15 Best Non-WWE Matches Of The Last Decade (According To Dave Meltzer)
1. Kazuchika Okada Vs. Kenny Omega (6* + 6 1/4* - NJPW, Both 2017)
Meltzer was this year forced to reassess the parameters of his rating system after two matches - both involving Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega - that were simply too good for a straight-forward five-star score.
Instead, they got six when they locked horns for 47 minutes at the TokyoDome for NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 11, in what would foolishly be referred to as a once-in-a-generation match for Okada's IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
The bout thereafter became the new standard bearer for the whole of professional wrestling - a mantle it held for all of five months before it was topped when Okada and Omega met again, this time for a full hour, at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall.
That one, Meltzer said, was six and a quarter stars. Cripes.