The 1996 Wrestler of The Year List
To put 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 compiled a list for 1985, 1990, 1997, & 2021. You can listen to those here. 1983, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023 are on the blog.
1996
If you read my Match of the Year List for 1996, you know how high I was on the matches for this year, but weirdly, the Wrestler of the Year list is much harder! No clear-cut winners and lots of options! Here is what I settled on.
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.
Honourable Mentions
- The Great Muta
- Jaguar Yokota
- Mayumi Ozaki
- Mitsuharu Misawa
- Psychosis
- El Hijo del Santo
- Terry Funk
- Ultimo Dragon
The List
#25
Owen Hart
Previous Ranking: 1994 (13th) & 1997 (8th)
Years Unranked: 1989, 1990, 1993, & 1995
Matches: 177
Places Worked: WWF, TWWF, & USWA
Titles Won: WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ The British Bulldog
Tournaments: WWF Royal Rumble, WWF World Tag Team Title Tournament w/ The British Bulldog, WWF Kuwait Cup, WWF King of the Ring, WWF Intercontinental Title Tournament, & WWF Middle East Cup
Kind of an under the radar great year for Owen. Sure, he had a PPV match with Michaels, which was so fun, but the rest was squarely playing the role of being the workhouse of big tag matches and working underneath matches. Luckily, he excels in that.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Shawn Michaels, WWF, February 18
- w/ The British Bulldog & Vader vs Ahmed Johnson, Shawn Michaels, & Sycho Sid, WWF, July 21
- vs Savio Vega, WWF, August 18
#24
Dynamite Kansai
Previous Ranking: 1993 (5th), 1994 (11th), & 1995 (2nd)
Honourable Mentions: 2001
Years Unranked: 1997, 2010, 2015, & 2019
Matches: 37
Places Worked: JWP, AJW, GAEA, & Rikidozan Memorial
Titles Won: JWP Tag Team Championship w/ Cutie Suzuki
Few wrestlers are more fun to watch than Kansai. She’s so serious and has such badass offense, yet she has a very fun and colorful outfit. Being stuck with JWP booking doesn’t help anyone, but she is great enough to overcome that and stand out.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Mayumi Ozaki, JWP, August 10
- w/ Aja Kong vs Devil Masami & Kyoko Inoue, JWP, October 13
- w/ Cutie Suzuki vs Devil Masami & Hikaru Fukuoka, JWP, November 26
#23
“Lord” Steven Regal
Previous Ranking: 1993 (37th) & 1994 (23rd)
Years Unranked: 1995, 1997, 2001, 2004, & 2010
Matches: 76
Places Worked: WCW, NJPW, ASW, & CWA
Titles Won: WCW World Television Championship
Tournaments: WCW Lord of the Ring, NJPW Japan/US All-Star Tournament, NJPW Super Grade Tag League VI w/ David Taylor, WCW World War 3, & WCW United States Title Tournament
Regal focussed most of the year on the WCW TV Championship and his amazing feud with Finlay. That Finlay feud is probably enough to get anyone onto the list.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Fint Finlay, WCW, March 24
- vs Fit Finlay, WCW, April 27
- vs Lex Luger, WCW, August 20
#22
Scott “Flash” Norton
Previous Ranking: 1995 (14th), 1997 (25th), & 2001 (16th)
Honourable Mentions: 1993 & 1994
Years Unranked: 1989, 1990, & 2010
Matches: 80
Places Worked: WCW & NJPW
Tournaments: NJPW One Night Tag Team Tournament w/ Hugh Morrus, WCW Lord of the Ring, NJPW Japan/US All-Star Tournament, NJPW Super Grade Tag League VI w/ Shinya Hashimoto (winner), & WCW World War 3
Scott Norton has become the person I have been most impressed with coming out of this round of GWE. He is my favourite big man worker, maybe ever. He has the perfect aura and knows the perfect amount to sell. Not too much, so he doesn’t feel like a monster, but enough to get his opponent over. Plus, he carried Ice Train around to good stuff.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ The Steiner Brothers vs Power Warrior & The Road Warriors, NJPW, April 29
- w/ Ice Train vs The Steiner Brothers, WCW, June 16
- vs Lex Luger, WCW, November 11
#21
Devil Masami
Previous Ranking: 1983 (9th), 1985 (6th), 1993 (20th), & 1995 (18th)
Years Unranked: 1994, 1997, 2001, & 2004
Matches: 34
Places Worked: JWP, GAEA, & AJW
Titles Won: JWP Tag Team Championship w/ Hikari Fukuoka
The legendary Masami continues to be great in 1996, mostly being the stand out in tag matches. She has an elite ability to make everything entertaining.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Kyoko Inoue vs Aja Kong & Dynamite Kansai, JWP, October 13
- vs Chigusa Nagayo, GAEA, November 2
- w/ Hikaru Fukuoka vs Cutie Suzuki & Dynamite Kansai, JWP, November 26
#20
Manami Toyota
Previous Ranking: 1990 (8th), 1993 (13th), 1994 (6th), 1995 (3rd), & 1997 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 1989, 2001, 2004, 2010, & 2015
Matches: 253
Places Worked: AJW & JWP
Titles Won: WWWA Tag Team Championship w/ Mima Shimoda
Tournaments: AJW JAL Scramble Cup Okinawa Tag Tournament w/ Mariko Yoshida (winner), AJW 2nd Grand North Six Woman Tag League w/ Kaoru Ito and Mariko Yoshida, & AJW Tag League The Best w/ Rie Tamada (winner)
Just as I thought Toyota had turned the tables and left all her silliness behind, here comes 1996 Toyota, who let a lot of her bad habits return. Sure, her spots are elite, and her work rate is unreal, but I don’t know if you can tell watching her in 1996 if she knows how to put together a match.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Kaoru Ito vs Double Inoue, AJW, January 3
- vs Kyoko Inoue, AJW, March 31
- vs Aja Kong, AJW, October 6
#19
Takako Inoue
Previous Ranking: 1993 (19th)
Honourable Mentions: 1994, 1995, & 2004
Years Unranked: 1997, 2001, 2010, 2015, & 2019
Matches: 249
Places Worked: AJW & JWP
Titles Won: WWWA Tag Team Championship w/ Kyoko Inoue & AJW All-Pacific Championship
Tournaments: AJW JAL Scramble Cup Okinawa Tag Tournament w/ Mima Shimoda, AJW 2nd Grand North Six Woman Tag League w/ Yumi Fukawa and Yumiko Hotta, AJW Japan Grand Prix, & AJW Tag League The Best w/ Yumi Fukawa
Inoue is one of my favourite wrestlers, and in 1996, she got to shine, not only with Double Inoue, but also with one of the most hidden gem matches ever with her and Mariko Yoshida. I love her just choke slamming people and other cool offense like the flying knee to the back of the head.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Kyoko Inoue vs Akira Hokuto & Mima Shimoda, AJW, January 22
- vs Hiromi Yagi, JWP, July 7
- vs Mariko Yoshida, AJW, October 6
#18
Kenta Kobashi
Previous Ranking: 1993 (11th), 1994 (19th), 1995 (6th), 1997 (15th), & 2004 (8th)
Years Unranked: 1989, 1990, & 2001
Matches: 131
Places Worked: AJPW
Titles Won: Triple Crown Championship
Tournaments: AJPW Championship Carnival & AJPW Real World Tag League w/ The Patriot
When you think about 90s wrestling, most people automatically think of the four pillars. Kobashi was the second best pillar of 1996. He suffered from switching from teaming with Misawa to teaming with The Patriot, but he made up for it by winning the Triple Crown for the first time!
Recommended Matches:
- vs Akira Taue, AJPW, July 24
- vs Stan Hansen, AJPW, September 5
- vs Toshiaki Kawada, AJPW, October 18
#17
Dick Togo
(aka SATO)
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023
Matches: 143
Places Worked: Michinoku Pro, ASW, Inoki Festival in Yojogi, NJPW, & WAR
Titles Won: MPW British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship
Tournaments: Michinoku Futaritabi w/ MEN’S Teioh (winner)
Being the heavy in one of the greatest stables ever and having that awesome of a senton bomb will make you automatically ranked high. The Liger match really showed his full potential, which is as high as anyone’s.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Jushin Liger, NJPW, June 17 (#7 MOTY)
- w/ Kaientai Deluxe vs Gran Naniwa, Masato Yakushiji, Super Delfin, & Tiger Mask IV, M-Pro, October 10 (#6 MOTY)
- w/ Kaientai Deluxe vs Gran Hamada, Gran Naniwa, The Great Sasuke, Masato Yakushiji, & Super Delfin, M-Pro, December 16
#16
Chigusa Nagayo
(aka Zero)
Previous Ranking: 1983 (16th), 1985 (1st), 1989 (15th), 1994 (22nd), 1995 (10th), & 2001 (15th)
Years Unranked: 1997, 2004, & 2019
Matches: 32
Places Worked: GAEA, FMW, LLPW, JWP, WCW, AJW, & Rikidozan Memorial
Titles Won: AAAW Heavyweight Championship
Tournaments: GAEA Tag Team Tournament w/ Makie Numao, & WCW World Women’s Title Tournament
The legendary Nagayo continues to pull out amazing years after her comeback. Whether she was in the ring with a bunch of rookies or facing off against other legends, Nagayo was impressive. Plus she did a fun WCW gimmick!
