Top Matches of 2024

2024 was a bit of a crazy year. Rossy Ogawa was fired from STARDOM for alleged talent poaching and then created new promotion MARIGOLD a few months later. Kazuchika Okada shockingly left NJPW for AEW and Hiroshi Tanahashi was announced as president and representative director of the promotion. We saw the end of Bryan Danielson’s full-time career as a professional wrestler. And Cody Rhodes finally finished the story.

It’s another year down and you know what that means; It’s time for my (second) annual top 15 matches of the year list! 

Before we get into the real meat of it all, here are a few matches that almost made the list:

• Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander for the TBS Title (Full Gear)

• Tornado Match Darby Allin & Sting vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Titles in a tornado tag match

• Mayu Iwatani vs. Momo Watanabe for the IWGP Women's Title

• IYO SKY vs. Utami Hayashishita

• CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a strap match

• Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander in a Chicago Street Fight

Now, without further to do, let's get into it.

15. Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

    Wrestle Kingdom 18 - January 4

A rematch of a dream match that made up for their previous encounter for sure. A very technically sound but brutal bout between two of the most iconic men in wrestling in an iconic arena with a very responsive crowd. Danielson is nasty in this and plays the heel role perfectly as he is the one invading Okada’s territory. He targets Okada’s arm the whole time not only to disarm his rainmaker but, to also get payback since in their previous match, Danielson faced an arm injury. Okada however has no problem targeting his neck and injured eye. He even rips off Danielson's eyepatch to cause even more damage.

This match highlights both men’s strengths; Danielson’s roughness in the ring and clean submission work and Okada was able to be the, for the lack of a better word, the “underdog” who garnered the fans undying support and ended up the hero in the Tokyo Dome. I think the ending would have been a bit stronger if Okada didn’t win via one rainmaker after the whole arm-selling thing. Anyway, Okada gets the big win on his home turf and proves why he (was) the heart of NJPW. A very sound and at times brutal match with great drama.

14. WWE Intercontinental Title: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn

    WrestleMania XL - April 6

The build to this wasn’t many people's favorite and some even wanted someone else in this match. However, this is a reminder to never doubt Sami Zayn. Zayn is an incredible babyface and perhaps one of the best of all time. Pair him against the dominant ring general Gunther and you get a classic on one of the biggest stages of them all.

Gunther is an absolute asshole and grins from ear to ear whenever he gets Zayn down. Zayn however refuses to die. He keeps fighting back and whenever he does it's so explosive. He makes you believe. He is the ultimate underdog. No matter what Gunther throws at him, he stays alive. The crowd heavily backs him up as he continues to fight.

Gunther has no problems playing mind games by trash-talking to Zayn’s wife who was sitting ringside. His wife, however, is unphased as she says “It’s over for you” and waves him off (What a badass). Gunther continues punishing Zayn with powerbombs and even performs two splashes off the top rope of all things. He's clearly just having fun at this point but that would turn out to be his biggest mistake as Zayn fires himself up. Zayn is able to quickly catch up to Gunther on the top rope and deliver a devastating brainbuster on the turnbuckles. Zayn shockingly gets the win and if you weren’t invested in Zayn’s story coming into this, you certainly were cheering for him by the end. While Zayn is great Gunther’s character work here is incredible too and he got to show off his dominant wrestling abilities. Overall, this is a perfect underdog story with two brilliantly cast wrestlers.

13. Princess Of Princess Title Match: Miyu Yamashita vs. Miu Watanabe

    Grand Princess '24 - March 31

Miu Watanabe is someone who fans wanted to see get the big one for a while now. But standing in her way was Miyu Yamashita- the company's ace. This was an epic main event with Watanabe desperate to finish the story and obtain the title that would solidify her as the new face of the company.

I found the storytelling and psychology so good and I feel like even if you don’t watch TJPW you’d understand the dynamic between these two pretty well. Yamashita is dominant for a lot of the match while Watanabe keeps fighting on with everything in her. Yamashita plays mind games by no selling Watanabe's moves and even immediately gets up from an avalanche in the ring to mess with her even more. Watanabe is the perfect underdog in this as she gets you so emotionally invested. There are some incredible looking moments in this like Watanabe delivering an avalanche teardrop from the second rope or Yamashita delivering a disgusting looking skull kick that looks like it knocks out Watanabe cold.

