Tony Khan set out to give an alternative to the fans when he started All Elite Wrestling in 2019. The company brought something completely new to the table for fans who had grown accustomed to the WWE style of wrestling. Blending the styles of NJPW, PWG, and ECW, AEW has carved a unique niche for itself in the wrestling sphere.
The company has spent the last 5 years defining their identity. With the new TV deals, the promotion is now aspiring to grow the brand to a completely new level and become a legitimate completion to their counterpart owned by Endeavor.
If you’re somebody who is new to the company, the unique blend of styles may be unfamiliar to you. That’s why today we have brought you a list of 10 matches that can help you familiarize yourself to the product and help you understand what the hype is all about:
Darby Allin vs. CM Punk: AEW All Out (2021)
CM Punk’s return at All Out 2021 against Darby Allin answered many questions. After years away from wrestling, fans wondered if Punk could still perform at a high level. In front of his hometown Chicago crowd, Punk delivered what he meant.
His connection with the audience and in-ring skill remained strong despite some ring rust. This match proved that Punk still had what it takes. He set the stage for even better performances in the future. It was a memorable moment for AEW and Punk’s legacy.
Stadium Stampede: Double Or Nothing (2020)
The Stadium Stampede at Double or Nothing 2020 was AEW’s creative response to the pandemic. AEW crafted a wild and pre-recorded “cinematic” match at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium.
The Inner Circle battled The Elite and Matt Hardy in a football-themed brawl. It featured wild moments like Adam Page on horseback and Matt Hardy’s bizarre resurrection. Omega’s One Winged Angel from a towering height ended the chaos. The match was unforgettable and pushed AEW’s creativity during a difficult time.
Anarchy in the Arena: Double Or Nothing (2022)
Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing 2022 reimagined the Stadium Stampede with a more brutal, hard-hitting style. Gone were the pre-taped antics. Instead, chaos unfolded live by bringing back classic concession stand brawl vibes.
Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and Eddie Kingston delivered gritty performances. Kingston’s gasoline canister moment became an iconic image. Despite Bryan Danielson’s unfortunate concussion, the match was a success. It won over fans who favored both high-concept and hard-hitting wrestling styles.
Dustin Rhodes vs. Cody Rhodes: AEW Double or Nothing (2019)
At Double or Nothing 2019, Cody and Dustin Rhodes delivered a match that far surpassed their WWE encounters. The brothers were given time to tell a brutal, emotional story being no longer confined by WWE’s restrictions.
They showed AEW could elevate even established stars with blood pouring and emotions running high. This wasn’t Stardust vs. Goldust—it was a career-defining moment for both. Their match set the tone for AEW’s future. It showcased creative freedom and delivered one of the year’s best bouts.
Young Bucks vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page: AEW Revolution 2020
The Elite’s saga from 2019 to 2021 featured many unforgettable moments but the peak came at Revolution 2020. In this tag team match, four friends clashed in what many consider AEW’s best match. The AEW World Tag Team Championships were on the line.
The bout featured incredible in-ring work, heart-stopping near-falls, and deeply-expressed character moments. This match perfectly showcased AEW’s ability to mix top-tier wrestling with storytelling. These features cemented it as a must-watch for any fan.
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson: AEW Grand Slam Dynamite (2021)
Bryan Danielson’s AEW debut came against World Champion Kenny Omega at the first-ever “Dynamite” Grand Slam. In front of 20,000 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Danielson returned after five months away and delivered a thrilling match.
It was a dream match that exceeded expectations despite ending in a 30-minute time-limit draw. Omega and Danielson were both at their best. They created magic in the ring by showing why they’re two of the world’s top wrestlers. Fans left satisfied even if the match ended without declaring a winner.
Adam Page vs. Bryan Danielson: AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming (2021)
Bryan Danielson faced AEW World Champion Adam Page in a gruelling hour-long match on “Dynamite.” He faced Adam After his 30-minute draw with Kenny Omega. Such hour-long draws are rare, especially on free TV.
Both wrestlers paced the bout perfectly and kept fans invested. This match displayed Danielson’s mastery and Page’s rise as a true top star without a decisive winner. This marathon match fortified itself as a defining moment in both of their careers.
Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland: AEW Full Gear (2023)
AEW has seen its share of hardcore matches but none compare to the bloody war between Adam Page and Swerve Strickland. This brutal death match overflew with violence, blood, and intense hatred. It displayed their rivalry particularly.
The authentic disdain between these two men created an electric atmosphere. While not for everyone, the crowd was captivated by the sheer brutality on display. This unforgettable death match will stand as one of AEW’s most extreme and compelling spectacles in its history.
Lucha Brothers vs. Young Bucks: AEW All Out (2021)
The Young Bucks and Lucha Brothers have delivered numerous memorable matches in AEW. Their best came at All Out 2021. They showcased brutal spots, hard-hitting action, and unmatched intensity inside a steel cage for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
This cage match ranks among the greatest in wrestling history by culminating in a dramatic win for Rey Fenix and Penta. The crowd erupted in celebration and made it a standout moment in AEW’s history. This match’s popularity also brought a thrilling end to an epic feud.
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa: AEW St. Patrick’s Day Slam (2021)
Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker’s intense rivalry reached its peak in this unforgettable “Lights Out” match. This was one of AEW’s rare unsanctioned bouts that have weapons like tables, ladders, chairs, and thumbtacks. This match set a new standard for women’s wrestling.
It marked the first-time women headlined “Dynamite” or any major AEW show. It displayed that AEW’s women could deliver matches as thrilling and brutal as their male counterparts. This match stands out for its quality and holds a historic significance in AEW’s evolution.
Witness the Excellence of These Matches and Become a Fan of AEW
AEW has proven its ability to deliver unforgettable matches through innovative storytelling and high-level wrestling. These matches depict AEW’s unique feature of creativity and athleticism along with intense rivalries to groundbreaking bouts. For new fans, these moments highlight why AEW has quickly become a popular promotion in professional wrestling.
