10 Most Underrated Wrestling Matches Of 2019

One of the most emotional and common stories in professional wrestling is the veteran versus the rookie. The story of a young worker trying desperately to overcome their mentor, or a person so respected within the industry that beating them would change their career forever. It has been the concrete foundation for some of wrestling's greatest feuds, from Ric Flair and Sting, to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada among others. Tanahashi was instrumental in making Okada the ace of New Japan that he is today, with their series ensuring that Okada could be taken seriously as the top guy. Tanahashi's work with Young Lion Shota Umino is different than his feud with Okada, but no less powerful.

This wasn't a match based around hatred or even competition. The result was enshrined, there was no chance of a Young Lion beating the defining NJPW wrestler of the century. It was a match built around respect, and the beauty of even sharing a ring with a legend. Umino was openly emotional at being able to work Tanahashi, especially as the match was being refereed by his father, and Tana seemed equally overwhelmed at being the man trusted to make this boy's career. Their match was enthralling, with the crowd invested in every second, being so drawn to the rookie's passion and heartfelt devotion to the art of wrestling.

This wasn't a match about moves, nor a win or a loss. It was a match about how beautiful it is that we have this sport, that people can devote their lives to breaking their own bodies and find solace in that. It is some of the most emotionally profound art of the year, not just in professional wrestling, and is essential to check out for any wrestling fan who missed it.