The Greatest Wrestlers of 1989
In route to putting together my top 100 list of the Greatest Wrestlers Ever, I am going through each year and putting together a list for that particular year. Previously, on the podcast “Maybe Not Taue”, I put together a list for 1985, 1990, 1997, & 2021. You can listen to those here. 1983, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, & 2022 are on the blog.
1989
One of the all-time great years in wrestling history!
The List
All of the below stats are from Cagematch. Yes, they are not perfect.
The recommended matches are not a definitive list. It’s a list of matches I have watched for this process, plus matches on my spreadsheet from before. Each wrestler probably had more matches I could recommend, but I limited it to keep this cleaner.
The matches listed are all 7/10 or higher; if they are bolded, they are 8/10 or higher.
As an added bonus, I used AI to create poems about each wrestler, and they are as bad as you may expect!
Honourable Mentions
- Dan Kroffat
- Greg Valentine
- Lioness Asuka
- El Satanico
- Tito Santana
#25
Bad News Brown
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, & 1997
Matches: 130
Place Worked: WWF
Tournaments: WWF Royal Rumble & WWF King of the Ring
n ’89, Bad News ruled the scene,
Cool and badass, wrestling’s dream.
With aura intact in the cartoon world,
A force to reckon, flag unfurled.
Their presence fierce, no foe defied,
In every battle, they’d abide.
A legend’s spirit, bold and true,
Bad News Allen, a mighty brew.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Randy Savage, WWF, January 16
- vs Brutus Beefcake, WWF, April 22
#24
Sting
Previous Ranking: 1993 (34th)
Years Unranked: 1990, 1994, & 2010
Matches: 172
Places Worked: NWA & AJPW
Title Won: NWA World Television Championship
Tournament: NWA Iron Man Tournament (winner)
In ’89, Sting rose with might,
Evolved into a good hand’s light.
Exciting, like a bolt of thunder,
In the ring, a spellbinding wonder.
A wrestler, fierce, and full of zest,
A force that put fans to the test.
With every move, hearts would soar,
Sting’s presence, wrestling’s uproar.
Recommended Matches:
- vs The Great Muta, NWA, July 23
- vs Lex Luger, NWA, December 23
#23
Tully Blanchard
Previous Ranking: 1985 (11th)
Years Unranked: 1983 & 1994
Matches: 121
Place Worked: WWF
Title Won: WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ Arn Anderson
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Blanchard’s cunning mind,
The Brain Busters, a tag team bind.
Ruling the scene, with skill untold,
WWF’s gold, their hands would hold.
A perfect counter, cocky and sly,
Cheating smart, the crowd’s “Oh my!”
In the ring, a villainous flair,
Tully Blanchard, a presence rare.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Arn Anderson vs The Rockers, WWF, January 23
- w/ Arn Anderson vs Demolition, WWF, July 18
- w/ Arn Anderson vs The Hart Foundation, WWF, August 28
#22
The Great Muta
aka The Super Black Ninja
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 158
Places Worked: NWA & WCCW
Title Won: NWA World Television Championship
Tournament: NWA Iron Man Tournament
In ’89, The Great Muta came,
A mysterious presence, fame aflame.
Unique, they graced the NWA’s stage,
Unseen moves, a mystic’s sage.
With misty shroud and skillful grace,
In the ring, they’d leave a trace.
A wrestling enigma, a sight to behold,
The Great Muta’s tale, forever told.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Sting, NWA, July 23
- vs Lex Luger, NWA, December 13
#21
Jacques Rougeau
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1993, 1994, & 1997
Matches: 114
Place Worked: WWF
In ’89, Jacques Rougeau took the floor,
Unreal heat, fans’ hatred poured.
Pretending to be American, the act so sly,
Boos and jeers, they’d amplify.
The Fabulous Rougeaus, a tag team grace,
In the ring, they’d leave a trace.
Perfectly paired, their chemistry shone,
A wrestling legacy, forever known.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Raymond Rougeau vs The Hart Foundation, WWF, February 3
- w/ Raymond Rougeau & Rick Martel vs Tito Santana & The Rockers, WWF, August 28
- w/ Raymond Rougeau vs The Rockers, WWF, October 13
#20
Shawn Michaels
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2004, & 2010
Matches: 151
Place Worked: WWF
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Shawn Michaels’ star did gleam,
A wrestling heart with a dream.