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Bomber Hikari & Sonoko Kato vs Eagle Sawai, Jenn Yukari, & Michiko Nagashima, GAEA, February 16
- w/ Bomber Hikari & Sonoko Kato vs Eagle Sawai, Jenn Yukari, & Michiko Nagashima, LLPW, March 12
- vs Sonoko Kato, GAEA, November 16
#15
Mankind
(aka Cactus Jack)
Previous Ranking: 1995 (22nd)
Honourable Mentions: 1994
Years Unranked: 1989, 1990, 1993, & 1997
Matches: 163
Places Worked: WWF, IWA Japan, ECW, USWA, & FMW
Tournaments: WWF Middle East Cup
Turning The Undertaker from one of the most boring wrestlers ever into having awesome matches all year is a feat that gets Foley into the top 15.
Recommended Matches:
- vs W*ING Kanemura, FMW, May 5
- vs Shawn Michaels, WWF, September 22
- vs The Undertaker, WWF, October 20
#14
El Dandy
Previous Ranking: 1990 (2nd)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2001, & 2004
Matches: 48
Places Worked: CMLL & TPW
Tournaments: CMLL Grand Prix & CMLL Torneo de Parejas w/ Olimpico
El Dandy is as talented as any wrestler in history. His ability to brawl and work technical wrestling at such alltime great levels is ridiculous. Dandy will make the list any year if he has enough opportunities and there is enough footage!
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Atlantis, Lizmark, & El Hijo del Santo vs Blue Panther, El Felino, Dr. Wagner Jr., & Negro Casas, CMLL, March 22
- vs Black Warrior, CMLL, October 15
- vs El Hijo del Santo vs Negro Casas, CMLL, December 6 (#4 MOTY)
#13
Megumi Kudo
Previous Ranking: 1993 (18th) & 1997 (10th)
Years Unranked: 1990, 1994, & 1995
Matches: 114
Places Worked: FMW, AJW, Jd’, & GAEA
Titles Won: FMW Independent Women’s & WWA Women’s Championship
The only thing keeping Kudo from being higher is the fact she mostly worked in FMW, which had limited opponents. She put up about as good a year as she could under those circumstances.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Chigusa Nagayo, FMW, January 10
- vs Combat Toyoda, FMW, May 5 (#3 MOTY)
- vs Shinobu Kandori, FMW, December 11
#12
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
(aka The Ringmaster)
Previous Ranking: 1993 (23rd), 1997 (11th), & 2001 (1st)
Honourable Mentions: 1994
Years Unranked: 1990 & 1995
Matches: 178
Places Worked: WWF & USWA
Tournaments: WWF Royal Rumble, WWF Kuwait Cup, WWF King of the Ring (winner), WWF Intercontinental Title Tournament, & WWF Middle East Cup
What a difference a year makes. Austin started 1996 as The Ringmaster, a mute cyborg wrestling machine character brought in by Ted DiBiase. However, DiBiase left, and Austin won the King of the Ring and got mic time, and ended the year as one of the hottest stars in wrestling! The Bret feud took him to another level.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Savio Vega, WWF, May 28
- vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley, WWF, October 20
- vs Bret Hart, WWF, November 17 (#1 MOTY)
#11
Negro Casas
Previous Ranking: 1990 (23rd), 1994 (21st), 1997 (18th), & 2001 (14th)
Honourable Mentions: 1993 & 1995
Years Unranked: 1983, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023
Matches: 53
Places Worked: CMLL, WAR, NJPW, & World Wrestling Peace Festival
Tournaments: CMLL Gran Prix & NJPW J-Crown Tournament
I never thought of Casas as a tecnico. He is so clearly a rudo in my mind. However, in 1996, I was proved wrong as he was so great in that role. He was a Tito Santana type. I hate the heel and will fight tooth and nail to take him out. It ruled.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Blue Panther, El Felino, Dr. Wagner Jr. vs Atlantis, El Dandy, Lizmark, & El Hijo del Santo, CMLL, March 22
- vs Bestia Salvaje, CMLL, October 18
- vs El Hijo del Santo vs El Dandy, CMLL, December 6 (#4 MOTY)
#10
“The Total Package” Lex Luger
Previous Ranking: 1989 (2nd) & 1990 (13th)
Years Unranked: 1985, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, & 2001
Matches: 141
Places Worked: WCW, NJPW, & World Wrestling Peace Festival
Titles Won: WCW World Tag Team Championship w/ Sting & WCW World Television Championship (twice)
Tournaments: WCW Lord of the Ring, NJPW Japan/US All-Star Tournament, WCW World War 3, & WCW United States Heavyweight Title Tournament
Luger started the year in the super fun angle with Sting, pretending to be a heel behind his back but a good guy in front of him! He had some fun stuff until the nWo arrived. That is when Luger was back into prime form. Babyface Luger, against unbelievable odds, is Luger at his best!
Recommended Matches:
- vs Steven Regal, WCW, August 20
- w/ Randy Savage & Sting vs nWo, WCW, July 7
- vs Scott Norton, WCW, November 11
- vs The Giant, WCW, December 29
#9
Aja Kong
Previous Ranking: 1990 (6th), 1993 (8th), 1994 (3rd), 1995 (7th), 1997 (5th), & 2001 (10th)
Honourable Mentions: 2004
Years Unranked: 2010, 2015, 2019, & 2023
Matches: 248
Places Worked: AJW, JWP, Michinoku Pro, & FMW
Tournaments: AJW JAL Scramble Cup Okinawa Tag Tournament w/ Kaoru Ito, AJW 2nd Grand North Six Woman Tag League w/ Misae Genki and Yoshiko Tamura, AJW Japan Grand Prix (winner), & AJW Tag League The Best w/ Yoshiko Tamura
Kong was pushed down the card in 1996 behind Toyota and Inoue, but she was still Kong and still great.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Combat Toyoda, FMW, January 10
- vs Yumiko Hotta, AJW, July 14
- vs Kyoko Inoue, AJW, August 30 (#9 MOTY)
- w/ Dynamite Kansai vs Devil Masami & Kyoko Inoue, JWP, October 13
#8
Jushin Thunder Liger
Previous Ranking: 1989 (12th), 1990 (12th), 1993 (32nd), 1994 (16th), 1995 (19th), 1997 (19th), & 2004 (14th)
Honourable Mentions: 2010
Years Unranked: 1985, 2001, 2015, & 2019
Matches: 134
Places Worked: NJPW, WCW, CMLL, WAR, Michionku Pro, & World Wrestling Peace Festival
Titles Won: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, MPW British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship, & WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship w/ El Samurai
Tournaments: NJPW Best of the Super Junior III, NJPW J-Crown Tournament, & NJPW One Night Tag Team Tournament w/ Keiji Muto
Even though Liger had brain cancer in 1996, it still ended up as perhaps his greatest year ever. Whether he changed his style up out of choice or necessity, it really worked for him. He was a beast!
Recommended Matches:
- vs Shinjiro Otani, NJPW, March 17
- vs Dick Togo, NJPW, June 17 (#7 MOTY)
- vs The Great Muta, NJPW, October 20
- vs Rey Misterio Jr., WCW, December 29
#7
Kyoko Inoue
Previous Ranking: 1993 (3rd), 1994 (15th), 1995 (5th), 1997 (7th), 2001 (24th), & 2004 (20th)
Years Unranked: 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023
Matches: 237
Places Worked: AJW & JWP
Titles Won: WWWA Tag Team Championship w/ Takako Inoue & WWWA World Championship
Tournaments: AJW JAL Scramble Cup Okinawa Tag Tournament w/ Toshiyo Yamada, AJW 2nd Grand North Six Woman Tag League w/Reggie Bennett and Tomoko Watanabe (winner), AJW Japan Grand Prix, & AJW Tag League The Best w/ Chaparita Asari
1996 was the year Inoue finally won the WWWA World Championship. Such a great moment after seeing her behind the other AJW greats for years!
