Top 122 Pro Wrestling Matches of 2022

Top 122 Pro Wrestling Matches of 2022

Plz direct all recommendations/ complaints/ tasteless nudes to @mattederer


4.25* 85% A: Not Just Great, but Something Special


122 – Anything Goes Match: Johnny Knoxville v. Sami Zayn – WWE Wrestlemania 38 Night 2 04/03/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Michael Cole (pbp), Pat McAfee (colour)

  • Wellp.
  • You either loved this match or you hated it. I am the type of fan that loved it.
  • If you haven’t seen this highly professional wrestling match, nothing I can say here will begin to do it justice. A giant mouse trap was involved in the finish. Party Boy did a run-in. Wee Man hit a bodyslam. (Bod-Wee Slam? Nope.)
  • If you didn’t like this I am not sure wrestling is for you. But hey different strokes for different folks, wee or otherwise.

121 – FIRST EVER ~!!~! Iron Survivor Match: Cora Jade v. Indi Hartwell v. Kiana James v. Roxanne Perez v. Zoey Stark – WWE NXT Deadline 12.10.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

120 – Last Man Standing Match, WWE Undisputed Title: Brock Lesnar v. Roman Reigns (c) – WWE Summerslam 07.30.2022

Commentators: Michael Cole (PbP), Corey Graves (Colour)


119 – WWE Undisputed World Title: Logan Paul v. Roman Reigns (c) – WWE Crown Jewel 11.05.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Michael Cole (PbP), Wade Barrett (Colour)


118 – NXT North American Title – Carmelo Hayes (c) v. Ricochet – WWE NXT World Collide 09/04/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Vic Joseph (PBP), Wade Barrett (Colour)


117 – Triple Threat Match, Men’s NXT Tilte: – Bron Breakker (c) v. JD McDonagh v. Ilja Dragunov – WWE NXT Hallowe’en Havoc 10.22.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Vic Joseph (PBP), Booker T (Colour)


116 – AEW Tag Titles: The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Castor) v. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) – AEW Dynamite 12/07/2022 – 4.25* 85%

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


115 – 2 out of 3 Falls: Bryan Danielson v. Sammy Guevara – AEW Dynamite 11.09.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


114 – Claudio Castagnoli v. Zack Sabre Jr. – AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 06/26/2022 – 4.25* 85%


113 – Trios, Best 4/7 Series Match #1 – Death Triangle (PAC, Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix) v. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) – AEW Full Gear 11.19.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Don Callis, Jim Ross, Taz, Tony Schiavone


112 – Steel Cage Match: “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry v. Luchasaurus – AEW Full Gear 11.19.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


111 – PWG BOLA Round 1: Bandido v. “Speedball” Mike Bailey – PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 1 01.30.2022 – 4.25* 85% A


110 – IMPACT Heavyweight Title: Josh Alexander (c) v. “Speedball” Mike Bailey – IMPACT TV 12.08.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Tom Hannifin (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (Colour)


109 – Last Woman Standing Match, Impact Knockouts’ Title: Jordynne Grace (c) v. Masha Slamovich – IMPACT: Over Drive 11.18.2022

Commentators: Tom Hannifin (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (Colour)


108 – IMPACT Heavyweight Title: Josh Alexander v. Moose (c) – IMPACT Rebellion 04.23.2022

Commentators: Tom Hannifin (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (Colour)


107 – Action Andretti v. Chris Jericho – AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming 12.14.2022 – 4.25* 85% A


106 – Trios Match, Winning team gains advantage for BLOOD AND GUTS – Eddie Kingston, Shota Umino & Wheeler Yuta v. Le Sex Gods (Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara) & Minoru Suzuki – AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 06/26/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

105 – AEW World Title Tournament Finals: Bryan Danielson v. Jon Moxley II – AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam 09.21.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PBP), Taz, Tony Schiavone, William Regal (Colour)