With charisma and moves so fine,
He graced the ring like a divine.
From Rockers’ days to solo flight,
A superstar rising, shining bright.
In ’89, his journey began,
A legend’s path, a wrestling fan.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Marty Jannetty vs The Brain Busters, WWF, January 23
- w/ Marty Jannetty vs The Fabulous Rougeaus, WWF, October 13
- w/ The Ultimate Warriors vs The Heenan Family, WWF, Survivor Series, November 23 (#4 MOTY)
#19
Big Van Vader
aka Bull Power
Previous Ranking: 1993 (4th) & 1994 (17th)
Years Unranked: 1985, 1990, 1997, & 2001
Matches: 95
Places Worked: NJPW, UWA, EMLL, & CWA
Titles Won: IWGP Heavyweight Championship (twice), CWA World Heavyweight Championship, & UWA World Heavyweight Championship
Tournament: IWGP Heavyweight Title Tournament (winner)
In ’89, Big Van Vader stood tall,
A wrestling monster, mighty and all.
With power and force, he’d dominate,
In the ring, none could emulate.
The IWGP Heavyweight Title, his claim,
A gaijin legend, forging his name.
In NJPW, he’d leave his mark,
Big Van Vader, fierce and dark.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Tatsumi Fujinami, NJPW, February 9
- w/ Bam Bam Bigelow vs Riki Choshu & Tatsumi Fujinami, NJPW, May 24
- vs Salman Hashimikov, NJPW, July 13
#18
Big Boss Man
Previous Ranking: 1990 (24th) & 1993 (30th)
Years Unranked: 1994, 1997, & 2001
Matches: 148
Place Worked: WWF
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Big Boss Man held his reign,
A part of Twin Towers, wrestling’s domain.
With Akeem, they struck a fearsome pose,
A tag team power that surely rose.
Feuding with Mania, an epic clash,
A story told with a thunderous crash.
As a big man who bumped, he’d amaze,
In the ring, he set hearts ablaze.
Boss Man’s prowess, an awe to see,
In ’89, a wrestling legacy.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Akeem vs Demolition, WWF, July 10
- w/ Akeem & Andre the Giant vs Jim Duggan & Demolition, WWF, August 28
#17
Andre the Giant
Previous Ranking: 1983 (15th)
Years Unranked: 1985 & 1990
Matches: 122
Place Worked: WWF
Title Won: WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ Haku
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, though broken, Andre stood tall,
A wrestling mind, wise like a thrall.
Picking his shots with measured grace,
Each move he made left a lasting trace.
With The Colossal Connection, gold they’d claim,
WWF Tag Team Titles, etching their name.
A giant’s heart, a legend’s might,
In ’89, Andre’s wrestling light.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Bret Hart, WWF, April 10
- w/ Heenan Family vs The Ultimate Warriors, WWF, Survivor Series, November 23 (#4 MOTY)
- w/ Haku vs Demolition, WWF, December 28
#16
Bull Nakano
Previous Ranking: 1985 (14th), 1990 (1st), 1993 (7th), & 1994 (8th)
Years Unranked: none
Place Worked: AJW
Title Won: AJW All Pacific Championship
Tournaments: AJW Tag League The Best w/ Beastie & AJW Japan Grand Prix
In ’89, Bull Nakano’s star did rise,
A wrestling force, a fierce surprise.
From the shadows, they found their look,
A transformation, a bold rebuke.
With strength and style, they’d take the stage,
A rising star, a wrestling sage.
In ’89, their journey did unfold,
Bull Nakano, a story to be told.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Akira Hokuto, AJW, April 23
- vs Lioness Asuka, AJW, May 14 (#6 MOTY)
- w/ Aja Kong vs Akira Hokuto & Suzuka Minami, AJW, October
#15
Chigusa Nagayo
Previous Ranking: 1983 (16th), 1985 (1st), 1994 (22nd), & 2001 (15th)
Years Unranked: 1997, 2004, & 2019
Place Worked: AJW
Titles Won: IWA World Championship & WWWA Tag Team Championship w/ Lioness Asuka
In ’89, Chigusa reached her peak,
A wrestling legend, bold and unique.
In the ring, she’d shine so bright,
A force to reckon, pure delight.
“The Day the Music Died,” she bid adieu,
A farewell that touched hearts anew.
