AEW’s top five matches of 2019

2. Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega (Double or Nothing – May 25th)

A match which originally built itself on the premise of both men facing off in a rematch of their critically acclaimed Wrestle Kingdom 12 tilt in January of 2018 and ended with so much more significance.

There’s just something about the way these two Manitobans work when facing off with each other. Aggression, ring-work, athleticism, and years of combined experience on some of the largest stages in the world.

Omega and Jericho bring out the best out of each other and I can’t wait to see them lock horns again in the very near future.

This match ranks high on this list primarily because of its ending. It created one of the most iconic images of 2019 with Omega getting DDT’d on a giant set of poker chips but most importantly signaled the official arrival of Jon Moxley in AEW.

Above that, it officially closed Moxley’s chapter as Dean Ambrose. Most importantly, it cemented his position on the roster and highlighted the creative freedom given to him by the All Elite brass as you can see by the absolute masterclass of a promo embedded above.

1. Cody vs Dustin Rhodes (Double or Nothing – May 25th)

Before we dive into Cody facing off against his older brother Dustin at ‘Double or Nothing’. This match had yet another significant piece of imagery.

Cody picking up a sledgehammer and destroying a throne during his entrance was an obvious message to Triple H and AEW’s competition at WWE, which eventually turned into a Wednesday Night War with NXT.

With one strike of the hammer, Cody looked like he erased years of angst, anger, and resentment towards the company that failed to acknowledge his level of talent and had him wearing a stupid getup similar to what they did with Dustin and Dusty.

As far as the match is concerned. It had everything you’ve every wanted from a professional wrestling match. Impeccable storytelling, hard-hitting action, and genuine adulation for both men involved. It allowed you to pick your favorite and didn’t judge you for it.

For Dustin, it was proof that he was still capable of putting on quality matches–which he’s also proven in every other match he’s been a part of this year.

No longer was he shackled to the Goldust character which prevented him from expressing himself in and out of the ring. On top of that, he seems to be a fantastic backstage presence and will be a very influential figure to AEW’s enormous crop of young talent.

A fresh start for both brothers which produced one of the greatest matches this year. It stands at number one on this list, but could very easily be featured in a global top five of 2019.