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Takako Inoue vs Akira Hokuto & Mima Shimoda, AJW, January 22
- vs Manami Toyota, AJW, March 31
- vs Aja Kong, AJW, August 30 (#9 MOTY)
- w/ Devil Masami vs Aja Kong & Dynamite Kansai, JWP, October 13
#6
TAKA Michinoku
Previous Ranking: 1997 (17th)
Years Unranked: 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023
Matches: 179
Places Worked: Michinoku Pro, FMW, BattlArts, NJPW, W*ING, Inoki Festival in Yoyogi, & Alpha Japan Promotion
Titles Won: Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship
Tournaments: Michinoku Futaritabi w/ Shoichi Funaki
The young punk of Michinoku Pro had his most elite year in 1996. His balance and flying may be unmatched by anyone at this time.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Super Delfin, NJPW, June 17
- w/ Kaientai Deluxe vs Gran Naniwa, Masato Yakushiji, Super Delfin, & Tiger Mask IV, M-Pro, October 10 (#6 MOTY)
- vs Minoru Tanaka, BattlArts, October 30
- w/ Kaientai Deluxe vs Gran Hamada, Gran Naniwa, The Great Sasuke, Masato Yakushiji, & Super Delfin, M-Pro, December 16
#5
Too Cold Scorpio
(aka Flash Funk & Black Wozuma)
Previous Ranking: 1993 (29th)
Years Unranked: 1994, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2015, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 100
Places Worked: ECW, TPW, & WWF
Titles Won: ECW World Television Championship
Scorpio’s first half of the year put him in the front runner for #1. The matches he pulled out of Sabu and Shane Douglas were all-timer level. However, he spent the last half of the year teaming with The Sandman and then going to the WWF to be Flash Funk, so he dropped off a bit.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Sabu, ECW, February 17
- vs Shane Douglas, ECW, May 11
- vs Chris Jericho vs Pitbull II vs Shane Douglas, ECW, July 13
- vs Chris Jericho, ECW, August 3
#4
Genichiro Tenryu
Previous Ranking: 1989 (1st), 1993 (10th), 1994 (4th), 2001 (12th), & 2004 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 1997, 2010, & 2015
Matches: 47
Places Worked: WAR, UWF-I, NJPW, Kitao Dojo, WYF, & Rikidozan Memorial
Titles Won: WAR World Six Man Tag Team Championship w/ Nobutaka Araya and Ultimo Dragon
Tournaments: NJPW One Night Tag Team Tournament w/ Nobutaka Araya & WAR Six Man Tag Team Title Tournament w/ Tatsumi Fujinami and Nobutaka Araya
Tenryu had a fun 1996, being the veteran going to war with shoot-style guys. Seriously, if you can get me to enjoy a match against shoot guys, then you are very special.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Tatsumi Fujinami, NJPW, April 29
- vs Yoji Anjo, WAR, July 21
- vs Nobuhiko Takada, UWF-I, September 11
- vs The Great Muta, WAR, October 11 (#2 MOTY)
#3
Akira Taue
Previous Ranking: 1990 (15th), 1993 (24th), & 1995 (1st)
Honourable Mentions: 1994, 2001, & 2004
Years Unranked: 1989, 1997, & 2010
Matches: 128
Places Worked: AJPW
Titles Won: AJPW World Tag Team Championship w/ Toshiaki Kawada & Triple Crown Championship
Tournaments: AJPW Championship Carnival (winner) & AJPW Real World Tag League w/ Toshiaki Kawada (winner)
Akira Taue finally did it in 1996. He destroyed Misawa and took the Triple Crown. Sadly, the reign didn’t last too long. He continued his path of destruction from the year prior, and there are few as good as Taue when he is choke slaming fools left and right!
Recommended Matches:
- vs Mitsuharu Misawa, AJPW, May 24
- vs Kenta Kobashi, AJPW, July 24
- w/ Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama & Mitsuharu Misawa, AJPW, November 29
- w/ Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama & Mitsuharu Misawa, AJPW, December 6 (#10 MOTY)
#2
Rey Misterio Jr.
Previous Ranking: 1995 (17th), 1997 (6th), 2001 (23rd), 2004 (21st), & 2010 (15th)
Years Unranked: 1993, 1994, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023
Matches: 104
Places Worked: WCW, AAA, WAR, ECW, Promo Azteca, Tijuana, Mexicali, & World Wrestling Peace Festival
Titles Won: WCW World Cruiserweight Championship & WWA World Welterweight Championship
Tournaments: AAA Torneo de Parejas w/ Venum & WCW World War 3
Misterio continued to go on the road in 1996 and made it onto WCW, where he became a phenomenon. He was truly ahead of his time with his flying, but he was more than that. He was so sympathetic in his selling and had such a variety of opponents and great matches.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Juventud Guerrera, Tijuana, March 16
- vs Pyschosis, WCW, July 7 (#5 MOTY)
- vs Super Calo, WCW, September 15
- vs Dean Malenko, WCW, October 27
- vs Ultimo Dragon, WCW, November 24
#1
Shinjiro Otani
Previous Ranking: 1997 (16th)
Honourable Mentions: 1994
Years Unranked: 1993, 1995, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, & 2021
Matches: 124
Places Worked: NJPW, WCW, WAR, & UWF-I
Titles Won: WCW World Cruiserweight Championship, UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship, & NWA World Welterweight Championship
Tournaments: NJPW Young Lion Cup, NJPW Best of The Super Junior III, NJPW J-Crown Tournament, & NJPW One Night Tag Team Tournament w/ Kensuke Sasaki
1996 turned out to be the year of the Junior Heavyweights, and nobody was as good as Otani. His over the top selling kept every match he was in interesting. When he took a match into the finishing sequence, there was nobody like him, and the crowd was so into it. He just felt special day in and day out in 1996.
Recommended Matches:
- vs El Samurai, NJPW, January 21 (#8 MOTY)
- vs Jushin Liger, NJPW, March 17
- vs Black Tiger, NJPW, June 5
- vs Kazushi Sakuraba, NJPW, June 17
- vs Ultimo Dragon, NJPW, August 4
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1996 Match of the Year List
In terms of match of the year lists containing matches that will go on my 100 greatest matches ever list, I think 1996 may be the best. Really, all ten could and probably will make it. What a freaking great year of high-end matches!
Honourable Mentions
- Antonio Inoki vs Big Van Vader, NJPW, January 4
- Shinjiro Ohtani vs Ultimo Dragon, NJPW, August 4
- Mariko Yoshida vs Takako Inoue, AJW, August 30
- The Great Muta vs Jushin Liger, NJPW, October 20
- Dick Togo, MEN’S Teioh, Shiryu, Shoichi Funaki, & TAKA Michinoku vs. Gran Hamada, Gran Naniwa, Masato Yakushiji, Super Delfin, & The Great Sasuke, Michinoku Pro, December 16
Now, onto the list!
#10
Akira Taue & Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama & Mitsuharu Misawa
“Real World Tag League Final”
AJPW Real World Tag League
December 6
Nippon Budokan
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
I have been down on prime AJPW for a few years now, so I was curious to rewatch this match since I rated it so highly the first time I saw it. Watching it, I think my AJPW issue is that the style that is so popular today that I don’t like is a continuation of this wrestling. That said, the last ten minutes were unreal, and there is nothing in wrestling like Taue unleashed, dropping people with choke slams everywhere! Akiyama did good in the Kobashi role of trying to save Misawa’s ass too. A great match, but still, it felt like a lot of too much for me.
#9
Aja Kong vs Kyoko Inoue
“Japan Grand Prix Final”
AJW Japan Grand Prix
August 30
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
Kong is out for death in this match, and Inoue is a perfect underdog with tremendous selling throughout. It’s intense from the start to the tremendous run of nearfalls down the stretch. Every lariat and every throw and hit just look like they hurt; it’s on another level. A great match that seems to be forgotten if you listen to Cagematch.
#8
El Samurai (c) vs Shinjiro Ohtani
“UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW New Year Special
January 21
Korakuen Hall
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
The majority of this match is matwork and limp attacks, which normally would be a match that would kind of bore me, but this match blew me away. Ohtani’s attack on Samurai’s leg was amazing, including the vicious springboard dropkick into it. Near the end, when they hit their bigger moves, the near falls were tremendous, and the armwork by Samurai to get to the finish was perhaps the best moment of the match. A real classic.
#7
Dick Togo (c) vs Jushin Liger
“MPW British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW Skydiving J
June 17
Nippon Budokan
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
This was a match I hadn’t seen in well over a decade, and boy, did it live up to my memories. Togo came in as a total asshole trying to destroy Liger. However, Liger wasn’t up for that shit and was a giant asshole back. It’s vicious, and everything hits so violently. You have the famous catching Togo off a dive and power bombing on the floor spot which was followed by another power bomb! Immediately, Liger enters the ring to strut! More great violent action continues on until we get some great stuff down the finishing stretch, including a flying dropkick into the arm, which Togo was using to pull himself up, and a top rope brainbuster. Great match!