Until then, at the top she’d reside,
A legend retiring with unmatched pride.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Lioness Asuka, AJW, January 29
- vs Akira Hokuto, AJW, March 19 (#7 MOTY)
- w/ Lioness Asuka vs Akira Hokuto & Suzuka Minami, AJW, April 2
#14
Akira Hokuto
Previous Ranking: 1990 (4th), 1993 (1st), 1994 (9th), 1997 (24th), & 2001 (9th)
Years Unranked: none
Places Worked:
Title Won: WWWA Tag Team Championshi w/ Suzuka Minami
Tournaments: AJW Tag League The Best w/ Etsuko Mita & AJW Japan Grand Prix
In ’89, Akira’s stardom soared,
A wrestling queen, her reign assured.
A rising star, a force untamed,
In the ring, her fire inflamed.
The Dangerous Queen, she would become,
A persona fierce, a wrestling drum.
In ’89, her legend grew,
Akira Hokuto, a sight to view.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Chigusa Nagayo, AJW, March 19 (#7 MOTY)
- vs Bull Nakano, AJW, April 23
- w/ Suzuka Minami vs Aja Kong & Bull Nakano, AJW, October
#13
“Ravishing” Rick Rude
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, & 1994
Matches: 132
Place Worked: WWF
Title Won: WWF Intercontinental Championship
In ’89, Ravishing Rick Rude stood tall,
A wrestling heart that enthralled.
With charm and muscles, he’d impress,
A ravishing persona, none could suppress.
In the ring, a masterful display,
Each move, a captivating ballet.
A true heel, he played the part,
Ravishing Rick Rude, a work of art.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Tito Santana, WWF, February 11
- vs Ultimate Warrior, WWF, August 28
- vs Roddy Piper, WWF, December 28
#12
Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Previous Ranking: 1990 (12th), 1993 (32nd), 1994 (16th), 1997 (19th), & 2004 (14th)
Years Unranked: 1985, 2001, 2010, 2015, & 2019
Matches: 87
Places Worked: NJPW & UWA
Title Won: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
In ’89, Jushin Liger’s thunder roared,
IWGP Junior Heavyweight title he scored.
A legend born with a striking sight,
Cool they looked, a dazzling light.
Feuding with Sano, a clash for the age,
In the ring, they’d fiercely engage.
A masked marvel with moves that inspire,
Jushin Liger, a wrestling fire.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Black Tiger, NJPW, July 12
- vs Naki Sano, NJPW, July 13
- vs Naoki Sano, NJPW, August 10 (#5 MOTY)
#11
Bret “Hitman” Hart
Previous Ranking: 1985 (23rd), 1990 (18h), 1993 (9th), 1994 (1st), & 1997 (1st)
Years Unranked: 1983 & 2010
Matches: 152
Place Worked: WWF
In ’89, Bret “Hitman” Hart took flight,
A singles push, a wrestling delight.
Excellence of execution, they’d acclaim,
In the ring, he played a masterful game.
The Hart Foundation, strong as steel,
In tag team glory, hearts they’d steal.
A wrestler with grace, skill, and heart,
Bret Hart’s legend, forever a part.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Ted DiBiase, WWF, March 8
- vs Andre the Giant, WWF, April 10
- w/ Jim Neidhart vs The Brain Busters, WWF, August 28
#10
Demolition Ax
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, & 2010
Matches: 144
Place Worked: WWF
Title Won: WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ Smash
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Ax of Demolition’s might,
A tag team force that shone so bright.
Despite his partner’s lackluster sway,
Demolition ruled, come what may.
In tag team wrestling, he’d excel,
Psychology unmatched, they’d quell.
Their title run, a glorious stride,
Ax’s prowess, wrestling’s pride.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Smash vs The Brain Busters, WWF, April 25
- w/ Smash vs The Twin Towers, WWF, July 10
- w/ Smash vs The Brain Busters, WWF, July 18
- w/ Smash vs The Colossal Connection, WWF, December 28
#9
Yoshiaki Yatsu
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, & 1997
Matches: 145
Places Worked: AJPW & WWA
Title Won: AJPW Wolrd Tag Team Championship w/ Jumbo Tsuruta (twice)
Tournament: AJPW Real World Tag League w/ Jumbo Tsuruta
In ’89, Yoshiaki Yatsu took flight,
An amazing feud, a wrestling light.
With Tenryu, battles fierce and grand,
Bringing out the best, hand in hand.
