AEW Dynamite, since its inception in 2019, has provided wrestling fans with unforgettable matches that blend storytelling, athleticism and elements of strong style to create the first viable alternative to WWE since WCW, even arguably more so than TNA.
As the show celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the greatest matches that have defined AEW’s rise in professional wrestling. Below, we look at the standout encounters that continue to resonate with fans.
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson – Grand Slam (September 22, 2021)
The Dream Match Delivered
Kicking off with one of the most anticipated matches in AEW history, the non-title bout between Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson was a wrestling purist’s dream.
Held at the first AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this 30-minute time-limit draw left fans in awe. Danielson’s first match in AEW lived up to the hype, with both competitors delivering a technical masterclass.
Omega and Danielson’s chemistry, combined with the electric New York crowd, helped cement this match as one of AEW’s best.
MJF vs. Will Ospreay – International Title (July 17, 2024)
A Near-Hour of Chaos
MJF’s battle with Will Ospreay at AEW Dynamite 250 was an instant classic, lasting nearly 60 minutes and featuring breathtaking high spots and intense brawling.
This International Title match delivered everything a wrestling fan could want, from near-falls to action spilling into the crowd. Ultimately, MJF retained the title, albeit through his usual nefarious means.
The bout is a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers, highlighting MJF’s own technical prowess and Ospreay’s high-flying and storytelling abilities over the hour.
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa – Lights Out Match (March 17, 2021)
A Pioneering Women’s Match
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa in a Lights Out unsanctioned match is not only one of the best women’s matches in AEW history but one of the greatest matches period. The brutal encounter featured tables, chairs, and thumbtacks, with both women pouring their hearts and bodies into the bout. Despite losing, Baker emerged as a megastar, with the iconic image of her bloodied face solidifying her status. This match significantly raised the profile of AEW’s women’s division.
Parking Lot Fight: Best Friends vs. Santana & Ortiz (September 16, 2020)
Brawling with a Creative Edge
The Parking Lot Fight between Best Friends and Santana & Ortiz was one of the most unique matches of 2020.
This no-holds-barred brawl took place in a parking lot, where both teams used cars, weapons, and everything in between.
The chaotic atmosphere, combined with clever spots and intense aggression, made this match unforgettable. Best Friends emerged victorious, but both teams gained respect for their grit and determination.
Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee – Dog Collar Match (October 7, 2020)
An Emotional Farewell to Brodie Lee
The Dog Collar Match between Cody Rhodes and Brodie Lee for the TNT Championship was as emotional as it was violent.
This match was one of Brodie Lee’s final appearances before his untimely passing, and it was a fitting tribute to his legacy. Both men utilized the chain to devastating effect, delivering a hard-hitting match that concluded with Cody regaining the title. This bout is remembered for its physical intensity and emotional weight.
Jericho Appreciation Society vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Blood and Guts (June 29, 2022)
A Brutal War Inside the Cage
The Blood and Guts match between Jericho Appreciation Society and Blackpool Combat Club was a violent spectacle that saw the two factions settle their feud inside a steel cage with two rings.
Featuring brutal high spots, including Sammy Guevara’s dramatic fall from the top of the cage, the match encapsulated the chaotic nature of the rivalry.
The dual submission finish atop the cage ended the bloody war, with Blackpool Combat Club emerging victorious in a bout fans will never forget.
Kenny Omega vs. PAC – Iron Man Match (February 26, 2020)
A Display of Endurance and Skill
Kenny Omega and PAC put on an incredible 30-minute Iron Man match, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and storytelling.
The match was filled with high-flying maneuvers, hard-hitting action, and strategic wrestling.
After a competitive back-and-forth, Omega won in sudden-death overtime, cementing his legacy as one of the top stars in AEW. PAC also solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted in-ring performers of his generation.
Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW World Championship (January 5, 2022)
A Champion’s Test of Grit
The rematch between Bryan Danielson and Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship was another classic. After their previous 60-minute time-limit draw, this match had no such restrictions. Both competitors pushed each other to the limit in an incredibly physical and emotionally charged encounter. Hangman retained the title, solidifying his reign as a top champion, while Danielson continued to prove his technical mastery.