104 – AEW World Title Tournament: Bryan Danielson v. “Hangman” Adam Page III – AEW Dynamite 09/08/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PBP), Taz, Tony Schiavone, William Regal (Colour)


103 – Fatal 4-Way Match, ROH Title: Bryan Danielson v. Chris Jericho (c) v. Claudio Castagnoli v. Sammy Guevara – AEW Full Gear 11.19.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Ian Riccaboni Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


102 – Nick Wayne v. Will Ospreay – GCW I Never Liked You 06.19.2022

Commentators: Dave Prazak (PBP), Kevin Gill (Colour)


101 – Tag Team Match: Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) v. The VeloCities (Jude London & Paris De Silva) – RevPro Epic Encounter 05.22.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Andy Quidlan (PBP), Gideon Grey (Colour


100 – NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Title CUMULATIVE 30-COUNT MATCH: Shingo Takagi (c) v. Taichi – NJPW Golden Fight Series 04.25.2022 – 4.25* 85%

Commentator: Kevin Kelly


99 – G-1 Climax 32: Hiroshi Tanahashi v. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW G-1 Climax 32 Night 8 – 4.25* 85% A


98 – CM Punk v. MJF I – AEW Dynamite 02/02/2022 – 4.25* 85%

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • There were some nits to pick with this match, and if you’ve ever heard me discuss this one (which I was blessed to be able to do on SNME Radio, among other places) I’ve already done so at length and am not super interested in chewing my food twice here. Nutshell: Too long, Wardlow stuff had already run its course.
  • Still a fabulous professional wrestling match.

97 – AEW World Title: Jon Moxley (c) v. MJF – AEW Full Gear 11.19.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


96 – Cody Rhodes v. Seth Rollins II- WWE Wrestlemania Backlash 05/08/2022

Commentators: Jimmy Smith (pbp), Byron Saxton, Corey Graves (colour)


95 – Triple Threat Match, WWE Raw Women’s Title – Asuka v. Becky Lynch v. Bianca Belair (c) – WWE Hell in a Cell 06.05.2022

Commentators: Jimmy Smith (PbP), Byron Saxton, Corey Graves (Colour)


94 – GOOD OLD FASHIONED DONNYBROOK MATCH: The Brawling Brutes (Butch, Ridge Holland & Sheamus) v. IMPERIUM (Giovanni Vinci, Gunther & Ludvig Kaiser) – WWE Extreme Rules 10.08.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

93 – WWE Title: Seth Rollins v. Roman Reigns (c) – WWE Royal Rumble 01/29/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Jimmy Smith (PbP), Byron Saxton, Corey Graves (Colour)

Classic WWE to randomly call that power bomb a “SHIELDBOMB”
  • Great wrestling match with a highly unsatisfying ending. Never change, WWE.

92 – Falls Count Anywhere Trios, Best 4/7 Series Match #6 – Death Triangle (PAC, Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix) v. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) – AEW New Year’s Smash 12.28.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Don Callis, Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


91 – AEW World Trios Title Tournament Final Four: The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) v. The United Empire (Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis & Will Ospreay) – AEW Dynamite 08.31.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Don Callis, Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


90 – Tag Team Match: The Lucha Bros (Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix) v. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) – AEW Rampage 06/03/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Adam Cole Chris Jericho, Taz (Colour)


89 – 3-Way Tag Match, AEW Tag Titles: Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) (c) v. reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly) v. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) – AEW Revolution 03/06/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • Anecdote: my cousin Brad, a super casual wrestling fan who will watch maybe one or two shows a year, texted me that this was the greatest multi man tag match he’d ever seen.
  • The Young Bucks’ matches sometimes become the old “greatest hits” tour. Which is in no way an insult, lots of wrestlers stick to a formula. In fact, they all do to some degree. But if you’ve seen one Young Bucks match before, you’ve seen this match. If you’re not used to the Bucks, you may have thought this was the greatest tag match of all time.

