and the finish but personally those are two of the biggest reasons I love this match. The run time and just about everything in it is in service to the finish. All the work on the shoulder, the water breaks all meant to set up for the moment where it's MJF's final dirty trick. Now as I've stated in the past, I don't think long match automatically mean a good match. This is helped by the men actually using the run time. A lot of iron man matches wind up being long drawn out affairs with very few falls which leads to many of the early portions of the match coming down to waiting. Instead with the falls coming early on it puts more importance on every other moments in the match. When Danielson catches that side headlock and puts MJF's shoulder on the mat it could lead to pinfall that swings the match. And in the end we get that moment in sports we are so used to. The champion we all want to see lose finds a way to win.
As of writing we are less than a week after Danielson finally winning the AEW world title in many ways all his short comings in matches like this made that moment all the better when it finally happened. As for MJF his title reign would have ups and downs but his match was a major up. It was a reminder just how great he can be in the ring. It's the match he can hang his hat on.
28 Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door 06/05/23- Will Ospreay had attempted to be a hero when he faced Kenny Omega in the Tokyo Dome it had ended with him left beaten and covered in blood. For Ospreay the rebuild had begun first with a win over the underrated Taichi where first made use of the Tiger Driver 91. If you recall this move had been the super finisher for Mitsuharu Misawa. It's a very dangerous move and one that really had been used since the mid 2000's. While an injury took him out for a few weeks in the spring but upon his return he defeated former IWGP US champion Lance Archer becoming number one contender to the title still held by Kenny Omega. Since the first match Omega had defended his title against Ospreay's stablemate Jeff Cobb but most his attention had been in a feud between The Elite and the Blackpool Combat Club. During that feud Omega's manager/mentor Don Callis turned on him. In classic heel manager mode, Callis offered his services to Ospreay. Forbidden Door is a crossover event between AEW and New Japan. And in 2023 it would be held in Toronto giving Ospreay a chance at payback in Omega's home country.
Ospreay enters with Callis and two guards. Omega comes out alone. It's an even start with both men looking for an edge. Going back and forth in hold. Finally Omega takes control with a head scissors. Ospreay looks for a head stand escape, but Omega drives him head into the mat. We get a very early attempt at the One Winged Angle it's blocked, the Oscutter is blocked. Omega tries for a snap dragon suplex but Ospreay lands on his feet. Finally, Ospreay goes to the eyes to take the edge and lands chops. Omega goes over the top in the corner and hits a rana before doing his Finlay Roll and Moonsault. Kenny Omega runs for his Terminator dive, and Don Callis tries to trip him. Omega goes after his former mentor who hides behind his guards. The referee ejects Callis. But Callis got what he wanted, Ospreay takes Omega with a slingshot crossbody to the floor before tossing him into the ringside steps. Back in the ring gives Omega a back breaker. Will Ospreay hits a vertical suplex and covers for a two count. Ospreay locks in the cobra twist. Omega escapes and targes the knee, he hits a bulldog, a kick to the rip and than dunks Ospreay's head into the mat again. Omega covers getting a two count. Ospreay fires back with an enziguri.
A front suplex by Ospreay plants Omega on the ropes. A shooting star press by Ospreay lands and he follows up with the apron Oscutter. The real payback begins. Ospreay lands headbutt to Omega and than repeated drives his face into the commentary table at ringside. He even taunts Omega asking if he remembers what he did in January. Omega is busted open. Ospreay isn't done he removes a wood covering from the table and drives Omega through it. Back in the ring Omega is badly dazed and he's defenseless as Ospreay lands elbow strike to his head. Omega's blood covers Ospreay's arm and showing how insane he's become Ospreay tastes it. Ospreay taunts Omega, Kenny Omega snaps back and fries back but it takes one single blow to drop him. Ospreay taunts Omega again doing his aiming the gun pose before landing a flying knee in the style of Omega's V-Trigger. All match Ospreay has also been taunting the fans in the arena. This reaches it peak when grabs a Canada flag and disrespects it. Omega levels Ospreay with a lariat. The Canadian native Omega wraps the flag around Osprey's neck and uses it to throw him around the ring before using it to hang him over the ropes. On the floor Omega lands a V-trigger driving Ospreay's head into the guardrail.