I did find the ending a bit abrupt and just wish it was a bit bigger but, I still rate this encounter high. Seeing Watanabe keep fighting to obtain the prize that has escaped her for so long was such a satisfying and emotional moment. She's one of the best in the Joshi scene right now and I’m so happy she’s gotten the chance to finally claim her spot at the top of TJPW.

12. NJPW STRONG Women's Title Match: Mercedes Mone vs. Hazuki

    Strong Style Evolved - December 14

What a year for Mercedes Mone. She made her return after a potentially career-ending injury and found a new home in AEW. She’s had tons of good matches but her best of the year has to be against STARDOM's Hazuki. Hazuki is someone who can always be trusted to deliver and boy did she. She is such an explosive wrestler and she gives Mone the fight of her life. If the crowd wasn’t familiar with Hazuki before this, they were her biggest fans by the end. She earns their respect with her exhilarating move set and fighting spirit. However, Mone is so good at playing into the dramatics of a match and makes everything look so vicious.

Nearing the middle and especially the end, you can see Mone visibly frustrated. Why won’t Hazuki just stay down? Hazuki is also a master at near falls and every kick out makes you want to get up out of your seat. The last part of the match is where it gets especially exciting. Both women are extremely tired and are trying anything to put the other away. Mone pulls out a mone maker just for Hazuki to get her foot on the rope. (The mone maker is just never gonna get or look better, huh?) Mercedes has never faced anyone with the resilience of Hazuki and her face after that kick-out says it all. Then a thrilling back and forth ends the match as Mercedes is able to catch Hazuki for a second Mone maker to finally get the win.

In last year’s feature, I wrote that Saya Kamitani from Stardom will be a singles champion in 2024 and that Hazuki needs to be one- and I was right. Kamitani won the World of Stardom champion about a week ago but Hazuki failed to capture the Wonder of Stardom title back in September. 2025 has to be the year Hazuki makes a breakthrough in singles action. Let’s hope in next year's feature, I’ll write how Hazuki has finally won some singles gold. And, if you don’t think Mercedes in 2025 hasn’t been a success after watching this, you clearly don’t get it. Mercedes has been having some of the best matches of her career in the latter half of 2024. AEW and Japan are where she belongs. May 2025 be an even better year for our CEO and may Hazuki FINALLY win a big title as well!

11. Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland

    All Out - September 7

    

    
    

These two guys last match found its way in my top 15 matches of 2023 last year and here they are again; still trying to murder the other. Hangman this time upping the animosity between the two by setting Strickland's childhood home on fire. With last year's absolute blood bath, how could they possibly follow it?

The tone of what is to come is set as both men immediately try to decapitate the other with the side of the lowering steel cage. The cage feels so claustrophobic here considering the amount of hate and loathing contained inside it. But I quite like it. This has a much different feel to their last counter. It feels much more uncomfortable. Much more methodical. They introduce the staple gun and Strickland staples a photo of his family to Page’s chest and face. They use the cage to their full advantage as they use it as a weapon. Pure violence from bell to bell. I will say I did hate the ref spot where the ref tries to stop Hangman from taking the chair. Why are we doing a “This isn’t you!” spot in a match where there are no rules?! That small gripe aside, I will say after this moment the match switches to second gear where the two are now determined to put the other away for good.

The ending is something that divides many people. Some find it sick and say this kind of stuff has no place in wrestling. Hangman pulls out a hypodermic needle and sticks it through Swerve’s cheek and lip. He then gets a chair and hits Swerve over the head as it makes a disgusting noise. Personally, my only complaint with this was the camera shot being switched just as Page hits Strickland. It sort of lessened the impact of it but it’s still a gnarly spot. Whether you think this counts as “wrestling” or not is up to you but, to me, this fucking ruled.