88 – Fatal 5-Way Match, AAA Cruiserweight & AAA Latin American Titles: Bandido v. El Hijo Del Vikingo v. Laredo Kid (c) v. Rey Fenix v. Taurus (c) – AAA Triplemania XXX 06/18/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

87 – AAA Mega Title: El Hijo Del Vikingo (c) v. Rey Fenix – AAA Triplemania XXX N3 10.15.2022

*AAA Match of the Year, Lucha Match of the Year


86 – Triple Threat Match, X-Division Title: Ace Austin v. “Speedball” Mike Bailey v. Trey Miguel – IMPACT Wrestling Rebellion 04/23/2022 – 4.25* 85% A


85 – Best of the Super Juniors 2022: El Phantasmo v. Robbie Eagles – NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 29 Night 9 05.26.2022


84 – Heritage Cup Rules: A-Kid v. Charlie Dempsey – NXT UK 05/26/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Andy Sheppard (PbP), Nigel McGuinness (Colour)


83 – AEW Interim World Title Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley (c) v. Konosuke Takeshita I – AEW Dynamite: Fyter Fest Night 1 07/13/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


82 – PWG Title: Daniel Garcia (c) v. Konosuke Takeshita – PWG NINETEEN 07.03.2022

Commentator: Excalibur


81 – “Hangman” Adam Page v. Konosuke Takeshita – AEW Wild Card Wednesday Dynamite 05/18/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


80 – RoH World Title – Claudio Castagnoli (c) v. Konosuke Takeshita – AEW Battle of the Belts III 08.06.2022 (Taped Aug 5) – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Caprice Coleman, Taz, William Regal (Colour)


79 – KO-D Openweight Title: Konosuke Takeshita (c) v. Tetsuya Endo – DDT Judgement 2022 – DDT 25th Anniversary Show – 4.25* 85% A

  • An absolutely incredible and breath taking collection of moves, with very little story or rhyme or reason to any of it. At least to my uneducated, foolish eyes. If I’m missing the story here, please feel free to enlighten me.
  • Truly spectacular action, devoid of any heart or soul. This was an action movie. But a good one. John Wick 2, or something. I don’t know, I haven’t seen a second of John Wick’s work.
  • Can John Wick work? Is John Wick a worker?
  • More on Konosuke Takeshita later

78 – NJPW World Television Title Tournament First Round Match: Ren Narita v. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW Battle Autumn 10.26.2022

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)


77 – IMPACT Heavyweight Title: Josh Alexander (c) v. Tomohiro Ishii – IMPACT Under Siege 05.07.2022

Commentators: Tom Hannifin (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (Colour)


76 – 2022 New Japan Cup Rd 1: Tomohiro Ishii v. Shingo Takagi – NJPW Cup Night 3 03/07/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)

  • Fuck an irresistible force meeting an immovable object, give me a Stone Pitbull meeting the Last Dragon.

75 – NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Title, Last Man Standing Lumberjack Match: Shingo Takagi (c) v. Taichi – JTO 50th Anniversary For TAKATaichi Together 12.19.2022

Commentators: Haruo Murata (PBP), El Desperado, Milano Collection AT (Colour)


74 – 2022 New Japan Cup Final 4: Shingo Takagi v. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW Cup Night 14 03/26/2022 – 4.25* 85%A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)


73 – 2022 New Japan Cup Rd 1: El Desperado v. Kazuchika Okada – NJPW Cup Night 1 03/02/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)

  • We don’t talk enough about Kazuchika Okada. He’s somehow become underrated in 2022. A few great matches from the man who may, casually, be the best wrestler alive.

72 – G-1 Climax 32 D Block: El-Phantasmo v. Will Ospreay – NJPW G-1 Climax 32 Night 1 07/16/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (Colour)


71 – 2022 New Japan Cup Finals: Tetsuya Naito v. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW Cup FINAL (Night 15) 03/27/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)


70 – IWGP World Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada v. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW Hyper Battle 04/09/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (pbp), Chris Charlton (colour)

  • ^^^Spoiler: He did not
  • ๐Ÿ™
  • Fucking great pro wrestling match at least!