Alongside Jumbo, as a tag team pair,
In the ring, a force beyond compare.
Yatsu’s prowess, a sight to see,
In ’89, a wrestling legacy.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Jumbo Tsuruta vs Genichiro Tenryu & Tohsiaki Kwada, AJPW, February 23
- vs Genichiro Tenryu, AJPW, July 18 (#10 MOTY)
- w/ Jumbo Tsuruta vs Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen, AJPW, July 31
- w/ Jumbo Tsuruta vs Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen, AJPW, December 6 (#1 MOTY)
#8
Arn Anderson
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, & 1994
Matches: 145
Places Worked: WWF & NWA
Title Won: WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ Tully Blanchard
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Arn Anderson’s star did gleam,
WWF Tag Team Titles, his dream.
With Tully, The Brain Busters’ reign,
A duo feared, a wrestling chain.
In every bout, he’d steal the show,
A masterclass, he’d make them glow.
With skill and wit, he’d take control,
Arn Anderson, wrestling’s soul.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Tully Blanchard vs The Rockers, WWF, January 23
- w/ Tully Blanchard vs Demolition, WWF, July 18
- w/ Tully Blanchard vs The Hart Foundation, WWF, August 28
- w/ Heenan Family vs The Ultimate Warriors, WWF, Survivor Series, November 23 (#4 MOTY)
#7
Stan Hansen
Previous Ranking: 1983 (3rd), 1985 (9th), 1990 (22nd), 1993 (2nd), & 1994 (20th)
Years Unranked: 1997
Matches: 87
Places Worked: AJPW & WWA
Title Won: AJPW World Tag Team Championship w/ Genichiro Tenryu (thrice)
Tournament: AJPW Real World Tag League w/ Genichro Tenryu (winner)
In ’89, Stan Hansen’s might would rise,
Tag team glory, a fierce surprise.
With Tenryu, a force untamed,
A partnership that fiercely flamed.
In AJPW, his menace spread,
A bad ass presence, none would tread.
A wrestling beast, a force to fear,
In ’89, Hansen’s legend clear.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Genichiro Tenryu, AJPW, March 29
- w/ Genichiro Tenryu vs Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu, AJPW, July 31
- w/ Genichiro Tenryu vs Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura, AJPW, November 29 (#2 MOTY)
- w/ Genichiro Tenryu vs Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu, AJPW, December 6 (#1 MOTY)
#6
Jumbo Tsuruta
Previous Ranking: 1990 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, & 1994
Matches: 148
Places Worked: AJPW & WWA
Titles Won: PWF Heavyweight Championship, NWA United National Championship, AJPW Triple Crown Championship (twice), AJPW World Tag Team Championship w/ Yoshiaki Yatsu (twice)
Tournament: AJPW Real World Tag League w/ Yoshiaki Yatsu
In ’89, Jumbo stood the test,
AJPW’s ace, a legend blessed.
With Tenryu, a feud for the age,
Classic battles, wrestling’s stage.
The Triple Crown, he’d claim with might,
Twice a champion, his wrestling height.
A legend’s legacy, forever known,
In ’89, Jumbo’s greatness shown.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Yohsiaki Yatsu vs Genichiro Tenryu & Tohsiaki Kwada, AJPW, February 23
- w/ Yoshiaki Yatsu vs Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen, AJPW, July 31
- vs Genichiro Tenryu, AJPW, June 5 (#3 MOTY)
- w/ Yoshiaki Yatsu vs Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen, AJPW, December 6 (#1 MOTY)
#5
“Macho Man” Randy Savage
aka The Macho King
Previous Ranking: 1985 (18th) & 1990 (10th)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1993, 1994, & 1997
Matches: 150
Place Worked: WWF
Title Won: WWF King of the Ring
Tournament: WWF Royal Rumble
In ’89, Savage stood tall,
Carrying workers, one and all,
From the depths, he pulled out grace,
Elevating each wrestling space.
WrestleMania’s main event, a sight,
A match that soared to highest height,
Amidst the crap, he found his way,
A top 5 worker, none could sway.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Bad News Brown, WWF, January 16
- vs Ultimate Warrior, WWF, February 11
- vs Brutus Beefcake, WWF, July 18
- vs Jim Duggan, WWF, November 25
#4
Terry Funk
Previous Ranking: 1983 (1st), 1985 (12th), 1993 (17th), 1994 (5th), & 1997 (22nd)
Years Unranked: 1990
Matches: 79
Places Worked: NWA, PWF, WWA, & AWA
In ’89, Terry Funk, wild and bold,
Middle-aged and crazy, stories untold.