Now it's Omega who has snapped he drags Ospreay over to the steeps and slams Ospreay's face into it. It busts Ospreay to bleed once again. Not done Omega drags Ospreay onto the steeps and hits a DDT. The match returns to the ring. Omega mounts Ospreay and lands palm strkes and then tries to lock in a rear choke before transiting into an arm bar. Ospreay powers Omega up and lands a sit out power bomb to break the hold. Champion and challenger trade German Suplexes. When Omega looks for the snap dragon, Ospreay frees himself with a reverse headbutt, only or Omega to come back and land a V Trigger. Omega goes for another one but Ospreay catches him in the Spanish fly. Back to taunting the fans Ospreay locks in the sharpshooter, which in Canada is forever linked with Bret Hart. Kenny Omega powers free but Ospreay jumps right into the cross face submission hold keeping control. Omega is able to get free but the damage has been done. Ospreay lands Kawada kicks and chops. Omega tries to fire back but he's got nothing behind it. Ospreay drops Omega with a headbutt. Ospreay calls for the Oscutter. Omega side steps and is able to drive his knee into Ospreay's head.
Finding a second wind Omega lands a series of Snap Dragons and the V-Trigger to the back. Omega isn't done he hits a poison rana before a piledriver. Omega covers but it's only two again. The suplex into a neck breker by Omega connects and than he crushes Ospreay in the corner with the V-Trigger. Wanting the kill shot Omega tries for the One Wingle Angel off the ropes, Ospreay escapes traps the head and kicks Omega in the face. As we get the thirty-minute call, Omega falls toe the floor. Ospreay lands the sky twister press. Back in the ring an elbow off the top stuns Omega. Omega fires back after avoiding the hidden blade elbow strike but Ospreay is able to land the sit out power bomb. A top rope Oscutter only gets two. Ospreay looks for the storm breaker, but Omega counters into an inverted piledriver.
Don Callis returns to ringside to cheer Ospreay on. A series of short knees to the face by Omega as he points at Callis before dropping Ospreay with a running knee. Omega sets up for a V-Trigger but Callis jumps up on the apron. Callis tries to pull Ospreay out of the ring but it's all a move to pass him a screwdriver. Omega looks for the one winged angle but Ospreay drives the screwdriver into the head. A hidden blade and the storm driver follow. Ospreay covers ready to celebrate only Omega gets his boot on the ropes stopping the count. Ospreay looks intense as Callis whispers something to him. Another callback to the first match, Ospreay lands the Kamagoya and his own one winged angel. It's the exact combo that beat Ospreay in the Dome. But Omega kicks out at one. The crowd goes inane. Both men start to land strikes. Omega lands a brain buster and again looks for the one winged angel but he can't get it. Omega changes to the Koyte's Wrath dead lift German suplex. Both men look for one of their finishers but can't get it. A ripcord elbow by Ospreay. And now comes the moment the generated the most debate post match.
Ospreay hooks Omega's arms. It looks like he's going for the storm breaker but no he doesn't take Omega up to his shoulder instead he drives him into the ground with The Tiger Driver 91. As stated earlier the TD 91 had really only been used by Misawa and he limited it to only a handful of times in his career. For many watching there is a very good chance they had never seen this move before. I don't want got full onto the debate many had for weeks after this match, but I will the following. The move is very dangerous and should be used sparingly. But it fit this match and grudge perfectly. It was a brutal move used by a man blinded by rage and years of hate. Ospreay covers and yet somehow Omega kicks out again. But it's his last bit of gas in the tank. Ospreay hits the hidden blade and then the Storm Breaker. Another cover and finally a three count.
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| The Tiger Driver 91 |
I was blown away when I watched this match live and I'm still blown away by it. Even if you don't see the pre match hype videos or any of the promos Ospreay cut about Omega on Omega you get the message. Once ore these two men are pretty even with each other and it's the one willing to go further that gets the win. On this night it was Ospreay who held nothing back. I actually think you need to watch both matches as they greatly add to each other. Also both men are brilliant long term story tellers.
