'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever™ was announced this past week to take place between Randy Orton and Edge at WWE Backlash. Advertising this as the "greatest wrestling match ever" has inspired many wrestling fans to share either a great expectation about the match or likely disappointment.
The title in itself certainly suggests that to be the greatest ever also means that it will satisfy everyone. Much like opinion, the subjectivity of whether or not fans will agree that Edge against Orton will be the greatest match ever will be greatly scrutinized. With that title, it was important to explore some matches using Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer's rating scale as also being listed as the 'greatest wrestling matches ever'.
The ranking could change depending on the match, event or year moving forward. However, this particular presentation is as it appears today. We have selected among the top five but not in any specific order. Some will surprise you, while others will likely be ones you haven't seen before but are encouraged to watch. Which matches were voted the greatest ever? Let's find out.
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kota Ibushi: Greatest Match Ever
At New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Climax 2018 Day 19, Hiroshi Tanahashi faced Kota Ibushi. One is arguably considered a legend in the sport. The other has earned a reputation in his own right of putting on phenomenal matches as well. During the commentary we are reminded that this is a rematch from last year's event. One of the most notable features of these gladiators is their ability to come at one each other without caution.
They are increasingly familiar with one another but that doesn't prevent them from striking each other from beginging to end with one another. The pacing within the match began slowly enough but gradually increased. This match earned a five and three quarter star rating. Could this be argued to be the greatest match ever?
4. Shingo Takagi vs Will Ospreay: Greatest Match Ever
At the Best of the Super Juniors XXVI, the tournament featured final Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi. The Best of the Super Juniors tournament has long been associated with classic matches and contests. This match not only falls into that category but was amongst the highest-rated ever as well. Was this the greatest wrestling match ever? Its a difficult argument to make but one who's five and three quarter star rating could be argued toward.
To some it was considered a match of the year candidate which says a great deal about the contest. The match was such a difference in styles upon rewatching - in it have the Aerial Assassin in Will Ospreay facing a striker that is considered the face of the NEVER Openweight division. While Ospreay ultimately walked away the winner the manner in which he did so was so fitting of the assassin: a classic use of his finishing move to put Takagi down for the final three. To see the elation on the face of Ospreay afterward also suggests that he is exhausted by the battle he had just endured.
3. Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs Young Bucks: Greatest Match Ever
Does this match fall under the Greatest Match Ever conversation? It took place this past February at AEW's Revolution event. There was no confusion that these four men have a history with one another and a friendship that goes beyond the ring. However, the narrative going into the match centered around trust and whether or not Adam Page could trust Kenny Omega.
It could also be argued that the relationship here was strained as Page appeared to want to distance himself more from the group. The match itself earned a six plus star rating and to watch it we can see why. The exchanges between all four men coupled with the story of distrust was evident. As the match reached its closing moments, a buckshot lariat at the hands of Adam Page sealed the win for the champion. Once the match was over the trepidation on the face of Adam Page was still evident. As the story among all four men continues, what is never in doubt is how well receieved this tag team match was.
2. Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Okada II: Greatest Match Ever
On Saturday June 9th, 2018 the wrestling world heard about this match. Could this be considered the greatest wrestling match ever? A match that was considered the best of the best. It was a match so beloved that it garnered an astounding seven-plus star rating. The mention of the star rating was incredible because it shattered the traditional five-star system. The match itself was as close to being viewed as a perfect ad one can get. While some will argue against it for the lack of enjoyment of the typical style.
However, the narrative that Kenny Omega could never seem to beat Kazuchika Okada for the title finally was answered. The two men battled in a match that was the best 2 out of 3 falls for a total of 64:50 seconds the question was answered. If there was ever any doubt Kenny Omega had finally been crowned the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He had defeated his longtime rival and finally conquer the unconquerable in Kazuchika Okada.
1. 6-3-94 : Greatest Match Ever
Could this match be argued as being the greatest match ever? It was a match so renowned that it could be known simply by its date alone. A match that is often considered the measuring stick for wrestling fans likely born before this date may have never seen. Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada brought a sense of legitimacy to wrestling that is often seen today. Their match up on June 3rd, 1994 was given six stars. One has to keep in mind before Okada and Omega earned seven stars this match upon replay also surpassed the five star rating system.
As we reflect on this match nearly twenty six years after its taken place it is clear to see that. Today's wrestling fans that want a sense of realism in a match will certainly garner that here. The sheer ferosity between them was undescribable. These two warriors that battled each other for nearly forty minutes not only left a piece of themselves in the ring they also left a piece of themselves in immortality.