#6
Gran Hamada, Gran Naniwa, Masato Yakushiji, Super Delfin, & Tiger Mask vs Dick Togo, MEN’s Teioh, Shiryu, Shoichi Funaki, & TAKA Michinoku
Michinoku Pro Takewaki: These Days
October 10
Ryogoku Kokugikan
The greatest collection of high spots in a match ever, but that only scraps the surface of this classic. Kaientai DX are the biggest jerks ever, teaming up to take advantage and posing on top of fallen people. It’s great. The spots are insane, too, and so quick. Using the lucha tags makes every nearfall exciting. This match has to be seen to be believed, and it still holds up today!
#5
Psychosis vs Rey Misterio Jr.
WCW Bash at the Beach
July 7
Ocean Center
The best touring match ever comes to WCW PPV and steals the show. They took everything they learned from working everywhere and put it all together into one match that tops all their others. Outside of the insane flying by both, the build and story of the match is amazing as well. What a great way to let Americans know what lucha libre is.
#4
El Dandy vs Negro Casas vs El Hijo del Santo
“Triangle Cabellera contra Mascara”
CMLL Super Viernes
December 6
Arena Mexico
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
I had no recollection of this match, but it’s listed as a classic and, for some reason, an 8/10 on my spreadsheet. I am glad to admit I was really wrong, as this is the classic people say it is.
The first segment, where Casas and Dandy team up to pin Santo, so he has to put up his mask, was really great storytelling. Casas and Dandy then had a mighty fun singles match, leading to Casas winning and taunting everyone. That brings us to the bulk of the match, the Santo vs Dandy match, with everything on the line. It becomes a bloody, violent death match with great dives and huge drama from there, and it becomes the perfect hair vs mask match. The last few moments are as good as wrestling gets. Even if you don’t like the lucha style, this is one you will certainly love
#3
Combat Toyoda (c) vs Megumi Kudo
“FMW Independent Women’s & WWA Women’s Championship No Ropes Barbed Wire Current Blast Death Match”
FMW Fighting Creationg: 7th Anniversary Show
May 5
Kawasaki Stadium
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
Not much to say. It’s the best deathmatch and the best FMW match in history. It’s dramatic, it’s emotional, and it’s great.
#2
Genichiro Tenryu vs The Great Muta
WAR Osaka Crush Night!
October 11
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
From the Best Matches I Watched This Month blog post:
I had never seen this before, and I feel really stupid because this match is unbelievable. From the beginning, Muta shoots two different mist colours! He gains his advantage by breaking a glass bottle and digging that into Tenryu’s head for a while! Outside the ring, he piledrivers him on a table and then hits him with some kind of tripod or something. That wasn’t even enough, inside the ring he pulls out something and digs that more into the cut! Tenryu’s hope spots after that were great, and the cut-offs by Muta were on that level, too. Also, I’m not much of a chop person, but they looked great here, probably due to the other violence making it fit in. To get back to the outside, Tenryu switches to straight punches that look sick as fuck! Tenryu throws some chairs and a table into the ring to up the madness! However, more mist from Muta stops the attack before Tenryu can get too far ahead and uses chairs and the table to continue the assault, including moonsaulting Tenryu through it! Instead of going for the win, Muta attacks Tenryu’s second to steal his white shirt to use Tenryu’s blood to write on it and then choke him out. Muta thinks he’s all that, so he goes for the moonsault, which Tenryu counters with a massive top rope powerbomb and an enzuigiri, and one more powerbomb, which is countered with Muta misting him! Muta weirdly goes under the ring and emerges to use the mist again, but Tenryu covers his mouth with an unreal counter! That leads to the ultimate finish, and this is up there with Dr. Wagner Jr vs LA Par-K as one of the most amazing, crazy brawls ever! I am blown away!
#1 “Match of the Year”
Bret Hart vs Steve Austin
WWF Survivor Series
November 17
Madison Square Garden
From my Top 100 Bret Hart matches post:
I have talked a lot about this match in the past, and it’s my favourite match of all time. What I love about this is that it feels like a love letter to old school wrestling and the end of an era. Jim Ross tells the story perfectly, Austin knows Bret and uses his moves through out the match. One of my all-time favourite wrestling moments is Bret Hart’s comeback in this match, where he wins a first fight after losing one earlier. The emotion here is priceless.
Coming Soon
The top 25 wrestlers of 1996 list should be ready shortly, plus at the end of every month, I’ll write up the top 25 matches I watched during it.
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!
How Can You Help?
Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we are continuously pioneering research, advocacy, and education to drive positive change around the world because we believe healthcare is a human right.
Please donate to Callen Lorde!
The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month (January 2024)
We are into 2024, and boy, does current news make me not want to watch current wrestling. There is very little of that here as I focussed on 1996 and the GWE project instead.
#25
Hayabusa vs TAKA Michinoku
FMW Scramble Survivor
November 16, 1996
About two thirds through this was a fine junior match, with Michinoku looking amazing, but the last third was spectacular, with Hayabusa coming to the moment. I also enjoyed TAKA being in FMW, so he added using a chair to his legwork section. It reminded me of Rey Jr. working ECW. The dives were spectacular throughout this.
Rating: 7.5/10
#24
TAKA Michinoku (c) vs Minoru Tanaka
“Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship”
Battlarts Let’s enjoy BATTLARTS
October 30, 1996
I am not a big fan of shoot style, but they did a good job of mixing that up with junior style to keep me interested during the first half, which was a bit dull. The finishing and last stretch were really great and exciting, though! I bet most people would be higher on this than me.
Rating: 7.5/10
#23
Savio Vega vs Steve Austin
“Caribbean Strap Match”
WWF In Your House: Beware of Dog 2
May 28, 1996
It’s limited due to the touch the four corners rules of WWF strap matches, but this was vicious and violent with good psychology. It thankfully put the end to Austin with DiBiase as well.
Rating: 7.5/10
#22
Manami Toyota (c) vs Kyoko Inoue
“WWWA World Championship”
AJW Kokugikan Chojoden The Real Earnest
December 8, 1996
The first and final thirds of this match were really great, but the middle third was boring. However, this was the big Inoue title win, so it’s memorable.
Rating: 7.75/10
#21
Billie Starkz vs Maki Itoh
GCW Now and Forever
July 14, 2023
The cute-off that clearly cemented Starkz as a heel and Itoh as the babyface was a great use of fun and comedy; it added to the story. From there, both were great and had the crowd in the palm of their hands.
Rating: 7.75/10
#20
Genichiro Tenryu vs Yoji Anjo
WAR Revolution Anniversary
July 21, 1996
Anjo brings the shoot fight UWF style to Tenryu, who seems unimpressed, and weathers all the kicks, submissions, and comebacks with stiff lariats, straight punches, and power bombs. This low key rules.
Rating: 7.75/10
#19
Chris Jericho (c) vs Pitbull II vs Shane Douglas vs Too Cold Scorpio
“ECW World Television Championship”
ECW Heat Wave
July 13, 1996
Mostly built around the Douglas-Pitbull feud, and that part was wonderful, especially Douglas. However, a significant part of this was Scorpio out wrestling everyone and putting on a great performance.
Rating: 7.75/10
#18
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs Mr. Pogo & Terry Funk
“No Ropes Barbed Wire Current Mine Explosion Double Hell Time Bomb Tornado Death Match”
FMW Fighting Creation: 7th Anniversary
May 5, 1996
Completely chaotic with barbed wire, explosion, fire, and Mr. Pogo. I’m not sure if I like watching Pogo or hate it, but his sickle weapon, which he uses to dig into people’s backs, is something else. I loved all the evasions of the weapons. That is how you work a deathmatch!
Rating: 8/10
#17
Megumi Kudo vs Shinobu Kandori
“Street Fight”
LLPW on January 5, 1997
A really good ECW-like street fight. Kandori wore a suit, so that’s a huge win. She was a badass in this, and Kudo did everything she could to survive as they fought all over the arena. The finish was brutal in the best way possible. I can’t wait for the finale of this trilogy now!
Rating: 8/10
#16
Kazushi Sakuraba vs Shinjiro Ohtani
“UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW Skydiving J
June 17, 1996
This is a hoot. Sakuraba tries to MMA Ohtani, who fights back with some vicious suplexes and kicks. It’s intense and nonstop action for eight minutes.
Rating: 8/10
#15
Super Delfin (c) vs TAKA Michinoku
“CMLL World Welterweight Championship”
NJPW Skydiving J
June 17, 1996
Young Taka is so fun to watch. He had this unbelievable balance and flying ability, but was so cocky and arrogant, every moment of watching him is a blast. The first third of this match is really good with TAKA hitting some incredible dives, the middle third is solid stuff, and the final third had a great finishing sequence. Although the final move was a little anticlimactic.
