10 Most Important Matches In Modern Wrestling History

10. CM Punk Vs. Samoa Joe - ROH Joe Vs. Punk II

The content of the match, sadly, wasn't as influential as the aforementioned three-way at TNA Unbreakable. Stylistically, that match drove much of what followed.

Still, this was the first North American match that Dave Meltzer had awarded *****, back when that was ultra-rare, in seven full years. That meant something. That forced curious fans to pay attention. 

Wrestling would be better off as a form, had more talents studied CM Punk's incredible performance, the seamless, absorbing way in which he chained everything together, the ultra-patient strategy he employed. Punk trusted the fans to get it throughout that seminal full hour. This was key: Punk and Joe respected the intelligence of the audience, where Vinces McMahon and Russo treated them with utter disdain. WWE had its worst year ever in 2004: it's no exaggeration to state that many fans needed Punk Vs. Joe to prove to them that they hadn't aged out of it all.

Also, the modern history of pro wrestling cannot be written without Punk's immeasurable influence over it.

This was his proper breakthrough, with which he evolved from a mega-heel to master craftsman. If this match doesn't put him on the map, he might not go to WWE. He might not destroy, over time, the biases within WWE and eventually alter the recruitment model.

He might not cut the Pipebomb - the call-to-arms so powerful that, from that moment forward, fans refused to accept the state of play in the monopoly. The Pipebomb created a sentiment, a feeling, that ultimately created the conditions for AEW.

Punk made the fans feel like the impossible - true change - simply had to happen.