Over the years in pro wrestling, much has been written about exactly what makes a "5-star match". The age-old system of rating a bout out of 5 is still prevalent, and it's not uncommon to hear fans use the phrase even today. In truth, it's hard to know specifically what needs to happen in a wrestling match to warrant the acclaim of 5 stars, because the whole argument is wholly subjective. For example, traditionally during the internet age, the rating has been used to signify that the match was enjoyable because of actual technical wrestling, rather than weapons-based drama or even the star power of the grapplers involved. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit from the 2003 Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View is one such notable case, because both men pieced together a wonderful showcase of wrestling, making it look like a struggle rather than a pair of stuntmen going through the motions. On the flip side, 5-star ratings can often be handed out because of those Ring Of Honor-style false finishes, leading to bigger and better high spots. Basically, trying to govern exactly why matches are worthy of 5 stars can be pretty hazy! 2015 has already been stacked full of awesome matches, and this list aims to look at 10 of the best from WWE, TNA, ROH and NJPW.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