Rating: 8/10
#14
Aja Kong vs Kaoru Ito
Zenjo Perfection: Ota Ward Champion Legend
January 20, 1997
At one point, Kong beat up Ito and threw her into the concourse, then grabbed the barricade and stood waiting for her with it over her head to beat her down more with it. One of the best shot things in the history of wrestling. Ito did revenge and beat her up all over the arena, too. For a 30 minute draw, this felt like a wild and quick brawl, so I give this the highest recomendations.
Rating: 8.25/10
#13
The Gladiator & Terry Funk vs Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka
“Street Fight”
FMW Flashover
September 24, 1996
This is exactly what you want from this match. Hayabusa did flying. Tanaka and Awesome did their stuff, but not just against each other. Funk was wild. They brawled all over and used chairs and tables and it was a real blast.
Rating: 8.25/10
#12
Mizuki (c) vs Miya Yamashita
“Princess of Princess Championship”
TJPW Wrestle Princess 4
October 9, 2023
Yamashita is such a badass boss in these big title matches, and Mizuki plays her role of fighting champion really well. It was a great, intense title fight, though, that really shows Yamashita is the best ace wrestler around today.
Rating: 8.5/10
#11
Mistico vs Soberano Jr.
“2/3 Falls”
CMLL Super Viernes
September 1, 2023
A great main event all-tecnico match that saw Soberano Jr. play subtle heel, teasing the greatness that was later to come in the year. Mistico’s comebacks and babyface fire are unmatched in 2023, and the amazing spots the both of them pull off are unmatched as well. I’ve seen few matches with this many amazing spots that didn’t feel like a spotfest.
Rating: 8.75/10
#10
Atlantis y El Dandy y Lizmark y El Hijo del Santo vs Blue Panther y Dr. Wagner Jr. y El Felino y Negro Casas
“Torneo de Alto Rendimiento Torneo Cibernetico Match”
CMLL Homenaje A Salvador Lutteroth
March 22, 1996
All these absolute legends go in there and have a fast paced Survivor Series like match. Great matwork, great flying, great storytellingb and action. It’s like comfort food.
Rating: 8.75/10
#9
Shinjiro Ohtani (c) vs Ultimo Dragon (c)
“UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight & NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship vs IWGP Junior Heavyweight & WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, J-Crown Tournament Semi-Final Match”
NJPW G1 Climax
August 4, 1996
Ohtani is such a beast here, but luckily, Dragon is along for the ride as this hit some high levels. The start was really exciting, the middle was some fun matwork, but the real joy was the finishing stretches. All the hot moves were expertly timed, and the crowd was great. I could watch 1996 Ohtani all day long.
Rating: 9/10
#8
The Great Muta vs Jushin Liger
NJPW Super Grade Tag League VI
October 20, 1996
Another crazy brawl for Muta in 1996 and this one includes Liger missing Muta and stabbing a table with a lead pipe or something! Wild stuff. Bloody and chaotic with a fun Liger facepaint gimmick reveal. It was definitely memorable.
Rating: 9/10
#7
Gran Hamada, Gran Naniwa, Masato Yakushiji, Super Delfin, & The Great Sasuke vs Dick Togo, MEN’S Teioh, Shiryu, Shoichi Funaki, & TAKA Michinoku
Michinoku Pro From Lucha no Kuni: Heartbreak
December 16, 1996
These Days is so ingrained in my head as the greatest Lucharesu match of all time that I was surprised when I saw this match listed as better on Cagematch. Upon watching it, I don’t know if it’s better, but if it’s not, it’s damn close. I’m not sure what words to say about a match like this. 23 minutes of both teams throwing everything at each other to try to win, with no spots that bugged me. The high spots were tremendous, and the Kainetain DX team ups were all great. I’d say maybe it’s below the These Days match just because Kainetain DX didn’t do as much posing and team-up jerk moves. Regardless, a ridiculously great match.
Rating: 9.25/10
#6
Akira Taue & Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama & Mitsuharu Misawa
“Real World Tag League Final”
AJPW Real World Tag League
December 6, 1996
I have been down on prime AJPW for a few years now, so I was curious to rewatch this match since I rated it so highly the first time I saw it. Watching it, I think my AJPW issue is that the style that is so popular today that I don’t like is a continuation of this wrestling. That said, the last ten minutes were unreal, and there is nothing in wrestling like Taue unleashed, dropping people with choke slams everywhere! Akiyama did good in the Kobashi role of trying to save Misawa’s ass too. A great match, but still, it felt like a lot of too much for me.
Rating: 9.25/10
#5
El Samurai (c) vs Shinjiro Ohtani
“UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW New Year Special
January 21, 1996
The majority of this match is matwork and limp attacks, which normally would be a match that would kind of bore me, but this match blew me away. Ohtani’s attack on Samurai’s leg was amazing, including the vicious springboard dropkick into it. Near the end, when they hit their bigger moves and the near falls were tremendous, and the armwork by Samurai to get to the finish was perhaps the best moment of the match. A real classic.
Rating: 9.25/10
#4
Mayu Iwatani (c) vs Syuri
“IWGP Women’s Championship”
Stardome Gate
January 4, 2024
This was one of the most violent non-weapons matches I have ever seen and an instant classic. Fast-paced and incredibly hard-hitting from the beginning, and it only built better throughout toward an incredible finish of Iwatani coming off the top like she was doing a standing moonsault, only to hit a reverse hurracanrana for the win. It was filled with insane moves and some of the most vicious headbutts you’ll ever see, but it never felt like too much, and kick outs for kick outs state. In fact, the big near fall came when Syuri’s leg was on the rope. A must watch match!
Rating: 9.25/10
#3
Dick Togo (c) vs Jushin Liger
“MPW British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship”
NJPW Skydiving J
June 17, 1996
This was a match I hadn’t seen in well over a decade, and boy, did it live up to my memories. Togo came in as a total asshole trying to destroy Liger. However, Liger wasn’t up for that shit and was a giant asshole back. It’s vicious, and everything hits so violently. You have the famous catching Togo off a dive and power bombing on the floor spot which was followed by another power bomb! Immediately, Liger enters the ring to strut! More great violent action continues on until we get some great stuff down the finishing stretch, including a flying dropkick into the arm, which Togo was using to pull himself up, and a top rope brainbuster. Great match!
Rating: 9.25/10
#2
El Dandy vs Negro Casas vs El Hijo del Santo
“Triangle Cabellera contra Mascara”
CMLL Super Viernes
December 6, 1996
I had no recollection of this match, but it’s listed as a classic and, for some reason, an 8/10 on my spreadsheet. I am glad to admit I was really wrong, as this is the classic people say it is.
The first segment, where Casas and Dandy team up to pin Santo, so he has to put up his mask, was really great storytelling. Casas and Dandy then had a mighty fun singles match, leading to Casas winning and taunting everyone. That brings us to the bulk of the match, the Santo vs Dandy match, with everything on the line. It becomes a bloody, violent death match with great dives and huge drama from there, and it becomes the perfect hair vs mask match. The last few moments are as good as wrestling gets. Even if you don’t like the lucha style, this is one you will certainly love.
Rating: 9.5/10
#1
Genichiro Tenryu vs The Great Muta
WAR Osaka Crush Night!
October 11, 1996
I had never seen this before, and I feel really stupid because this match is unbelievable. From the beginning, Muta shoots two different mist colours! He gains his advantage by breaking a glass bottle and digging that into Tenryu’s head for a while! Outside the ring, he piledrivers him on a table and then hits him with some kind of tripod or something. That wasn’t even enough, inside the ring he pulls out something and digs that more into the cut! Tenryu’s hope spots after that were great, and the cut-offs by Muta were on that level, too. Also, I’m not much of a chop person, but they looked great here, probably due to the other violence making it fit in. To get back to the outside, Tenryu switches to straight punches that look sick as fuck! Tenryu throws some chairs and a table into the ring to up the madness! However, more mist from Muta stops the attack before Tenryu can get too far ahead and uses chairs and the table to continue the assault, including moonsaulting Tenryu through it! Instead of going for the win, Muta attacks Tenryu’s second to steal his white shirt to use Tenryu’s blood to write on it and then choke him out. Muta thinks he’s all that, so he goes for the moonsault, which Tenryu counters with a massive top rope powerbomb and an enzuigiri, and one more powerbomb, which is countered with Muta misting him! Muta weirdly goes under the ring and emerges to use the mist again, but Tenryu covers his mouth with an unreal counter! That leads to the ultimate finish, and this is up there with Dr. Wagner Jr vs LA Par-K as one of the most amazing, crazy brawls ever! I am blown away!
Rating: 9.75/10
You can discuss this on Twitter!
