10 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2020 (So Far)
5. Kenny Omega & Hangman Page Vs. The Lucha Bros. - AEW Dynamite February 19
On December 18, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page and the Lucha Bros. worked a very good to great match nonetheless let down by excessive Pentagon taunts early, a lack of focus and one glaring, immersion-breaking botch. It was about the worst match these four men could possibly work, and it was still very good.
This match was the best match these four could possibly work. It was incredible.
The pacing and layout was absolutely sublime. It built steadily and thrillingly to three of the best, most electrifying minutes of pro wrestling you're ever likely to see. The story was anchored by a storyline Charley horse Omega picked up mid-match; his selling here was hermetic in its logic and superb in inspiration. Omega didn't histrionically flail nor beg to make the hot tag.
The supposed, overtly theatrical performer forward-rolled to tag Page in so as to not take any more weight on his thigh. These details elevate Omega above everybody else on the planet; this is a sporting injury few have ever fictionalised to lend a pro wrestling match a layer of athletic realism.
His struggles to defend himself left him in vulnerable positions that created a perfect - and at times - literal platform for the Lucha Bros. to thrill the crowd with jaw-dropping lucha offence that looked particularly astonishing here. The injury allowed Page to step up and settle the match, thus developing the wider, Elite Explodes saga.
A details-heavy banger with a greater narrative purpose, this was episodic TV wrestling perfected.