While not as fast-paced as their last encounter, I will say this one was harder to sit through and I mean that as a compliment. The ending and match overall are something that stuck with me for hours and even days after watching. There was something so cold, inhumane, and depraved about it all. Wrestling is just so beautiful sometimes.

10. IWGP Women's Title Match: Mayu Iwatani vs. Syuri

    Ittenyon Stardom Gate - January 4

    

    
    

This had match of the year contendership locked in only four days into the new year. Taking place on the same day as Wrestle Kingdom, this was easily the best match of the big weekend. Mayu and Syuri are amazing big-match wrestlers and they excelled here.

Syuri has some of the best strikes and kicks in the world right now. She’s so physical and makes everything look so brutal which is only further increased by Mayu’s incredible selling and storytelling in the ring. This was such a fierce back-and-forth bout between these two. Tons of physicality and drama. It's almost 20 minutes of them trying to practically kill each other with little slowing down. There are KO-looking kicks, pretty wicked moves, a disgusting-sounding headbutt, and nerve-inducing near falls. The ending is especially fun as the two are desperate to get the win. At one point Syuri ends up just straight up launching Mayu at the corner turnbuckle. Just good stuff all around. There’s really no need to overcomplicate it; It’s Syuri and Mayu Iwatani- what more can I say! Pure fun and physicality from start to finish. Iwatani walks into 2025 still as IWGP champion and I’m sure she’ll give us some more bangers that’ll pop up on next year’s list but, I’m hoping Syuri works her way back up the card and wins big things in 2025 too.

9. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Will Ospreay

   Revolution - March 3

   

   
   

The match the woke left doesn’t want you to see!!!!

I’m sorry but this is just sick. Yes, it’s a bit overly choreographed, and Ospreay overdoes the “fighting spirit” bit a ton but man I don’t care this was so freaking fun. Such an explosive match between two freak athletes. Ospreay does his usual flippy dance and Takeshita is so beast in this while also taking to the air as well as he performs a gorgeous flip over the top rope to the outside. He also delivers one of the prettiest german supplexes I’ve ever seen in this too. Takeshita is so sick dude. Literally everything he does looks vicious.

The counters in this were legit. The Oscutter into the thunder bomb by Takeshita makes me want to run through walls. Takeshita also does a brain buster and drops Ospreay on his neck from the second rope. There are so many insane moments so I really don’t care if it wasn’t the most psychologically sound match- it ruled brother, I don’t know what to tell you! Anyways, this match has brutal bumps, thrilling counters, on your feet sequence, and a great crowd. Such a ridiculous watch that still gets me fired up on rewatch.

8. Wonder Of Stardom Title Match: Natsupoi vs. Starlight Kid

   Stardom Dream Queendom 2024 - December 29

A very late contender (which ended up knocking out a match from its top 15 spot) came in the form of this Wonder of Stardom title fight between champion Natsupoi and Starlight Kid. The two had amazing battles before but this time it was for the big white belt. These two have insane natural in-ring chemistry. They’re both so quick so it makes for an exciting watch as they counter everything the other does or can pull out an insane move in the blink of an eye. Both women are insanely passionate. Natsupoi is desperate to keep her baby and Kid is hungry to finally take her career to the next level. The match keeps its pacing consistent throughout and there’s some great storytelling being told, especially from Natsupoi whose passion and energy can be felt through the screen. There’s a frantic feeling throughout the whole thing as both women are equally matched in terms of power and speed. I enjoyed the limb work a ton and feel like all the submissions were especially brutal in their execution. While there was a ton of submission wrestling there were so many fast-paced sequences as both women leaned into their high-speed roots a bit. The crowd was insanely invested and loud, adding to the great atmosphere. The match got stronger and stronger as it went on, with the ending being especially enthralling to watch (with a kick out at one that makes me want to pound my chest and run through a wall). In the end, we see Kid fulfill her destiny as white belt champ.

I will say that I am the biggest Natsupoi fan ever, so this was especially emotional for me to watch but, I feel like regardless of whether you knew who these wrestlers were before watching or not, they make you care enough that you will feel exactly how I did who’s been watching for years.