69 – AEW Tag Titles: The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) v. Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee & Swerve Scott) (c) – AEW All Out 09/04/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


68 – Eddie Kingston v. Tomohiro Ishii II – AEW All Out: Zero Hour 09.04.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Tony Schiavone (Colour)


67 – Eddie Kingston v. Jun Akiyama – AEW Full Gear: Zero Hour 11.19.2002 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


66 – World of STARDOM Title: KAIRI v. Saya Kamitani (c) – STARDOM Gold Rush 11.19.2022 – 4.25* 85% A


65 – World Of Stardom Title: Syuri (c) vs. Giulia – Stardom World Climax THE BEST 03/26/2022 – 4.25* 85% A


64 #1 Contender’s Match, World of STARDOM Title: Giulia v. Mayu Iwatani – STARDOM 01/29/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

  • Though it made sense for booking reasons, I think we might be seeing too many draws in pro wrestling lately?
  • Minor nitpick. This was a BATTLE, this match fucking ruled, and these women are goddamn badasses.

63 – Tokyo Princess Cup 2022: Miu Watanabe v. Miyu Yamashita – TJPW Tokyo Princess Cupp 2022 Night 6 08.13.2022

*Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling Match of the Year


62 – RoH Title: Bandido v. Chris Jericho (c) – AEW Dynamite 09.28.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PBP), Don Callis, Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


61 – Andrade El Idolo v. Darby Allin – AEW Dynamite 03/30/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • Not only the best match of the feud, but the best match on what turned out to be one of the better Dynamite shows of all time. IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY of fuses being lit. BRING THE NEWS STEAL SOME SHOES 3 2 1 (smashes all of Tony K’s stash)

60 – TNT Title: Andrade El Idolo v. Darby Allin v. Sammy Guevara – AEW Rampage 03/04/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (pbp), Chris Jericho, Ricky Starks, Taz (colour)

  • One of the best triple threat matches you’ll ever see, featuring one of the most memorable “Tower of Doom” spots ever. If you’re unfamiliar, the TOWER OF DOOM is when two (or more) wrestlers are setting up a top rope move, and a third (or MOAR) wrestler comes in from the bottom to slam the entire pile down to the mat. They are almost always hokey and bad.
  • (honestly, and this is fully an “old man yelling get off my lawn at the kids” situation, but I kinda hated that spot. Not a Tower of Doom guy clearly, and that was maybe the Tower-of-Doomiest Tower of Doom ever)
  • There was more to this match than that Tower of Doom spot though. Outstanding, all-action ‘rasslin match. A full-out sprint.

59 – Ladder Match, NXT North American Title: Cameron Grimes v. Carmelo Hayes (c) v. Grayson Waller v. Santos Escobar v. Solo Sikoa – WWE NXT Stand and Deliver II 04/02/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Vic Joseph (pbp), Wade Barrett (colour)

  • A wild, brilliant stunt show that made every single person in it look much better. Santos Escobar is the MVP of this match, arguably of Mania weekend, and definitely of my heart.
  • A wild, brilliant stunt show that made every single person in it look much better. Santos Escobar is the MVP of this match, arguably of Mania weekend, and definitely of my heart.

58 – Ladder Match, Vacant NXT North American Title: Carmelo Hayes v. Nathan Frazer v. Oro Mensah v. Von Wagner v. Wes Lee – WWE NXT Hallowe’en Havoc 10.22.2022

Commentators: Vic Joseph (PbP), Booker T (Colour)


57 – CM Punk v. Dax Harwood – AEW Dynamite 03/23/2022 – 4.25* 85%

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


56 – Bryan Danielson v. Dax Harwood – AEW Dynamite 11.30.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


55 – Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Qualifier: Cash Wheeler v. Dax Harwood – AEW Dynamite 04/27/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • “A BRET HART MASTURBATORY EXHIBITION” – Adam Page

