10 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2021

7. Bryan Danielson Vs. Eddie Kingston - AEW Rampage October 29

Hangman Page Bryan Danielson
AEW

The perfect professional wrestling match peaks at the crescendo of the finish.

Bryan Danielson and Eddie Kingston summoned an awe-struck standing ovation mere seconds before Kingston, telling Danielson to go f*ck himself all the while, faded into unconsciousness. They crafted something magical that never felt remotely crafted. It felt like a fight in which Kingston, at his defiant best, was intent on displaying the pure in-ring skill for which he never receives enough credit.

In one low-key awesome spot, as Danielson unleashed a relentless storm of kicks to his chest, Kingston's intensity compelled him to grab Danielson by the head and, in one swift moveent of pure fury, chop the absolute sh*t out of his chest. It was a display of pure fighting spirit and determination.

Kingston was just incredible. When Danielson fought back with chops of his own, you could somehow feel the pain even though Kingston could barely allow himself to acknowledge it. He bit down, barely moving, his face in anguish despite himself. Kingston worked his selling as an involuntary reaction. The skill involved in conveying that is unbelievable.

Kingston, in addition to executing an all-time great "when to do it" DDT, elicited real pathos through his strategic errors. It was heartbreaking to see him bested because he fought so hard.

Deep emotion without any overt veneer of performance. Just blow-away great.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!