7. Bloodline Rules - WWE Universal Title Match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

   WrestleMania XL - April 7

Last year, Cody failed to finish the story. However, he had a second chance this year. While there were some twists and turns, we did eventually get here: Bloodline rules in the main event of WrestleMania XL. 

I do think Rhodes and Reigns have really good natural in-ring chemistry. While this match necessarily wasn’t the best example of that, you do clearly see it in the first half of the match. The two play up their roles really well. Roman is the dominant force that’s been unstoppable for years. Cody is the perfect white meat babyface who can make a big comeback when needed. But of course, a huge part of the match was it being Bloodline Rules. In the madness, we see twin brothers Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso. Solo recreates his moment from last year but is hunted down by John Cena. Only for then The Rock’s music to hit as he and Cena have a “thrice in a lifetime” stare-down. The Shield’s music hits after however, it’s just Seth who can barley walk in full Shield attire. To top it all off, the lights go out. GONG. The undertaker shows up- who couldn't be assed to get in gear for this. Every theme that hits, the crowd loses it more and more. "This is the damnedest match I’ve ever called” Cole says on commentary.

The best moment for me though is when it’s just Reigns, Rhodes and Rollins left in the ring. Reigns holds a chair as the two other men struggle to get up but Roman decides to get payback on his Shield brother after all those years and hits Rollins in the back with the chair. This gives Rhodes enough time to take advantage and get the win. FINISH. THE. STORY. So many storylines and callbacks all contained in one insane match.

The emotions of it all made this. You wanted to believe this was Rhode’s moment. You got lost in the “story”. When The Shield’s music hit I honest to God thought Moxely was somehow coming out- fully knowing that was absolutely impossible. All suspension of disbelief was gone and I felt like a little kid again. Any match that can accomplish that is a pretty special one I’d say.

6. Mayu Iwatani & Sareee vs. Chihiro Hashimoto & VENY

   Sareee-ISM Chapter V / September 2

Saree has put on some incredible self-produced shows but my favorite match to come from these events has to be the insane tag match between four of the best names in the Joshi scene in one insane tag match. Women’s tag wrestling is pretty much dead in the western parts of the world. It’s an afterthought in WWE, absolutely nonexistent in AEW, and holding on by a string in TNA but, over in Japan, it’s absolutely thriving. This match is not only one of the best of the year but for sure the best tag match of the year.

The lineup should give you a good idea of what you’re getting into. Iwatani and Sareee already speak for themselves and are a dream team. However, Hashimoto and VENY might not be names some are very familiar with. VENY is very charismatic and so fun to watch and Hashimoto (AKA Big Hash) is a beast and such a dominant force. Everyone’s style meshes so well here and it’s truly 23 minutes of off-the-wall wrestling. It’s genuinely so chaotic but in the best way. You’ll be hooked from beginning to end and the time really flies by. The crowd is properly loud too and I’ve always loved the venue they’re in so much. It really adds to the charm of it all.

The match is full of stiff strikes, insane kicks, devastating suplexes, jaw-dropping moves, and electrifying action. There’s also a disgusting-sounding headbutt in this that will make you physically cringe. Pure violence and action from bell to bell. You truly will not get a chance to breathe. My favorite moment from this match is in all the chaos where VENY has Sareee in a submission and Mayu comes to make the save but accidentally kicks her partner Sareee and then apologizes before going after VENY.

Strongly suggest this if you haven’t watched it. Or just go watch it again why not? Women’s Wrestling rules.

5. IWGP Women's Title Match: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Sareee

   All-Star Grand Queendom / April 27

The ace of Stardom versus the best freelancer in the world. The two clashed in an absolute dream match at Stardom’s All Star Grand queendom; an event that had fallen quite a bit in quality from the year before. However, this one match made the whole show worthwhile.

Two mega stars giving it their all to create a big fight feel. Sareee is incredibly tough and dominant. Iwatani is resilient and will fight to the bitter end. Absolute masters at what they do and this match fully showcased that. Both women get in really rough offense against the other. Sareee is such a hard hitter and every move makes Iwatani fight harder. Insane kicks and strikes throughout and some pretty devastating moves like Sareee delivering a deathly looking drop kick straight to Iwatani's face. Everything is only further intensified as Iwatani sells everything like she's been hit by a train. However, her fighting spirit is unmatched. Both women are equally aggressive with the other and "Zombie Mayu" is unlocked. She gives Sareee a bunch of crazy headbutts in a row. An intense and physical war between two of the best to ever do it and it’s everything you could ever want and more.

