10 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2022 (So Far)

4. FTR Vs. The Briscoes - ROH Supercard Of Honor

Wheeler Yuta Blood
ROH/AEW

There was a moment in the instant classic FTR Vs. Briscoes match where Dax Harwood just rained down fists on the head of Jay Briscoe on the top turnbuckle. He hammered the guy relentlessly. It was the sort of spot every fan has seen countless times since the 1980s, but the sheer viciousness and intent of the execution set it apart as something totally convincing.

Moments later, Dax continued to wok Jay over in the middle of the ring. When he threw a closed fist, he took a small, almost imperceptible moment to wince and shake off the pain in his hand.

Watched passively, this dream match was an explosive contest worked with a furious pace and a total achievement of a tone. It barely felt worked at all. Watched closely, this was truly expert stuff in which every minute detail proved immersive to the story and informed the next subtle beat. These small moments earned the big bombs detonated deep into the stretch, the likes of which - suplexes from the apron to the outside - feel more normal than they should. Not here: the pacing and tone were crafted so beautifully that they felt nothing like a trope checklist.

This was fundamentally exceptional - Mark Briscoe's hot tag was built to incredible, roof-raising effect - and the overtly modern stare-down moments between Dax and Jay captured the spirit of a prideful, personal war.

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!