With the score tied 1-1 many were hopeful of a rubber match. Omega's focus though was on Don Callis and his new formed Don Callis family faction. Ospreay remained an alley of Callis but his main focus remained in New Japan where he was still under contract. By fall word was spreadig that Ospreay's contract was set to expire and he was open to moving on. By the fall Will Ospreay stood in AEW ring once again annoucing he had signed with the company. And just someday we will get that rubber match.
29 Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland Texas Death Match AEW Full Gear 11/18/23- How far would you go to get to the top? How far is too far? What would you do if is someone crossed the line and threated your family? How did we get to this point? Swerve Strickland began his wrestling career in 2011. He quickly rose the ranks of the independent wrestling scene. At Revolution 2022 he would join AEW. That same night Hangman Page retained his AEW world title in the main event. On September 6th 2023, Page was in the ring for an interview which Swerve interrupted. It started simply enough, Swerve wanted Page's spot as a top guy. But as the weeks went on the intensity picked up. Swerve would win the first match at the Wrestle Dream event thanks to help from his manager Prince Nana. Page would get his payback costing Strickland a shot at TNT championship. It would be than Swerve would make the feud deeply personal. On the October 26th edition of Dynamite, Swerve and Nana would invade Hangman's home and in the most dramatic moment he stood over the crib of Adam Page's infant son. A feud like this couldn't just have any regular match as it's next chapter. Instead it would be a Texas Death Match. Anything goes the only way to win is to knock your opponent out for a ten count.
I will say this before breaking down the match, it's not for everyone. This match is easily the most violent of any match on the list. You could almost think of it like Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones. As great as the work is the level of violence is going to be a turn off for some. No I don't think extreme violence automatically makes something good. Hell some of the worst of the mathces I've ever seen are death matches. However in this case I feel the violence fits, once you cross a line like Swerve did something is extreme is called for.
Hangman doesn't even wait for his entrance he charges the ring and right away lands a power bomb and the Buckshot larait in less than thirty seconds after the bell ringing. Page also isn't in wrestling gear instead wearing jean and cowboy boots a small touch that adds to the fact this is a fight. Swerve rolls to the floor only for Page to follow him out and toss him into the guardrails around the ring over and over. Back in the ring Page just tosses a steel chair into Swerve Strickland's face. Finally he secures Swerve's hands using duct tape. Page grabs a staple gun that was under the ring and puts two stables into Strickland's chest. To drive home it'sreally stables he even secure a sheet of paper to the body. Page picks back up the chair and drives right into head of his enemy drawing blood. Hangman returns to the staple gun and uses it to attach a drawling for his son to Swerve's face. In a very sick moment no one shoudl repete but is kind of awsome, Page is so unhinged he drink Strickland's blood. Which I could see happening on House of the Dragons. Page goes back under the ring and draws out a chair wrapped in barbwire. Swerve is able to save himself with a kicking right to Page's dick.
Finally Prince Nana is able to cut the tape and free Stickland. Hangman attacks again with the staples but Swerve power free. Takes the gun and stables Page in the head. Swerve lets out a crazed laugh before putting the barbwire chair in the corner and tossing Page into face first. Take more wire Strickland cuts the Hangman's face. Now Page is bleeding. Swerve looks for his own weapons and gets a cinder block. On commentary Nigel McGuiness declares "This is going to far". Both men fight on the apron of the ring. Swerve is able to land a Death Valley Driver crashing Page onto the cinderblock. The match winds up on the ringside guardrail and showing amazing balance Swerve hits a piledriver. Like a monster in a movie Swerve pulls Hangman back into the ring. A punch to the face and a slap only serve to wake Page up and he lands his own punches. A running boot by Swerve but when he goes for it again Page catches it for a fall away slam. Showing the damage Page can't do his usual kipup after that spot. A desperate Swerve grabs for barbwire but he misses the swing and takes another fall away slam. Page grabs the wire and wraps it around Stricklands's head and then ties it around his body. A third fall way slam and Swerve rolls to the ground.