Discord
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The Greatest Wrestlers of 2023
To put 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 compiled a list for 1985, 1990, 1997, & 2021. You can listen to those here. 1983, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, & 2022 are on the blog.
2023
A weird year, but lots of great wrestlers, just maybe not many elite ones. I put together a list that I am satisfied with, though!
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.
Honourable Mentions
I had to have 10 honourable mentions this year because there were so many at the cusp that needed shootouts. Sadly, a lot of these hurt were hurt by injuries or just a lack of televised matches.
- CM Punk
- KAIRI
- Mariah May
- Mercedes Mone’
- Momo Watanabe
- Nanae Takahashi
- Roman Reigns
- Starlight Kid
- Suzu Suzuki
- VENY
#25
Unagi Sayaka
(Dark Unagi & Ichigo Sayaka)
Previous Ranking: unranked
Years Unranked: 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 101
Places Worked: Marvelous, GLEAT, ZERO1, Diana, SSPW, AJPW, GCW, JTO, West Coast Pro, Ganbare Pro, Sendai Girls, PWR, Sukeban, RCW, LLPW-X, COLOR’S, Kitsune, Prestige, & OSW
Title Won: Kitsune World Championship
Tournaments: Queen of Indies, SSPW Strong Style Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament w/ Dark Tiger, & ZERO1 Fire Festival
Sayaka has spent her time after leaving Stardom very well, traveling all over Japan and parts of America, and has become an even bigger star. She is always a highlight, and her star appeal makes every match feel important, even on the undercard of Marvelous.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Takumi Orha, Marvelous, May 3
- w/ Sareee vs KAIRI & Saori Anou, AJPW, September 8
- vs Masha Slamovich, GCW, October 10
#24
Miyu Yamashita
Previous Ranking: 2021 (14th) & 2022 (8th)
Years Unranked: 2015 & 2019
Matches: 91
Places Worked: TJPW, EVE, Prestige, SPARK Joshi, DREAMWAVE, LLL, DPW, CCW, ROH, Impact, MLW, DDT, OTT, Gatoh Move, Enjoy, SLA, Inspire, BLP, Ladies Night Out, Glory Pro, AIW, HOG, MAW, New Texas Pro, ROL, BCP, DEFY, West Coast Pro, REVOLVER, NJPW, NEW, & NOAH
Titles Won: TJPW Princess Tag Team Championship w/ Maki Itoh, CCW Network Championship, CCW Championship, SPARK Joshi World Championship, EVE Championship, & TJPW Princess of Princess Championship
Tournaments: TJPW Futari Wa Princess Max Heart Tournament w/ Maki Itoh (winner), TJPW Princess of The Decade, & TJPW Tokyo Princess Cup (winner)
One of the best aces in wrestling who always delivered when called upon. Her kicks and attitude help her stand out among many of the great Joshi wrestlers.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Maki Itoh vs Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki, TJPW, March 31
- vs Mizuki, TJPW, October 9
- w/ Mizuki, Rika Tatsumi, Shoko Nakajima, & Yuka Sakazaki vs Arisa Endo, Miu Watanabe, Moka Miyamoto, Suzume, & Yuki Arai, TJPW, December 1
#23
Bianca Belair
Previous Ranking: 2021 (9th) & 2022 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 2019
Matches: 64
Place Worked: WWE
Title Won: WWE Women’s Championship
We may have to start calling her Mr. WrestleMania, because she delivers every year. She was tremendous all year, but it felt like she didn’t have a long run of chances to prove she belonged in the upper half of the list.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Asuka, WWE, April 2
- vs IYO SKY, WWE, May 6
- vs Bayley, WWE, October 27
#22
Titan
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 144
Places Worked: CMLL, NJPW, RevPro, & CWE
Tournaments: CMLL Torneo Incredible De Parejas w/ Dragon Rojo Jr., Campeon Universal Del CMLL, NJPW Best of the Super Junior 30 (finals), CMLL Torneo La Leyenda De Plata, NJPW Super Junior Tag League w/ BUSHI
He was always a really good luchador for me, putting together great matches when given the chance. He probably would have been ranked before if I had watched more Lucha.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Mistico, CMLL, June 16
- w/ Soberano Jr. vs Lince Dorada & Samuray del So, CMLL, September 16
- vs Mascara Dorada 2.0, CMLL, September 29 (#8 MOTY)
#21
Maki Itoh
Previous Ranking: 2021 (8th) & 2022 (17th)
Years Unranked: 2019
Matches: 83
Places Worked: TJPW, GCW, ROW, AEW, MLW, LLL, Hoodslam, DREAMWAVE, SPARK Joshi, DDT, NOAH, BLP, Mystery Wrestling, PWG, DEFY, Prestige, Smash, IWS, Pandemonium, & NEW
Title Won: TJPW Princess Tag Team Championships w/ Miyua Yamashita
Tournaments: TJPW Futari Wa Princess Max Heart Tournament w/ Miyu Yamashita (winners), TJPW Princess of The Decade, & TJPW Shinagawa Three Woman Festival w/ Haru Kazashiro and Runa Okubo
It was fun watching her take her unique style to America and become the star of GCW. Of course that didn’t stop her from being great in Japan as well. Her character is one of the best in the world today.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Miyu Yamashita vs Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki, TJPW, March 31
- vs Mizuki, TJPW, July 8
- vs Billie Starkz, GCW, July 14
#20
Jey Uso
Previous Ranking: 2022 (21st)
Years Unranked: 2010, 2015, 2019, & 2021
Matches: 73
Place Worked: WWE
Title Won: WWE Unified Tag Team Championships w/ Cody Rhodes
After a fantastic run with his brother and having to two ten matches of the year with him, he ventured into a very over singles act and even had a really good match with Seth Rollins.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Jimmy Uso vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, WWE, April 1 (#9 MOTY)
- w/ Jimmy Uso vs Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa, WWE, July 1 (#5 MOTY)
- vs Seth Rollins, WWE, December 4
#19
IYO SKY
Previous Ranking: 2015 (7th) & 2019 (16th)
Years Unranked: 2010, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 85
Place Worked: WWE
Title Won: WWE Women’s Championship
Tournaments: WWE Royal Rumble
Io Shirai being given the title and having big matches finally enabled her to live up to her actual skill level.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Becky Lynch, WWE, March 27
- vs Bianca Belair, WWE, May 6
- vs Asuka, WWE, September 22
#18
Sareee
Previous Ranking: 2019 (11th)
Years Unranked: 2015, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 25
Places Worked: SEAdLINNNG, Sendai Girls, Sukeban, Land’s End, AJPW, Diana, SSPW, & Evolution
Title Won: SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Championship
Sareee’s return to Joshi after doing nothing in NXT for years was one of the year’s highlights. She worked around the indies, ran her own shows, and was always the highlight! With a more full year next year, she should be higher.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Aja Kong vs Mika Iwata & Mio Momono, Hanak Kimura Memorial Produce, May 23
- vs Arisa Nakajima, SEAdLINNNG, August 25 (#6 MOTY)
- w/ Unagi Sayaka vs KAIRI & Saori Anou, AJPW, September 8
#17
AZM
Previous Ranking: 2021 (24th) & 2022 (11th)
Years Unranked: 2015 & 2019
Matches: 120
Places Worked: Stardom, GP MAX, & NJPW
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby I w/ Saya Kamitani and Utami Hayashishita, Stardom Cinderella Tournament, & Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
AZM seemed to venture higher than the High Speed level this year and had some big matches. She just keeps getting better and better each year, and who knows how high she’ll be when she hits her peak.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Hazuki vs Mercedes Mone’, NJPW, April 8
- w/ Queen’s Quest vs Oedi Tai, Stardom, June 25 (#4 MOTY)
- vs Utami Hayashishita, Stardom, August 15
#16
Mayu Iwatani
Previous Ranking: 2015 (12th), 2019 (5th), 2021 (10th), & 2022 (5th)
Years Unranked: none
Matches: 109
Places Worked: Stardom & NJPW
Title Won: IWGP Women’s Championship
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby I w/ Hanan and Momo Kohgo, Stardom Cinderella Tournament, & Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
The legendary Iwatani is not slowing down anytime soon. Every big match feels like a huge spectacle, which she hopefully gets more of a chance to show off in 2024.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Mercedes Mone’, Stardom, April 23
- vs Utami Hayashishita, Stardom, August 13
- vs AZM, Stardom, October 1
#15
Orange Cassidy
Previous Ranking: 2019 (12th)
Years Unranked: 2004, 2010, 2015, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 63
Places Worked: AEW, NJPW, & Mystery Wrestling
Title Won: AEW International Championship
Tournaments: AEW Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament w/ Darby Allin
Nobody plays their character like Orange Cassidy, and they are one of the true highlights of AEW. Someone I can watch any match of, and it will make me happy.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Wheeler Yuta, AEW, February 22
- vs Jeff Jarrett, AEW, March 15
- vs Swerve Strickland, AEW, June 7
#14
Mina Shirakawa
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 126
Places Worked: Stardom & GP MAX
Titles Won: Wonder of Stardom Championship & Goddesses of Stardom Championship w/ Mariah May
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby I w/ Mariah May and Xia Brookside, Stardom Cinderella Tournament, & Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
Near the end of 2022, Shirakawa started to really put it together, working the leg great and developing great match story telling skills. In early 2023, she continued that, and her Wonder of Stardom win was one of the best moments of the year. Sadly, she got injured and missed a bunch of time, which kept her outside the top ten.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Saya Kamitani, Stardom, April 23