A classic feud, the NWA Title at stake,
Unpredictable, yet brilliance they’d make.
In the ring, a masterful spree,
Always great, setting spirits free.
A legend’s year, forever revered,
Terry Funk, a wrestling pioneer.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Eddie Guerrero, NWA, May 9
- vs Ricky Steamboat, NWA, June 14 (#8 MOTY)
#3
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Previous Ranking: 1985 (17th)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1990, 1993, & 1994
Matches: 71
Places Worked: NWA & AJPW
Title Won: NWA World Championship
In ’89, “The Dragon” soared,
NWA’s Champion, spirits roared.
Feuding for the title, a legend’s bout,
Classic after classic, without a doubt.
The perfect babyface, hearts would sway,
In the ring, they’d steal the day.
With honor, skill, and fire within,
Ricky Steamboat, a wrestling kin.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Terry Funk, NWA, June 14 (#8 MOTY)
- vs Lex Luger, NWA, July 23
#2
“The Total Package” Lex Luger
Previous Ranking: 1990 (13th)
Years Unranked: 1985, 1993, 1994, 1997, & 2001
Matches: 170
Place Worked: NWA
Title Won: NWA United States Championship (twice)
Tournament: NWA Iron Man Tournament
In ’89, “The Total Package” arose,
NWA’s US Champion, he chose.
As face or heel, he’d leave a mark,
Great matches, shining like a spark.
In every situation, he’d deliver,
A wrestling force, a relentless river.
A year of triumph, fame, and pride,
Lex Luger’s legacy, forever tied.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Barry Windham, NWA, February 20
- vs Ricky Steamboat, NWA, July 23
- vs Tommy Rich, NWA, September 12
- vs Steve Williams, NWA, October 8
- vs Brian Pillman, NWA, November 15
#1
“1989 Wrestler of the Year”
Genichiro Tenryu
Previous Ranking: 1993 (10th), 1994 (4th), 2001 (12th), & 2004 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1997, 2010, & 2015
Matches: 142
Places Worked: AJPW, NWA, & WWA
Titles Won: AJPW World Tag Team Championships w/ Stan Hansen (twice) & AJPW Triple Crown
Tournament: AJPW Real World Tag League w/ Stan Hansen (winner)
In ’89, Tenryu’s might,
AJPW’s star shining bright,
Triple Crown and Tag Team’s claim,
In dominance, they etched their name.
Three matches, best of the year,
In the ring, no peer to fear,
With Jumbo and Yoshiaki’s might,
Legendary feuds took flight.
Consistently, he’d ignite,
1989, his wrestling height.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Stan Hansen, AJPW, March 29
- vs Jumbo Tsuruta, AJPW, June 5 (#3 MOTY)
- vs Yoshiaki Yatsu, AJPW, July 18 (#10 MOTY)
- w/ Stan Hansen vs Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura, AJPW, November 29 (#2 MOTY)
- w/ Stan Hansen vs Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu, AJPW, December 6 (#1 MOTY)
Upcoming!
Since the joshi watches of 1995 is ending, that will be the next list. A fascinating year as the Monday Night Wars started, AJPW was at it’s height, AAA was unreal, death matches were signing in Japan, and ECW was on the rise. Really looking forward to it.
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1989 Match of the Year List
Let’s cut right to the chase. There were many sexist, sexual abusers, racists, and bigots of many varieties in 1989, and I don’t want to promote or watch them. If you are going to say my list sucks because it doesn’t have the typical 1989 matches in it, ask why I would hype up a match that includes such an abuser?
Honourable Mentions
- The Brain Busters vs The Hart Foundation, WWF, August 28
- Lex Luger vs Tommy Rich, NWA, September 12
The List
The 1989 year was loaded with so much top-end wrestling that this is a very deep top 10!
#10
Genichiro Tenryu (c) vs Yoshiaki Yatsu
“AJPW Triple Crown Championship”
AJPW Summer Action Series
July 18
Shiga Prefectural Gymnasium
I’m not sure why these two are so competitive against each other, but their chemistry is unreal. I saw so many cool bulldogs in this match, which was a highlight. Yatsu fought tooth and nail to overcome Tenryu, but it wasn’t enough. A great story and a great match.