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| Blood on Blood |
Hangman takes the barbwire chair and climbs to the top rope coming off with a moonsault. Page tosses Swerve into the ring and set for another buckshot. Prince Nana delays him just long enough for Swerve to catch him and look for the JML driver. Page esacapes and grabs the chair only for Stickland to grab the chair of wire. Hangman Page sits Strickland on the top turnbuckle and looks for his reverse piledriver off the top. Strickland esacpds and cracks Page in the back with the barbwire chair. Dropping the chair, Swerve than drops Page onto it with a powerbomb. Swerve hits his double stomp or the Swerve stomp off the top. We get replay showing earlier part of the barbwire came around and caught Page in the face. Now it's Page turns to barley beat the count. Swerve Strickland goes under the ring he pulls out black bag. He opens it and pours glass onto Page's expose back. Swerve wants to finish it he lands a 450 splash and than drops Page again with the JML driver. The Hangman manages to pull himself up using the ropes shocking Swerve who charges with a clotheslien taking both men over the top rope to crash to the floor. Nana and Swerve gets a board that is also covered in barb wire they set it up on two chairs. Strickland drags Page into the ring and onto the ropes. He's looking something Page is able to get free and bites Swerve in the head and than lands the fall away slam moonsault throught board. Page hits a power bomb and finally the Dead Eye all into barb wire.
As Swerve tries to get up Page again wraps the wire around his head. The Buckshot Lariat knocks Strickland down. Prince Nana drags Swerve out of the ring and puts him on his feet just long enough to break the count. Brian Cage an ally of Strickland and a former Page rival runs out and attacks Hangman. A series of powerbombs and finally the F5. Nana and Cage set up a table, but it gives Page a chance to get barbwire and use it to attack cage. A desperate Prince Nana attacks Page now but the chair shot only makes him mad. Hangman drags Prince Nana to the apron and lands the deadeye through a table. But all this has given Swerve time to recover he picks up the remains of the cinderblock and he strikes Page with it. But the Hangman won't stay down. Strickland grabs a chain and hangs the Hangman from the ropes. Finally, Adam Page passes out. Like a crazed animal Swerve stands over him as the referee counts. Hangman can't get back up. As soon as the counts ten Swerve collapses next to Hangman Page.
Again, I stress this is not the kind of match for everyone but so often great art and yes I see wrestling as it's own artform isn't for everyone. There was actually quite a debate after this match if the two men had gone too far? I actually think a better question is was this level of violence earned? I say yes. This feud had been building up for a while. This wasn't a random two guys who just grabbed weapons when the crowd wasn't into their match. Now in this case the crowd was into everything both men did. If you can tolerate the blood it's worth the ride. Both men sell very well and do a great job when they don't sell. The best comparison I can make is the early Bret Hart and Steve Austin match. That was a bloody violent brawl that pushed the limits of wrestling at the time, and this is that same match many years later.
And much like Austin and Bret the roles of both men changed. Unable to put away his foe Hangman turned to the darkside while the fans increasingly got behind Swerve as began to chase the world title. As of writing this they two actually had yet another match. A perhaps more brutal cage match. And if I ever do a follow up this list that one will also be in the running to make it.
30 Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson AEW Dynasty 04/21/24- And so we've finally arrived at the match that is why I wrote this list. I watched this match live and knew it wasn't just a great match, but one of the greatest matches ever. As 2024 dawned Bryan Danielson knew time was short this would be his final year as a full-time wrestler. For Will Ospreay 2024 saw him say goodbye to New Japan and the UK independent scene before making his full time move to All Elite Wrestling. There isn't much back story to this match. It's as simple as any story can be in wrestling. Danielson the best of one generation taking on Ospreay the best of the latest generation. Could Danielson once more be able to claim he was the "BEST WRESTLER IN THE WORLD!"? Or would Ospreay being claim one of the biggest wins he could get in AEW? There was an attack on Danielson BCC by the Don Callis Family, the faction Ospreay was technically a member of. But Ospreay insisted he wanted had nothing to do with it.
