30 Best AEW Matches Ever (So Far...)

27. Eddie Kingston Vs. Bryan Danielson (Rampage October 29 2021)

Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson wrestled a stunning programme.

Their dynamic was perfect. Danielson was the vastly superior technician who required no shortcuts to exert his brilliance over the future Continental champion - but Bryan wasn’t the babyface, because he was such a smug and vicious prick about it. Kingston, an ugly striker who absolutely refused to take the Dragon’s condescension, was the relatable flawed hero who would not be told when to die.

The series spanned years, and was sensational every time, but that first match was special.

Eddie wasn’t as skilled, but he was hard, and he loved hitting Danielson. This was something close to Austin Vs. Bret, if it played out in Japan.

Kingson’s face, exuding sarcasm every time he knew deep down he was done, was magnificent. Danielson was incredible at creating the idea that he might have been outfought: in a great moment, he put Eddie in a clinch because he knew he couldn’t beat him standing up.

The thread of intelligent strategy versus scrappy instinct was faithful to the characters and informed some heart-pounding momentum shifts. Bryan used an armbar on Kingston when he nearly collapsed, and was clever enough to swap arms when he sensed Eddie’s incoming lariat. Eddie didn’t set traps. He just grabbed Bryan’s head and drove it into the mat with a DDT.

The best matches peak at the finish. Too many wrestlers, high on the near-fall pop, go a bit too long. This match ended seconds after the fans erupted into an en masse standing ovation.