Such an engaging and dramatic match heightened by Mayu’s sense of urgency near the end. Many didn’t expect Sareee to actually win the belt, but that didn’t make this any less enjoyable to watch. To me, the real fun was finally seeing these ICONS go head to head in singles action and watch the best of the best show everyone how it’s fucking done.

4. AEW World Title Vs. Career Match: Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Bryan Danielson

   All In / August 25

Danielson had never won the world title and if he was gonna do it, this had to be the time cause it was now do or die. This was a huge moment for Danielson yes, but especially for Strickland as well. His meteoric rise in AEW has been amazing to watch and now he is All Elite world champion main eventing Wembley bloody Stadium with the chance to end The Bryan Danielson's career. But that didn’t matter to him. He would have no regrets about ending his opponent's career. This was the same man who cut a promo over Hangman’s baby crib just last year. And speaking of people’s kids, Danielson’s were front row. Danielson wanted them to be there for what could be his final match but it could not have come at a worse opponent. He bleeds profusely about 5 minutes into the match. Strickland drags Danielson to the outside right in front of Danielson’s kids and stomps his head in. Birdie, his daughter, is crying. Scarring your kids for the love of the game is so beast.

The crowd is electric and the vibes are immaculate. Strickland has something to prove as AEW champion and as the one who could potentially retire Danielson. On the other side of the ring, Danielson is ready to give it his all and if this is really the end, he's going out in a blaze of glory. Danielson takes insane bumps on his neck like the psycho he is. Strickland makes everything look disgustingly brutal. There’s a moment where Swerve is on his second house call to Danielson. Danielson looks out, reaching out to his family as Birdie is reaching out to him, he says “I’m Sorry” before Swerve hits another house call. The crowd comes unglued as Danielson kicks out. Swerve unloads a series of roundhouse kicks on Danielson’s chest as Danielson stares at his family. “I love you so much!” Danielson screams at them as he rises and fights back.

The ending is electric as Danielson is able to make Strickland tap. The dried blood is still on Danielson’s face as he is overcome with emotion. This match is one of the most emotionally investing bouts of the year. From start to finish you’re absolutely glued to the screen and on the edge of your seat. The finish is just the ultimate payoff and a well-deserved moment for Danielson.

3. Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

   The New Beginning In Osaka - February 11

   

   
   

Two of the best technical wrestlers in the game.

Last year the two had a match at AEW's Wrestle Dream which saw Danielson get the win. Now, they were on Sabre’s home turf in NJPW. This was easily miles better than their last (already great) encounter and is one of the best technical matches I’ve ever seen. The match was so good, it made a NJPW crowd erupt into “this is awesome” chants.

The two may have a healthy amount of respect for the other, but they also do a lot of trash-talking here and it’s just the right amount of nastiness and animosity to get a really gritty but still technically beautiful match. Danielson is the “heel” here and has no problem disrespecting Sabre to get into his head and to get the absolute best version of him he can get. This started with the two feeling each other out and doing some grappling wrestling but then quickly raised into a fiery encounter with stiff kicks and blows. The part where they're in the middle of the ring together in a leg lock as Danielson spits on Sabre to initiate a war of kicks to the head is so sick. While of course the submissions and technical aspects of this match are a highlight, these two also deliver some hard-hitting offense as well. But there are some incredibly exciting sequences too where the two fight for the pin that will get you running through walls.

Genuinely such a gorgeous and genius match. Everything is so well thought out. There are no wasted movements. Call me cheesy, but it’s art. The way these two find ways to counter the other's moves, the psychology, and the limb work are fascinating to watch. One of my absolute favorites of the year.

2. Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay

   Dynasty - April 21

   

   
   

Three entries in a row for Danielson. What can I say, he had a great year!