After their entrances the two men stand face to face. Event before the bell rings the fans are chanting holy shit. Danielson can't contain himself and smiles. We get an early takedown with both men looking control. Danielson backs Ospreay into the ropes and breaks clean after teasing a incoming strike. Danielson with a side head lock takedown which he works into position for a bow and arrow. Ospreay counters into a pin but doesn't even get the one count. We get a Greco Roman knuckle lock and then a battle for wrist locks. A top wrist lock takedown by Danielson but Ospreay escapes. Even early on this wrestling is just so crips and clean. Add in fans going wild for even simple stuff.
Another side headlock takedown by Danielson and this time he lays in open handed strikes. Back to the feet they trade kicks and blocks. Ospreay goes for a handspring kick, but Danielson back drops him only for Ospreay to land on his feet. Ospreay goes for kicks but misses. Finally, Ospreay sweeps the leg and goes for the ankle lock. Danielson gets back to his feet and flips Ospreay off only to eat a series of knife edge chops. Danielson with an ankle pick and ties up the leg. Danielson transitions into a cravat hold and lands knees to the head. Danielson with a snap mare but Ospreay lands on his feet and lands a dropkick to Danielson's face. Uppercuts by Ospreay. Both men exchange chops with Danielson's being more effective. The American Dragon also uses his own uppercuts and roundhouse kicks. Ospreay uses a running boot to send Danielson to the floor. Ospreay lands a springboard crossbody to the floor whipping out Danielson. Ospreay returns the action to the ring and comes off the top only to dive into a kick from Bryan Danielson.
The Muay Thai clinch by Danielson with knees. After an Irish whip Danielson lands a running knee to Ospreay's gut and follow up by tying up the legs with an Indian Death Lock. Back on the feet the two men exhange chops again but Ospreay is een more at a disadvante due to the body work. Danielson lands a series of punches in the corner to Ospreay's body following up with a kick. Both men run the ropes this lets Ospreay lands the land spring kick. Ospreya lands a springboard forearm. Danielson looks for a Kawada kick but Bryan Danielson catches the boot and lands strikes. Will Ospreay reclaims control with a jumping enziguri that knocks Danielson to the floor. Will Ospreay comes off the top rope with a sky twister press. We've now exited any feeling out process in this match. Both men know what the other has and are looking to do the real damage. We also have a real clear view of both men's gameplan. Ospreay looking to use speed his ability to fly to land big strikes. While Danielson looks to take away those advantages by attack the body. A diving forearm by Ospreay connects and he looks for the hidden blade elbow. Danielson counters landing a a kick to the arm and then another one. Danielson locks Ospreay's arms to hit a Tiger Suplex getting a two count. All kicking out does though it open Osprey up to Danielson hammer and anivl elbows. With Ospreay dazed Danielson goes for his cattle mutilation submission. Ospreay gets the rope break using his boot.
An arm breaker by Danielson, following with a another round house kick and a running drop kick. Each one attacks the arm Ospreay uses for his hidden blade. Danielson places Ospreay on the top rope looking for a hurricanrana only for Ospreay to land on his feet again. Ospreay lands a hook kick to the face and than the original Tiger Driver getting a two count. Ospreay climbs to the top rope giving Danielson just enough time to recover and knock him off. Hammer and anvil elbows on the ropes daze Ospreay. Danielson does a Tiger Suplex off the rope. Another cover by Danielson and again Ospreay is forced to use the ropes for a break. More kicks to Ospreay arm by Danielson capped up by a running penitly kick. Ospreay sits back up just to eat another PK. Ospreay again sahkes it off and calls for more. Danielson lands an elbow only for Ospreay to drop him with one of his own. Ospreay reings down strikes. The action spills to the apron with Ospreay looking for one of his man moves out of the double under hook postion. Danielson is able to fight his way free but another hook kick by Osperay connects leading to the apron Oscutter. Danielson falls to the floor as he stands he's wide open to take the hidden blade flying elbow by Ospreay. Will Osperay is unable to lift his oppoent back in the ring and makes the call to return to the ring looking for the countout win however Danielson beats the count.
