5 best ladder matches in AEW so far

AEW has presented several outstanding ladder matches
AEW has presented several outstanding ladder matches

In AEW's short history, they have produced several spectacular ladder matches.

Whether it's multi-man bouts or singles clashes, they usually deliver unforgettable moments and show-stopping moves. With such a talented roster in the company, the stipulation is guaranteed to deliver outstanding matches.

This past week's Dynamite featured another terrific ladder match, this time for the undisputed TNT Championship featuring Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara.

It was another reminder of how much freedom the wrestlers in Tony Khan's company can express when it comes to creativity and pushing the boundaries of what a ladder match can be.

Here are the five best AEW ladder matches so far.


#5. AEW Double or Nothing 2020 - Casino Ladder match

The AEW Casino Ladder Match is essentially a take on WWE's Money In The Bank concept, but with a poker chip as a prize instead of a briefcase.

Another distinct feature was the added stipulation of the Royal Rumble elements, where each competitor enters the ring after 90 seconds before the final mystery opponent of the "joker" rounds up the playing field.

The first iteration took place at Double or Nothing pay-per-view in 2020. Brian Cage defeated eight other competitors to win the Casino Ladder match to earn a future shot at the AEW World Championship.

The match was a star-studded affair. It consisted of Darby Allin, Scorpio Sky, Frankie Kazarian, Joey Janela, Luchasaurus, Orange Cassidy, Kip Sabian, Colt Cabana, and Cage, who was the mystery entrant. This was the first time Cage appeared with Taz, which would eventually lead to the creation of Team Taz.

The heavyweight wrestler tore through the competition and grasped the poker chip to win the bout. He would later go on to challenge then world champion Jon Moxley in a losing effort.


#4. AEW Revolution 2021 - Face of the Revolution Ladder match

AEW Revolution 2021 featured a six-man ladder match for the right to face Darby Allin for the TNT Championship on Dynamite. The Joker entrant this time around turned out to be former IMPACT wrestler Ethan Page.

The other five participants included a list of potential TNT championship contenders such as Penta El Zero Miedo, Lance Archer, Max Caster, Cody Rhodes, and Scorpio Sky.

Sky had broken away from his former tag team stable, So Cal Uncensored and seemed primed to take the next step in his career. Pushing Cody off the ladder at the conclusion of the match, Sky grabbed a literal brass ring and became the "face of the Revolution".

While Sky haven't managed to become singles champion yet, he now teams up with Ethan Page as part of the duo "Men of the Year."


#3. AEW Dynamite: Anniversary 2021 - Casino Ladder match

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The third Casino Ladder Match was also the company's first to be shown on free TV. On the 2nd anniversary of Dynamite, a seven-man Casino Ladder match was announced to determine the number one contender for Kenny Omega's World Championship.

Jon Moxley was the favorite heading into the bout, and he was joined by Orange Cassidy, PAC, Andrade, Matt Hardy, and Lance Archer. It was a wild and chaotic brawl that left much destruction and twisted steel at ringside.

The joker card was drawn by none other than the return of 'Hangman' Adam Page. The crowd went bananas for the babyface as he immediately brawled with Moxley and hit a spectacular "Deadeye" finisher off a ladder through a table on PAC.

The Hangman would grab the poker chip and earn himself a shot at Kenny Omega's world championship. The surprise return definitely elevated the match to a memorable status.


#2. AEW All Out 2019 - Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros, "Escalera De La Muerte" Ladder match

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When AEW puts two of the most popular and creative high-flying tag teams in a death-defying ladder match stipulation, you are guaranteed to have fireworks.

The "Escalera De La Muerte'' between Young Bucks and Lucha Bros was one of the best matches in the company's early history back in 2019.

The match was everything you expected, fast-paced and full of creative spots. It was clear that both teams were actively trying to out-do the other team.

The Canadian Destroyer from the ladder through the table is an iconic spot that will live on for AEW fans. The Lucha Brothers eventually regained their Triple AAA tag team titles by climbing the ladder and retrieving the belts, ending what was a fantastic bout.


#1. AEW Beach Break 2022 - Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the Undisputed TNT Championship

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Perhaps it's still fresh in our minds. But the ladder match between Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara for the undisputed TNT championship is, in our humble opinion, the best in company history.

Both competitors had legitimate claims to the title, and it was clear from the get-go that Rhodes and Guevara were going to create wrestling magic. Several awe-inspiring moves were delivered, including a Diamond Cutter from the top of the ladder as well as a Cross Rhodes.

After an epic back-and-forth, Guevara managed to climb the ladder and secure the gold, officially making him a two-time champion.

Rhodes has to be credited for putting over a young talent and making Sammy look like a star on the night.

Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE

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