- vs Natsupoi, Stardom, May 4
- vs Tam Nakano, May 27
#13
MIRAI
Previous Ranking: 2022 (19th)
Years Unranked: 2019 & 2021
Matches: 127
Place Worked: Stardom
Titles Won: Goddesses of Stardom Championship w/ Ami Sourei & Wonder of Stardom Championship
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby I w/ Ami Sourei and Syrui (finals), Stardom Cinderella Tournament (winner), & Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
She is slowly becoming one of my favourites and her Wonder of Stardom Championship run was really good. I love her lariats and the great arsenal she unleashes to try to end a match. She also has an undeniable charisma, which makes each of her matches have something extra.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Tam Nakano, Stardom, July 2
- vs Maika, Stardom, September 30
- vs Momo Watanabe, Stardom, October 9
#12
Bryan Danielson
Previous Ranking: 2004 (18th), 2010 (12th), 2019 (13th), & 2021 (18th)
Years Unranked: 2001, 2015, & 2022
Matches: 29
Places Worked: AEW, ROH, & NJPW
Tournaments: AEW Continental Classic
Some people will think this is crazy low for Danielson, but he is a guy who doesn’t really do it for me, even though I recognize he is really good. This place seems perfect for me.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Rush, AEW, February 8
- vs Ricky Starks, AEW, September 3
- vs Swerve Strickland, AEW, October 10
#11
Mio Momono
Previous Ranking: 2021 (19th)
Years Unranked: 2022
Matches: 66
Places Worked: Marvelous, Sendai Girls, West Coast Pro, SEAdLINNNG, Oz Academy, PWR, RCW, LLPW-X, DPW, Prestige, NOAH, Ganbare Pro, Ice Ribbon, & GPS
Title Won: AAAW Championship
Tournaments: Queen of Indies (finals)
The whole AAAW Championship run in Marvelous was absolutely great. She is one of the best underdog wrestlers in the world today!
Recommended Matches:
- vs Chihiro Hashimoto, Marvelous, March 15
- vs Chikayo Nagashima, Marvelous, May 3
- vs Mayumi Ozaki, Marvelous, August 7
#10
Mascara Dorada 2.0
(Panterita del Ring Jr.)
Previous Ranking: none
Years Unranked: 2021 & 2022
Matches: 141
Places Worked: CMLL, RevPro, Lucha Libre Radioactiva, MLW, NEW, NJPW, ANLL, GALLI, IWC, & The Wolf King
Title Won: World Historic Welterweight Championship
Tournaments: CMLL Rey Del Aire VIP, Campeon Universal Del CMLL, CMLL Copa Jr. VIP, CMLL Copa Dinastia w/ Pantereitta del Ring, & Torneo La Leyenda De Plata (winner)
This is the most excited I’ve been about a young wrestler in maybe a decade. Dorada wrestles way beyound his years. Not only is his flying at another level, but his psychology is great, and everything he does makes sense. He does the little things so well for someone only a few years into their career.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Titan, CMLL, September 29 (#8 MOTY)
- w/ Mistico y Titan vs Angel de Oro y Niebla Roja y Templario, CMLL, October 6
- vs Rocky Romero, CMLL, December 15
#9
Maika
Previous Ranking: 2021 (22nd)
Years Unranked: 2019 & 2022
Matches: 130
Place Worked: Stardom
Title Won: World of Stardom Championship
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby I w/ Himeka and Lady C, Stardom Cinderella Tournament, & Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix (winner)
After a hot start of the year teaming and then helping to end her best friend Himeka’s career, Maika did kind of blend into the crowd until the 5STAR Grand Prix, where she really took off. Her run to the title was very satisfying.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Himeka vs Nanae Takahashi & Yuu, Stardom, February 4
- vs Himeka, Stardom, April 23
- vs Suzu Suzuki, Stardom, September 30
#8
Sami Zayn
Previous Ranking: 2010 (9th), 2022 (15th)
Years Unranked: 2004, 2015, 2019, & 2021
Matches: 94
Place Worked: WWE
Title Won: WWE Unified Tag Team Championships w/ Kevin Owens
If they decided to give Zayn the title, like they should have, this could have been an even better year. However, they moved him into a tag team for most of the year. That said, he fucking delivered there, and it was great to see him back as the great babyface he is.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Roman Reigns, WWE, February 18
- w/ Kevin Owens vs The Usos, WWE, April 1 (#9 MOTY)
- w/ Kevin Owens vs Damian Priest & Finn Balor, WWE, September 2
#7
Tam Nakano
Previous Ranking: 2019 (10th), 2021 (4th), & 2022 (7th)
Years Unranked: none
Matches: 98
Places Worked: Stardom & NJPW
Titles Won: World of Stardom Championship & Wonder of Stardom Championship
Tournaments: Stardom Triangle Derby w/ Natsupoi and SAKI & Stardom Cinderella Tournament
It was shaping up to be a year where she could have been in the top spot, but she got injured and had to vacate the World of Stardom Championship and miss a lot of time. Still, the title win at the biggest show ever may be my favourite Stardom moment ever.
Recommended Matches:
- w/ Waka Tsukiyama vs KAIRI & Nana Takahashi, Stardom, March 25
- vs Giulia, Stardom, April 23 (#1 MOTY)
- vs Natsupoi, Stardom, September 30
#6
Becky Lynch
Previous Ranking: 2015 (16th) & 2019 (3rd)
Years Unranked: 2021 & 2022
Matches: 69
Place Worked: WWE
Titles Won: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship w/ Lita & NXT Women’s Championship
Tournament: WWE Royal Rumble
Lynch was called upon to have a different year this year, but she really excelled in it. From working with the part-timer legend Trish to working with NXT, she ruled and put on great performances weekly.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Trish Stratus, WWE, September 2 (#7 MOTY)
- vs Tiffany Stratton, NXT, September 30
- vs Lyra Valkyria, NXT, October 24
#5
Athena
Previous Ranking: 2015 (23rd)
Years Unranked: 2010, 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 55
Places Worked: ROH, AEW, MPX, REVOLVER, NJPW, & Prestige
Tournaments: AEW Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament
The ace of ROH had a great year dominating that company on their TV and occasional big events.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Willow Nightingale, ROH, February 25
- vs Kiera Hogan, ROH, June 17
- vs Mercedes Martinez, ROH, October 28
- vs Billie Starkz, ROH, December 15
#4
Giulia
Previous Ranking: 2021 (16th) & 2022 (1st)
Years Unranked: 2019
Matches: 127
Places Worked: Stardom & NJPW
Titles Won: Artist of Stardom Championship w/ Mai Sakurai and Thekla, & NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship
Tournament: Stardom Cinderella Tournament
In what looks like their final full year in Japan, Giulia started as World Champion but moved on to the NJPW title by the end of the year. They had some really high highs but always delivered even when they were pushed down the card.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Suzu Suzuki, Stardom, February 4
- vs Tam Nakano, Stardom, April 23 (#1 MOTY)
- vs Willow Nightingale, NJPW, July 5
- vs Megan Bayne, Stardom, December 29
#3
Swerve Strickland
Previous Ranking: unranked
Years Unranked: 2015, 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 40
Places Worked: AEW, DEFY, Jericho Cruise, HOG, NJPW, & AAA
Tournaments: AEW Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament w/ Keith Lee & AEW Continental Classic
The best heel in wrestling had some of the greatest matches of the year. Playing into that role allowed Swerve to have the breakout year they have deserved for a long time now. It’s great to see when such a talent finally gets the spotlight. Here’s hoping they win the title in 2024.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Nick Wayne, DEFY, April 8 (#10 MOTY)
- vs Orange Cassidy, AEW, June 7
- vs Bryan Danielson, AEW, October 10
- vs Adam Page, AEW, November 18 (#2 MOTY)
- vs Jay White, AEW, November 29
#2
Mistico
Previous Ranking: unranked
Years Unranked: 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, & 2022
Matches: 165
Places Worked: CMLL & Producciones TC
Tournaments: CMLL Rey Del Aire VIP, CMLL Torneo Incredible De Parejas w/ Averno (winners), Campeon Universal Del CMLL, CMLL Copa Jr. VIP, CMLL Copa Dinastia w/ Dr. Karonte (winners), & CMLL
Torneo La Leyenda De Plata
Mistico in CMLL in the mid to late 2000s was one of the best wrestlers in the world. Then he went to WWE and was missed, and his return to Mexico, mostly in AAA, made him feel like a huge deal but never an elite worker. However, here in 2023, Mistico looks not only like the biggest star in the world but one of the best workers. His connection to the crowd is a huge aspect of it, but he is smart in timing his spots, hope spots, and comebacks. He gathers so much sympathy and support in the ring. Watching him weekly just feels special.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Titan, CMLL, June 16
- vs Soberano Jr., CMLL, September 1
- vs Virus, CMLL, September 29
- vs Templario, CMLL, October 13
- w/ Atlantis Jr. & Star Jr. vs Andrade el Idolo & Angelo de Oro & Soberano Jr., CMLL, December 15
#1
Gunther
Previous Ranking: 2019 (17th) & 2022 (2nd)
Years Unranked: 2010, 2015, & 2021
Matches: 96
Place Worked: WWE
Tournament: WWE Royal Rumble
The best Intercontinental Champion in WWE, which is saying a lot for this worker’s title. He delivered in big matches, he delivered in TV matches, in tags, and in every situation he was in. Having the elite matches he had with The Miz and Chad Gable in 2023 would almost be enough to give him the nod, but his consistent ability to get great performances each and every match was unmatched.