54 – Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Rd. 1: Adam Cole v. Dax Harwood – AEW Dynamite 05/11/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • If the previous match was an ode to Bret v Owen, this was an ode to Bret v Michaels.
  • Not to be confused with Brett Michaels.
  • (For any readers under the age of 35, Poison was a band from the 1980’s. They sang a few popular songs. Some of which ended up in Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band)
  • (For any readers under the age of 30, Guitar Hero and Rock Band were video games that nope nah never mind you get this bit moving on)

53 – AEW Trios Titles Tournament Finals: The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & John Silver) & “Hangman” Adam Page v. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) – AEW All Out 09.04.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PBP), Don Callis, Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


52 – Eddie Kingston v. Tomohiro Ishii I – NJPW Capital Collision 05/14/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Ian Riccaboni (PbP), Alex Kozlov (Colour)


51 – I Quit Match, WWE Smackdown Women’s Title: Charlotte Flair (c) v. Ronda Rousey – WWE Wrestlemania Backlash 05/08/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Michael Cole (pbp), Pat McAfee (colour)


50 – G-1 Climax 32: Shingo Takagi v. Will Ospreay – NJPW G-1 Climax 32 Night 12 – 4.25* 85% A


49 – GHC Heavyweight Title: Go Shiozaki v. Katsuhiko Nakajima (c) – Pro Wrestling NOAH The New Year 01/01/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

*NOAH Match of the Year

  • It’s tough to rate NOAH matches in the pandemic era. These guys work so hard, and the matches are so technically sound, but without a crowd, and with almost 0 knowledge of the stories going in, the matches can be tough to get through, as great as they are. They are a little bit dry? Boring is certainly not the word, but they can be tough to get into.
  • Anyway, a great match that probably would have been a classic in front of a lively crowd, but unfortunately lacked a small something in my eyes. No fault of the two guys involved. It’s THE TIMES you see. Also my complete and total lack of knowledge about the subject.

48 – G-Rex Title: El Lindaman (c) v. Shigehiro Irie – GLEAT PROWRESTLING ver. 25 05/18/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

*GLEAT PROWRESTLING Match of the Year


47 – Jon Moxley v. Konosuke Takeshita II – AEW Rampage 12.09.2023 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


46 – “Filthy” Tom Lawler v. Jon Moxley – DEFY Wrestling Wild Ones 04/30/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Rich Bocchini (PbP), Colt Cabana (Colour)


45 – Biff Busick v. Jon Moxley – GCW Bloodsport 8 – 03/31/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Lenny Leonard (PbP), Rocky Romero (Colour)

*Indy Match of the Year

  • Jesus Tap Dancing Christ

44 – Jon Moxley v. Will Ospreay – NJPW Windy City Riot 04/16/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (colour)


43 – IWGP United States Title: Orange Cassidy v. Will Ospreay – AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 06/26/2022 – 4.25* 85% A


42 – AEW All-Atlantic Title: Katsuyori Shibata v. Orange Cassidy (c) – AEW Rampage 11.04.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Mike Tyson, Tony Schiavone


41 – Undisputed British Heavyweight Title: Michael Oku v. Will Ospreay (c) – RevPro High Stakes 01/29/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Andy Quildan, Gideon Gray

*Rev Pro Match of the Year

  • Let me start by saying this was a fantastic wrestling match. I did feel, however, that you could argue this match did Oku no favours. I wish to argue such, in fact. He was kind of made out to look like, dare I say, a bitch? Yes, he fought valiantly. But he was completely and totally emasculated by BIG BAD BILL Ospreay. His family was embarrassed, his girl was traumatized (and by the letter of the law, assaulted) and his parents had to watch Oku lose embarrassingly from the front row. Uh, cool? Thanks for coming, Mike.
  • So yeah, as objectively great as it was, subjectively I outright disliked this match for that reason. But hey whatever, it’s fake. We all know it’s fake. It was definitely compelling to watch this schmuck stumble and fall and be a total failure in front of his friends and family. In 2022, this result doesn’t matter much. If this were 1980 though, Oku’s career might be over.