This was a highly anticipated match and it absolutely lived up to all expectations and beyond. The up-and-coming new face of the industry versus the seasoned veteran. Ospreay may be quicker, more athletic, and younger, but Danielson is tougher, more experienced, and has a spirit that refuses to quit. But to be fair, so does Ospreay. So combine these two who both have something to prove in their own right, and you get a hard-hitting and grand encounter.

“Holy shit” chants erupt before the bell even rings. Both men spend the first minutes of the match taking in the moment and feeling the other out. But when they start going, man do they. Exciting back-and-forth sequences all throughout the match that get you on your feet and clapping. There’s a mix of everything in this. Stiff chops and uppercuts. Danielson’s submission and mat wrestling. Ospreay flipping around and doing jaw-dropping moves. This is peak Ospreay-ism without it being annoying. This match is so creative as both men find such fun ways to counter the other's moves and makes for such awesome sequences. The Busaiku knee when Ospreay attempts the Oscutter makes me want to leap from my seat and pump my first every time.

In the end, the two go to the corners of the ring and look each other in the eye before going to war. They charge at each other and Ospreay hits the hidden blade, then hits the tiger driver- dropping Danielson right on his neck. The ref goes to check on Danielson as he flops around on the floor while pointing to and grabbing that infamous neck of his. Oblivious to this, Ospreay hits the hidden blade to get the win but immediately the doctors rush the ring to check on Danielson. Danielson is a real sicko for this. The acting and selling of the tiger driver was completely unnecessary. Truly an evil and sick man but, that's why we love him. Such a hard-to-watch moment and an incredibly moving match overall.

With a match this insane, what could have topped it for me?

1. Hell In A Cell Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre

   Bad Blood - October 5

   

   
   

I mean, if you know me, this really shouldn’t be a surprise. This was probably guaranteed its spot before it even happened. For those who don’t know, these are my absolute two favorite male wrestlers. But, I did want to be fair when making this and after every rewatch, there really was no question on what number one could be.

What started as McIntyre injuring Punk in the rumble after he “prayed for this, and it happened”, has now cultivated into months-long of pure hatred. The two were so enthralled with the other that it mixed into an obsession. Punk had confessed he hadn’t gone home in weeks to his family. McIntyre admitted his wife had become second best in his heart due to the hatred he had for Cm Punk.

The big talking point of this feud was the friendship bracelet given to Punk by a fan that had the names of his wife April and his dog, Larry. The bracelet was used a lot during the feud and was overdone a bit BUT, I got the meaning. While yes, it was just a piece of plastic; it was a symbolic object of Punk’s family that McIntyre kept disrespecting.

Out the gate, it’s explosive. These two can’t wait to punish the other. It’s an incredibly savage match. I knew it was going to be violent but I don’t think I truly expected them to go as far as they did. WWE is pretty PG while pushing the limits here and there but in this match, all bets were off. Punk bleeds after getting thrown into the cage and McIntyre gets cut up pretty badly by a toolbox to the head that causes him to gush so much blood. There are some gnarly spots like McIntyre throwing steel steps at Punk’s head, McIntyre driving Punk through a table from the top rope, and McIntyre running full force and landing flat on his back on the steel steps. I was so convinced we had just witnessed McIntyre break his back live on TV. And of course, the friendship bracelet gets involved. McIntyre pulls out a bag of beads and dumps them all over Punk. One final act of disrespect. But Punk doesn’t stand for it and is able to wrap a chain over his knee, shove the beads into McIntyre's mouth, and hit a fatal GTS on Drew for the win.

The ring is covered in blood, weapons, and bracelet beads. Both men are covered in their own and each other's blood and in bruises and welts; evidence of their hatred that will last them a lifetime.

It’s such a disgusting, feral, and uncomfortable match that at times had me sick to my stomach; and it absolutely ruled. My favorite match of 2024 and perhaps one of my new favorites of all time.

Well, there you have it! My personal top 15 matches of 2024. Was number 1 too predictable for me? Did I miss a match? Do I rate your personal fave too low? Let’s compare notes and discuss! Here’s to another fun year of wrestling in 2025 <3