30 Best AEW Matches Ever (So Far...)
9. Kenny Omega Vs. Will Ospreay (Forbidden Door 2023)
This was not as immortal as their January 4 match earlier in the year. The tone was so sick that Omega put Ospreay’s head through a table, and it somehow felt more brutal than an unprotected chair shot - but the rematch might have actually peaked higher at the finish.
The use of Don Callis was questionable, since he interfered despite being ejected, and the business with the Canadian flag felt a bit frivolous in this setting.
Two minor quibbles aside, this was the absolute height of big match drama.
Omega, drawing on old shoot-style promotions, aimed his palms directly into Ospreay’s bloody forehead with a savage jabbing motion. This unusual and refreshing use of the strike was as effective as the more dazzling plunder set-pieces involving the steel steps.
Countless wrestlers go their entire career without executing a near-fall that blows the roof off a major arena. With no exaggeration whatsoever, there were three near-falls in Omega Vs. Ospreay II that would qualify for the all-time tier. There are several matches widely received as classics that don’t boast a near-fall to rival a single one here.
In the first, Ospreay blasted Omega with the Stormbreaker, which, like Omega’s One-Winged Angel, he had done a superb job of protecting. Omega appeared to freeze and locate a new unit of time; he only seemed to move his leg towards the rope for the break at 2.99. The dramatic timing and assuredness was perfect. There is no other word.
Then, Ospreay drilled Omega with the One-Winged Angel. Omega kicked out at one, and while he was hardly the first to pioneer the spot, you saw it every week after that. Didn’t get the same pop, didn’t hit the same emotional beat: that was Omega’s move, and f*ck you for daring to use it. This spot was so unbelievably awesome. Your brain is wired to never see a One-Winged Angel kick-out.
For that to be subverted so thrillingly and so completely - and for it to work so well in character - was the true next level only a select few are capable of reaching.
Then, Omega kicked out of a Tiger Driver ‘91. You could argue that was excessive - but then, Omega has rarely looked so strong in AEW, and a lot of critics seem to want that for him.