40 – Eddie Kingston v. Chris Jericho – AEW Revolution 03/06/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • The best part of this match was the William Regal / Chris Jericho podcast after it, where Regal was lamenting these new fangled wrestlers taking bumps on their head every night, and Jericho piped in with “โ€ฆohya Eddie and I just did a headdrop like last night”.
  • Gun to my head I think this is Jericho’s best 1v1 match in AEW so far.

39 – AEW TNT Title: Darby Allin v. Samoa Joe – AEW Dynamite 12.07.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


38 – Brody King v. Darby Allin – AEW Dynamite: Fyter Fest Week 2 07/20/2022 – 4.25* 85% A


37 – Brody King v. Darby Allin II – Coffin Match – AEW Dynamite: Quake by the Lake 08/10/2022 – 4.25* 85% A


36 – IWGP World Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada v. Shingo Takagi (c) – NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 1 01/04/2022 – 4.5* 90%

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (colour)

  • I’ve seen people say this was the best match on Wrestle Kingdom, and that is a perfectly acceptable thing to say. If you are on that side of the fence, I disagree but support you and your hot opinions.

4.5* 90% A+, NOT JUST SPECIAL, BUT AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC


35 – No Disqualification, Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Round 1: Darby Allin v. Jeff Hardy – AEW Dynamite 05/11/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


34 – Cody Rhodes v. Seth Rollins I – WWE Wrestlemania 38 Night 1 04/02/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Jimmy Smith (PbP), Byron Saxton, Corey Graves (Colour)

  • ADRENALINE
  • IN MY SOUL
  • THIS PREMISE HAS GOT TO GO
  • CLASSIC MATCH AND MOMENT EITHER WAY

33 – 2 out of 3 Falls, RoH Tag Titles: The Briscoe Boys (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c) v. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) II – RoH Death Before Dishonour 07/23/2022 โ€“ 5* 100% A++

Commentators: Ian Riccaboni (PbP), Caprice Coleman (colour)


32 – Dog Collar Match: CM Punk v. Maxwell Jacob Friedman II – AEW Revolution 03/06/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • The best compliment that I can give this match is that it lived up to its stipulation.
  • A worthy Dog Collar match, not quite on the level of the all-time classic Valentine/Piper Dog Collar match (which was probably 5*?) but a fine modern take on that goddamn crazy violent bloodbath.

31 – Blood and Guts Match: The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Ortiz, Santana & Wheeler Yuta) v. The Jericho Appreciation Society (“Cool Hand” Angelo Parker, Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard, Jake Hagar & Sammy Guevara) – AEW Dynamite: Blood and Guts 06/29/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

30 – Steel Cage Match (Pinfall then Escape): Natsupoi v. Tam Nakano – STARDOM Fight in the Top 6/22/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+


29 – G-1 Climax 32: JONAH v. Kazuchika Okada – NJPW G-1 Climax 32 Night 13 08/07/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+


28 – 2022 New Japan Cup Round 2: Hiromu Takahashi v. Minoru Suzuki – NJPW New Japan Cup Night 7 03/13/2022 – 4.5* 90% A

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (colour)

PICTURED: This Match
  • Jesus H Christ

27 – RoH Title: Chris Jericho (c) v. Tomohiro Ishii – AEW Dynamite 11.23.2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


26 – 2 out of 3 Falls: Bryan Danielson v. Daniel Garcia – AEW Dynamite 08.17.2022

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Taz, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


25 – STARDOM High Speed Title: AZM v. Dark Starlight Kid – STARDOM Cinderella Journey in Nagoka 02/23/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

  • This match had a whiff of Tiger Mask/Dynamite Kid, or Mysterio/Juventud, or dare I say the Young Bucks in PWG. That cutting-edge light heavyweight match, the one that looks like wrestling in fast forward. Something like Fenix/Dante Martin from this year, except with an actual wrestling match wrapped in between the crazy stunts. This might be what all of pro wrestling looks like in 15-20 years. A classic junior heavyweight BATTLE.

