Top 5 AEW Matches of 2019

Where will this matchup rank in the top five matches in All Elite Wrestling for 2019? Photo / Mandatory.com
Where will this matchup rank in the top five matches in All Elite Wrestling for 2019? Photo / Mandatory.com

All Elite Wrestling has often said that it is a promotion that will change the landscape of professional wrestling. With promises of being a promotion for the people, the company often will showcase the talent that is often in demand the world over. Despite criticism for a number of talent originating from another company, AEW has managed to craft matches and stories that stand alone.

Over the course of the last year, All Elite Wrestling has had a number of matches that have either raised the bar or simply surpassed it. These matches have been graphic, intense and extremely competitive. What fans can't deny is how these contests are not like what they will typically see anywhere else. Which matches stood out this past year as the ones to watch? Here are our top five All Elite Wrestling Matches for 2019.


#5 Jon Moxley vs Joey Janela at Fyter Fest

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To see this match listed may call into question how good Joey Janela is, as a wrestler. After watching this match, AEW fans that weren't fans of his had a different appreciation for his work ethic after the match. Fans were already aware of whom Jon Moxley is and what he is capable of doing. Here, however, it was the 'Bad Boy' Joey Janela that proved he is equally intense as Moxley.

In a contest that went over 20 minutes both inside and out of the ring, these two men threw caution to the wind with every punch, chop, kick and spot they delivered. If fans haven't had an opportunity to see a match where so much should be said about Janela's sacrifice as it is his heart and competitive spirit then watch this matchup.

#4 Darby Allin vs Jon Moxley on AEW Dynamite (November 20th)

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Much like his matchup against Janela, Moxley tangled with one of the Pacific Northwest's best-kept secrets. Darby Allin's entrance was so pointed that he was carried out to the rampway in a bodybag labeled MOX. He wasn't afraid to face Jon Moxley and before the match even begun he rose from the bag with his skateboard in hand and proceeded down the ramp. Moxley, not to be outdone came out through the crowd appearing unphased by what had just taken place.

Before the match could even begin, Allin proceeded to catapult himself through the ring onto an unsuspecting Jon Moxley. For anyone that hasn't seen Allin compete before, he would best be described as a hybrid between Mick Foley and Rey Mysterio. Allin, at this point, had already faced Chris Jericho for the AEW Championship and competed with his hands tied behind his back. This was a television match that could easily have been on a pay per view event.

#3 Cody vs. Dustin Runnels at Double or Nothing

A match that was filled with some of the best storytelling this past decade was on display here
A match that was filled with some of the best storytelling this past decade was on display here

On the surface, the argument could be made that this match wasn't technically as good any other on this list. It likely isn't the most technically sound contest either man has had. However, there was raw emotion and passion that was tied to the storytelling in this matchup that couldn't be denied.

Both men were facing each other on a very special night. It was All Elite Wrestling's debut event and was no better way for the brothers Runnels to finally face each other than to do so on their own accord.

Cody and Dustin faced each other a couple of years earlier in WWE and the match was less than favourable. This time, however, they were able to tell the story they wanted to tell. It had outside interference, blood, and reconciliation. If there was a match that truly became the standard-bearer for storytelling it was this one between Cody and Dustin.

#2 Kenny Omega vs PAC at All Out

These two men came at each other with everything and anything. The result was nothing short of amazing.
These two men came at each other with everything and anything. The result was nothing short of amazing.

To ask both of these men after their match was over what they felt their response would be the same. They both weren't happy with it. It's surprising to think about it, however, as too elite talents weren't happy with a match. However, from the reaction by fans watching it, it was universally praised. Their match was absolutely brutal. From their spots to strikes, PAC and Omega never pulled any punches with one another.

In a battle that was as much an ushering of PAC into AEW as it was about telling Omega's 'slump,' the storytelling was tremendous. With a result of PAC making the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion pass out, the message was clear. PAC was here to make a statement and not to simply take a back seat to the Executive Vice-President. The match resulted in a knockout by PAC over Omega.

#1 Ladder Match - The Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros at All Out

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This match was absolutely amazing! While the singles division continues to be developed and the women's division appears to be a work in progress, AEW's tag team division is nothing short of spectacular. When The Young Bucks faced Pentagon Jr and Fenix, the words 'shock' and 'awe' would be considered an understatement to the absolute spectacle that they both put on.

Their battle was all over the ring and outside with combined spots from the top of a ladder as well. Its result will likely go down among the best tag team matches of all time. The match was reminiscent of the classic ladder matches between the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian. It was an incredible battle. Once the match was complete, two masked men arrive to reveal themselves as Santana and Ortiz and providing the next challenge for the Young Bucks.

Teddy Long snaps when Swerve Strickland's race is brought up HERE

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