#9
Greg Valentine vs Ron Garvin
WWF
September 30
Madison Square Garden
A beautiful slugfest between two of the hardest hitters in wrestling history.
#8
Ricky Steamboat vs Terry Funk
NWA Clash of The Champions VII “Guts And Glory”
June 14
Fort Bragg Gym
This is great fun. It was a short, heated main event where they worked stiffly and held nothing back. Heck, Funk even did a running piledriver on the floor! Scoff at the finish if you want, but it works well with Funk’s character and his frustration for being unable to put down The Dragon.
#7
Akira Hokuto vs Chigusa Nagayo
AJW
March 19
The young Hokuto tries to take out the legend Nagayo and takes it to her with urgency. The selling is tremendous in this, and Hokuto looks like the future star she is, but of course, Nagayoholds everything together as the goat she is.
#6
Lioness Asuka (c) vs Bull Nakano
“WWWA World Championship”
AJW
May 14
This was chaotic madness, and I loved it. After Lioness got off a really fast giant swing, the match broke into a Chigusa-Dump match, with Bull using every weapon she could find to pick her apart, including breaking the ring to use it as a weapon with the ring post hook and digging into her bloody forehead. Sadly, the referee threw it out after Bull chucked a heavy briefcase at his head because of a finish here, and it could have been an all-time classic.
#5
Jushin Liger (c) vs Naoki Sano
“IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW Fighting Satellite 1989 Japan vs USA vs Soviet Union Battle Series Part II
August 10
Ryogoku Kokugikan
Sano destroys the arm, and Liger sells it so well for the rest of the match. After that destruction, Liger is able to counter a move into a superplex onto the apron and then the floor, which makes the rest of the match pure desperation by both. They do their best to put the other away, but both are severely hurt, and the drama is amazing. A beautiful, gritty fight that could make my top 100 matches ever!
#4
The Ultimate Warriors vs The Heenan Family
“Elimination Match”
WWF Survivor Series
November 23
Rosemont Horizon
This is one of my favourite matches in wrestling history and one of the best stories the WWF ever did in the ring. Heenan is forced to dawn the tights as Tully is gone and steals the show. Hiding, taunting, and even getting a pin when Arn and Haku had the advantage. Arn and Haku look like the all-time lost great tag team in this. Of course, it leads to a perfect end of Warrior getting revenge. Perfect pro-wrestling.
#3
Jumbo Tsuruta (c) vs Genichiro Tenryu
“Triple Crown Championship”
AJPW Super Power Series
June 5
Nippon Budokan
From “The Best Matches I’ve Watched in June 2023” post:
“I hadn’t watched this match in many years, and with the focus on 1989 and the Greatest Match Ever, I figured I needed to. The nearfalls steal the show in this one, but consistent intensity and excitement make this a classic. Some really cool spots on the outside, too, that I loved.”
#2
Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen vs Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura
“AJPW Real World Tag League”
AJPW Real World Tag League
November 29
Nakajima Sports Center
This is all about the story! Tenryu wipes out Baba in the first moments, leading to Kimura having to try to fend off both Tenryu and Hansen on his own until Baba can make a comeback. This match is pure joy!
#1 “Match of the Year”
Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu (c) vs Genichiro Tenryu & Stan Hansen
“AJPW World Tag Team Championship Real World Tag League Finale”
AJPW Real World Tag League
December 6
Nippon Budokan
This is one of the biggest tag war matches I have ever seen in a non-gimmick match. It was violent and bloody and so dramatic. Although the story would seem, on the surface, to be focused on Tenryu vs Tsuruta, it turns out the real main character was Yoshiaki Yatsu! The dude comes in with padded headgear, which gets ripped off, and later replaced with wraps. He was hurt and was out to prove himself against the other aces. There were so many great neat touches, great nearfalls, and drama. I loved this; it is my favourite Real World Tag League final ever!
Upcoming!
The top 25 wrestlers of 1989 will be coming soon!
You can discuss this on Twitter!
Discord
We also have a lovely discord community to discuss the greatest wrestler ever project and anything else under the sun. It’s an open and welcoming group, and I am very proud of it. Everyone is welcome:
Join:
We also do weekly watch-along parties with chat!
Trans Rights!
It’s a horrible time to be trans right now, so please donate to the lovely folks here who save lives!
Pro-Wrestling Super Blog 
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