24 – Impact World Title: Eric Young v. Josh Alexander (c) – Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 06/19/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Tom Hannifin (PbP), Matt Rehwoldt (Colour)

*Impact Wrestling Match of the Year


23 – WWE Raw Women’s Title: Becky Lynch (c) v. Bianca Belair – WWE Wrestlemania 38 Night 1 04/02/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

*WWE Women’s Match of the Year, WWE Wrestlemania Match of the Year

  • One of the very best women’s matches in the history of WWE. A brilliant match both in layout and execution. Nothing short of an all-time classic professional wrestling match, that did not get the credit it deserved.
  • If this exact match happened in AEW, I betcha it would have gotten more love. Sometimes, people forget that WWE can be amazing too.
  • (Which do not get me wrong, is totally WWE’s own fault. They don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt, ever, for any reason, at any time. But don’t sleep on WWE all the time, because when they want to, they can still kick some ass.)

22 – World of STARDOM Title: Syuri (c) v. Utami Hayashashita – STARDOM Gold Rush 11.19.2022


21 – JUDGES IN CASE OF A DRAW match, AEW World Title: Bryan Danielson v. “Hangman” Adam Page (c) – AEW Dynamite Debut on TBS 01/05/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • Not quite as brilliant as it was the first time IMO, but the fact that they went another 30min on live TV and had the crowd in the palms of their hands is no small feat. Another absolute classic from two incredible professional wrestlers.
  • It’s also worth noting that most people feel this match was superior to the first? I think there are some obvious nitpicks / flaws with this one (Dead-eye on the outside was fairly hokey, the Bart Simpson/Homer Simpson full sprint headbutt spot was pretty hokey, and both of those things took me out of the match a little bit. Also, the ending kinda felt like it came kind of out of nowhere, and was less satisfying than the ending of the previous match) but those are like, the difference between a 90% and an 100%. Still an all-time classic wrestling match.

20 – Bryan Danielson v. Jon Moxley – AEW Revolution 03/06/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • WILD THING
  • MOXLEY AND BRY-YING
  • YOU MAKE EVERYTHING
  • BLOODY
  • ADRENALINE, IN MY SOUL, SHIT THIS PREMISE CAME BACK NOOOO

19 – Jon Moxley v. Wheeler Yuta – AEW Rampage 04/08/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (pbp), Chris Jericho, Ricky Starks, Taz (colour)

*AEW Rampage Match of the Year


18 – AAA Tag Titles & ROH Tag Titles: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) v. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) II – AEW Dynamite 04/06/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)


17 – IWGP U.S. Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) v. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 05/01/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (colour)


16 – Texas Death Match, AEW World Title: “Hangman” Adam Page (c) v. Lance Archer – AEW Dynamite 02/09/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • This match didn’t get the love it deserved. Wild, bloody brawl with some unique and memorable stunts, and a great finish. This is what pro wrestling is all about.

15 – IWGP Women’s Title Tournament Final: KAIRI v. Mayu Iwatani – NJPW x STARDOM Historic x-Over 11.20.2022

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton, Waka Tsukiyama (Colour)


14 – IWGP Tag Team Title Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (c) vs. Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) – NJPW Royal Quest II Night 1 10.01.2022

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (Colour)


13 – Dax Harwood v. Will Ospreay – AEW Dynamite Road Rager 06/15/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

*AEW Dynamite Match of the Year


12 – Loser Leaves NXT UK, WWE NXT UK Title: Ilja Dragunov (c) v. Jordan Devlin – WWE NXT UK #200 05/12/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Andy Sheppard (PbP), Nigel McGuinness (Colour)