Still Ospreay has the edge. Seeing he wasn't about to get the win he had already set up for a springboard dropkick. Hosting Danielson up he lands the folding powerbomb getting a two count. When Ospreay goes for the Oscutter again it is the opening for Danielson to get a flyign armbar. Both men battle for control. Danielson gets an opening an using LaMistica a flying body attack and drive Ospreay down and look for the LeBell Lock. Ospreay fights to the ropes and Danielson counters but grabbing the other arm still Ospreay finds a way to get his boot to the ropes for another break. Danielson hammers in a series of body kick and finally one to the face. Danielson drops back and goes running looking for the Busaiku Knee. Ospreay catches him looks for another power bomb only for Danielson to counter with a rana that drives Ospreay into the ground and gets Danielson a two count. A series of near fals by boht men. Ospreay misses the hidden blade giving Danielson the distance he needs to land the Busaiku knee. A cover by Danielson. The count of one the count of two, Ospreay kicks out. Danielson declaers it's time to kicks Ospreay head in. He grabs Ospreay by the arms and stomps the head. Back to the LeBell lock attemp but Ospreay is able to escape even getting the mount to land elbows.
It looks like Danielson is out but it's a trap he locks in a triangle. Desperate Ospreay tries to powerbomb his way out. It doesn't work and he eats several elbows on top of the hold still being in. Finally Ospreay is able to get up enough that he can pulls Danielson into a Styles Clash slamming him into the mat and finally breaking the hold. With both men uttelry spent they are on there hands and knees face to face. With nothing else they exchange head butts. Again Danielsno gets teh better of it. Back on there feet Danielson lans a series of palm strikes before landing a shoulder capture suplex. Ospreay pops up and finally connects with the hidden blade elbow. Ospreay sees this as his chance he looks for the Oscutter. But Danielson is aware enough and lands the Busaki Knee to the back of the head as Ospreay dives. Bryan Danielson gets back to his feet first and waits for Will Ospreay to stand. Both men wind up across the ring and lock eyes. Busaki Knee vs. Hidden Blade in one epic clash in the center of the ring. Ospreay is quicker draw.
Only thinking of victory in this dream match Will Ospreay hooks the arm and lands the Tiger Driver 91. It's the kill shot. The move so dangerous only a few have dared. And it appears something has gone very wrong. On the mat Bryan Danielson starts to convulse. Referee Bryce Remsberg calls for the doctor. But Ospreay is only looking to win. Another hidden blade when Danielson sits up for a second. Osperay covers and it's over. Ospreay stands up to celebrate its only seconds later he sees what he's done. Danielson is still down now being checked on by the medical team. I should make this 100% clear. Bryan Danielson was fine. This was just amazingly effective selling. This was done to set up stories for both men in the months ahead. Danielson of course it was that he would be compromised going into big matches. While Ospreay would do a story showing regret over going so far and for a time retire his use of the TD 91.
The match itself is spectacular. Everything about it just looks so good. We of course get a lot of spectacular moves but even so many of the little things just look great. They way the fight for position. Danielson sneaking in strikes when he's in control of a position. Ospreay's at time frantic efforts to put Danielson away when he has an advantage. The amazing timing on spots like the flying knee counter to the Oscutter. We also get a wonderful progression of the action. From the early feeling out moves, to a middle section with both men landing bigger moves to the final exchange of the moves meant to put the other man away. It's another small thing but I also like Ospreay used the normal Tiger Driver earlier in the match as it shows he tried other ways to but Danielson away before going for the super move. Often Ospreay's critics label him a "Flippy Guy" or a "Spot Monkey" implying all he does is high flying moves. Yet in this match he shows he can be as technical as Danielson, he can strike. He also does a great job selling the damage to his body after leaping into the big Danielson kick early in the match. It was a dream match and it was better than we could have dreamed.
