The greatest matches in the five-year history of AEW Dynamite

There have been numerous incredible matches on AEW Dynamite since its inception in 2019, and several of them stand out as iconic. With the five-year anniversary of the show coming up, here’s a look back of some of the best matches in AEW Dynamite history, featuring great storytelling, in-ring action, and memorable moments…

Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson (September 22nd 2021)

This match took place at the first AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. It was Danielson’s first match in AEW, and it was a non-title dream match against Kenny Omega. The match ended in a 30-minute time limit draw, but it was widely praised for its technical wrestling and intensity. Fans viewed it as one of the best TV matches of the year, with both men delivering an absolute clinic.

MJF vs. Will Ospreay – International Title Match (July 17th 2024)

MJF vs. Will Ospreay at AEW Dynamite 250 was a great match due to its combination of high-intensity action, intricate storytelling, and technical prowess. The match lasted nearly 60 minutes with the bout spilling into the crowd, adding excitement and unpredictability, with both men pushing their limits. In the end, MJF won the match, cementing his place as one of AEW’s top stars.

Best Friends vs. Santana and Ortiz – Parking Lot Fight (September 16th 2020)

Significance: This chaotic brawl was one of the most unique matches of 2020. Taking place in a parking lot, the two teams fought with everything at their disposal, including cars, weapons, and brute force. The match was lauded for its creativity, intensity, and brutality. Best Friends won the fight, but both teams came out looking like stars. The post-match embrace between Best Friends and Orange Cassidy, followed by a heartwarming moment with Trent’s mom Sue, was a nice touch.

Jericho Appreciation Society vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Blood and Guts Cage Match (June 29th 2022

The match was a standout due to its intense storytelling and brutal action. This match utilized the unique stipulation of being held inside a steel cage with two rings, allowing for chaotic multi-man brawling that highlighted the physicality and stakes of the feud. Key moments included Sammy Guevara’s impressive high-risk fall off the cage through a table and a climactic double submission finish on top of the cage, showcasing the dramatic culmination of a deeply personal rivalry.

Kenny Omega vs. PAC – 30-Minute Iron Man Match (February 26th 2020)

Omega and PAC had several excellent matches in 2020, but their 30-minute Iron Man match on Dynamite was a true wrestling masterclass. The match featured incredible athleticism, high-flying spots, and technical prowess, with Omega eventually winning in sudden death overtime. This match solidified Omega as one of the top stars in AEW and showcased PAC’s exceptional in-ring ability.

Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa – Lights Out Match (March 17th 2021)

This brutal and bloody unsanctioned match solidified Britt Baker as a megastar in AEW. Both women used steel chairs, tables, thumbtacks, and more in a violent, chaotic match that received rave reviews. Baker, despite losing, came out as the defining figure of AEW’s women’s division, with the image of her bloodied face becoming iconic.

Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW World Championship (January 5th 2022)

This was the rematch from their incredible 60-minute time-limit draw in 2021. In this bout, there was no time limit, and both men once again delivered an absolute clinic. Page was looking to prove himself as a champion, and Danielson pushed him to his limit. Hangman ultimately retained the title after a brutal and hard-hitting match, which was considered one of the best bouts of the year.

Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee – Dog Collar Match (October 7th 2020)

This match was not only brutal but also emotionally charged, as it was one of Brodie Lee’s final big matches before his untimely passing. It was for the TNT Championship and featured heavy violence with the chain being used creatively throughout the match. Cody won the match, regaining the title, but both men told an unforgettable story inside the ring.

Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson vs. PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Rey Fenix – Ladder Match (January 11th 2023)

The match was a standout due to its high-octane action and the culmination of an intense rivalry that had developed over a Best of Seven series. It featured breathtaking dives, innovative spots, and a chaotic atmosphere, as both teams showcased their incredible athleticism and chemistry. The narrative was amplified by the stakes of the match, with the AEW World Trios Championship on the line. In the end, The Elite emerged victorious, unhooking the titles and closing the series at 4-3, further solidifying their legacy in AEW.

Wardlow vs. Cody Rhodes – Steel Cage Match (February 19th 2020)

In AEW’s first cage match, newcomer Wardlow was thrown into a high-pressure main event against Cody Rhodes. The match was dramatic, with a notable highlight being Cody’s insane moonsault from the top of the cage. It was a big moment in Cody’s quest to get a match with MJF and helped establish Wardlow as a serious threat.