11 – Empty Arena Match, Men’s NXT UK Title: Ilja Dragunov (c) v. Jordan Devlin – WWE NXT UK 01/27/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Andy Sheppard (PbP), Nigel McGuinness (Colour)

*WWE TV Match of the Year

  • Ilja Dragunov is like Bryan Danielson + Finn Balor + Khabib Nurmagemedov. This man is a gem, a genius-level professional wrestler, and in a fair world he would be main eventing Raw, not NXT UK. Alas.
  • Also, Jordan Devlin was there! (Naw, he’s great too)

10 – Ladder Match, AEW TNT Title: Cody Rhodes (c) v. Sammy Guevara – AEW Dynamite: Beach Break 01/26/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

  • That fucking cutter, bruj
  • Also, there was a classic match wrapped in between Sammy’s usual 2-3 suicide attempts

9 – IWGP World Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) v. Will Ospreay I – NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 2 01/05/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (colour)

  • One thing I really appreciated about this match is that there was a clear cut, no-questions-asked, all caps WINNER. Okada took everything that this human superball had to offer, he kicked out of big Will’s big SPOTZ, and won the main event of Wrestle Kingdom with one Rainmaker.
  • Some people (incl. Dave Meltzer and John Powell of SLAM Wrestling, among many others) would tell you this was a 5* (+) match and one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. I wouldn’t go that far, but this was every bit the classic Wrestle Kingdom main event we’ve come to know and love. Amazing performance by Willy boy. That Moonsault was the thing of legends.

8 – G-1 Climax 32 Finals: Kazuchika Okada v. Will Ospreay II – NJPW G-1 Climax Final 08/18/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP), Chris Charlton (colour)


7 – 2022 New Japan Cup Elite 8: Will Ospreay v. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW Cup Night 13 03/21/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Kevin Kelly (PbP)

*NJPW Match of the Year, Singles Match of the Year

  • God fucking dammit, this match rules so hard. A match with a clear story, a throughline that is easy to follow for any fan of any experience level. These guys have had a few amazing matches against each other in their day, but this might be their finest work. A+ work, A+ storytelling, and a clever and unique finish to boot. In a lot of years, this would be the best match by a wide margin.
6 – Anarchy in the Arena: Bryan Danielson, Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Ortiz & Santana v. Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, “Cool Hand” Angelo Parker, “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard, Daniel Garcia & Jake Hagar) – AEW Double or Nothing 05/29/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

Commentators: Excalibur (PbP), Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone (Colour)

*AEW PPV Match of the Year, Multi-Man Tag Match of the Year

(write-up coming soon)

5 – WWE Intercontinental Title: Gunther v. Sheamus – WWE Clash at the Castle 09/03/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

*EUROPEAN MATCH OF THE YEAR, Men’s 1v1 Match of the Year


4.75*, 95% A+ -> Not quite perfect, but close


4 – Hell in a Cell Match: Cody Rhodes v. Seth Rollins III – WWE Hell in a Cell 06/05/2022 – 4.5* 90% A+

*WWE Match of the Year, WWE PPV Match of the Year


5*, 100%, A++ -> Perfect, beautiful, first-ballot hall of fame match


3 – World Of Stardom Title: Syuri (c) vs. Giulia – Stardom Dream Queendom 12/29/2022 – 4.25* 85% A

*1v1 Match of the Year, Women’s Match of the Year, STARDOM Match of the Year


2 – Double Dog Collar Match, RoH Tag Titles: The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c) v. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) III – RoH Final Battle 12/10/2022 โ€“ 5* 100% A++

Commentators: Ian Riccaboni (PbP), Caprice Coleman (colour)

*Gimmick Match of the Year


1 – RoH Tag Titles: The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c) v. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) I – RoH Supercard of Honour 04/01/2022 โ€“ 5* 100% A++

Commentators: Ian Riccaboni (PbP), Caprice Coleman (colour)

*2v2 Tag Team Match of the Year, ROH Match of the Year, Match of the Year Baby


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