Recommended Matches:
- vs Drew McIntyre & Sheamus, WWE, April 2
- vs Chad Gable, WWE, August 21
- vs Chad Gable, WWE, September 4 (#3 MOTY)
- vs Bronson Reed, WWE, October 16
- vs The Miz, WWE, December 18
Coming Soon
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The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month (December 2023)
2023 comes to a close and I could have a top 50 list for this month, because I watched so match backlog for the year. Enough so that my MOTY list is up, the post before this one in fact. My WOTY still needs some watching, so that will stretch into 2024!
#25
Akira Hokuto vs Meiko Satomura
GAEA Big Target
November 16, 1996
Obviously, this is not their 2001 classic, but it’s quite the gem. Satomura is still a rookie, but she gets in some great hope spots and fights so well from underneath. Hokuto resorted to a lot of cheap tactics but makes Satomura look great throughout.
Rating: 7.75/10
#24
Chie Koishikawa & Kaho Kobayashi vs Mei Suruga & Ryo Mizunami
DPW x Gatoh Move Tokyo Crossover
April 25, 2023
One of the most fun times and the most joy I have had watching wrestling all year, mostly thanks to Chie and Mei, but the others played their parts. Outside of the fun, this was an exciting tag match where everyone played up their characters to perfection.
Rating: 7.75/10
#23
Bryan Danielson vs Swerve Strickland
“AEW TNT Championship #1 Contendership Match”
AEW Dynamite “Title Tuesday”
October 10, 2023
After some fun technical exchanges early on, we moved into the match’s heat segment, where Swerve is the best. Danielson played his role perfectly, too. It was intense, and they both worked really hard, although the finish came off flat. The whole interference stops the heel winning, but then the heel almost wins anyways, only for the face to win thing never sits well with me. Regardless of that, it was a great match.
Rating: 8/10
#22
Aja Kong & Sareee vs Mika Iwata & Mio Momono
Hana Kimura Memorial Produce Pinx!
May 23, 2023
A fitting main event for the tribute to Hana Kimura. Kong was used so well, but the others all came to play. I could watch Sareee vs Momno forever! A great tag match.
Rating: 8/10
#21
Diamante & Mercedes Martinez vs Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale
“Texas Street Fight”
AEW Collision “Winter is Coming”
December 16, 2023
The annual women’s tag brawl always delivers, and I really enjoyed this one. It didn’t go for the giant spots of previous matches but had a more underlining intensity. The violent spots were great, and I enjoyed the ride I was on.
Rating: 8/10
#20
Hikaru Shida (c) vs VENY
“Regina Di WAVE Championship”
WAVE PHASE2 Reboot 4th ~ NAMI 1
October 1, 2023
It was the ideal current big title match. It had an amazing ending that was built up, the action was fast with great athletic moves, the hitting was hard, and the nearfalls were great and logical. I say current style, because it was not built on the babyface overcoming the heel or anything, but more the sporting type contest.
Rating: 8/10
#19
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs Damian Priest & Finn Balor
“WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Steel City Street Fight”
WWE Payback
September 2, 2023
This match makes me want to watch more WWE. On paper, in the past, this would be an unwatchable mess of sanitized pre-setup cartoony weapon spots where people were just going for a pop.
Instead, we got a bloody, wild, chaotic brawl where the weapons made sense, and the heels were real heels. Cheating and interference were so well placed, and the violence actually felt like violence. Add in a Pittsburgh Penguins tribute spot, and it’s a big recommendation from me.
Rating: 8.25/10
#18
Soberano Jr. vs Volador Jr.
“Best 2/3 Falls”
CMLL Super Viernes
November 10, 2023
The first match after Soberano’s rudo turn, and it was awesome. He made this cool entrance with a cool car arriving on the street, and then he excited in a bomber fur coat, woman, on the street and made his way inside. To make it even better, he came in the back and sneak attacked.
He kept all of his awesome flying but added a lot of really badass rudo antics. It was a great brawl all over, mixed in with the flying, and the finish of the low blow by Soberano to cement himself was awesome. Spectacular stuff!
Rating: 8.25/10
#17
Athena (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
“ROH Women’s World Championship”
ROH on HonorClub
October 28, 2023, aired November 2, 2023
It should be a crime that we have only had 21 Mercedes Martinez matches in 2023. One of the greatest ever is not getting to show it. That said, here is a 13-minute main event for a title that absolutely rules. These two blend so well together, as they are kind of similar in their stiffness and smarts.
Rating: 8.25/10
#16
Maika vs Suzu Suzuki
“World of Stardom Championship”
Stardom Dream Queendom
December 29, 2023
To crown the vacant champion, these two did their best to have a great match and delivered, although not to the highs of the last two year-end title matches by Stardom.
Rating: 8.25/10
#15
Chikayo Nagashima (c) vs Mio Momono
“AAAW Championship”
Marvelous 7th Anniversary
May 3, 2023
An absolutely tremendous title match with amazing drama and nearfalls whose main issue is its length. That said, the veteran Nagashima took it to Momono, and her fight back was amazing. The brawling throughout Kourakuen always makes me happy, too. The nearfalls were really some of the best of the year.
Rating: 8.25/10
#14
Athena (c) vs Billie Starkz
“ROH Women’s World Championship”
ROH Final Battle
December 15, 2023
I loved the storyline between these two, and the first 2/3 of the match were perfect and played into it so well. The bloody babyface work by Starkz was great, as well as Athena being such a badass jerk. After the referee bump, title belt moment, and big kickout, it started to go on too long for me, and a lot of that was unnecessary. Based on this, I would assume these two will have a huge grudge match blow-off in 2024, where Starkz wins. I’m all in on that, and hopefully, it can be closer to 20 minutes than the 28 minutes this one went.
Rating: 8.25/10
#13
Mizuki (c) vs Maki Ito
“Princess of Princess Championship”
TJPW Summer Sun Princess
July 8, 2023
This was a great main event with a tremendous story built in. Ito came in with confidence and the crowd on her side, but her manic attitude caused her to make mistakes. Her head was damaged, but she kept trying to use it as her main offense, which led to her demise. Mizuki, however, worked smart and kept to her calculated offense, and made no mistakes, allowing her to overcome.
Rating: 8.5/10
#12
MIRAI (c) vs Momo Watanabe
“Wonder of Stardom Championship”
Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight “Kinshachi Miracle”
October 9, 2023
They had a match earlier this year, which I wrote about here, but this one was a little better not being confined by the tournament format. Watanabe was as vicious as ever, and MIRAI’s selling makes it look so good. The attacks on the arm were well sold by MIRAI, who is becoming an excellent White Belt champion.
Rating: 8.5/10
#11
Athena (c) vs Willow Nightingale
“ROH Women’s World Championship”
ROH on HonorClub
February 25, 2023, aired March 9, 2023
Athena destroyed Willow’s arm throughout the match, which was sold superbly. Willow is a natural great babyface, and working underneath with the injury made this match. Her comeback was awesome, and her big chance near fall was well done. Athena was a beast taking her out.
Rating: 8.5/10
#10
AZM vs Mayu Iwatani
“AZM 10th Anniversary Match”
Stardom on October 1, 2023
The young AZM is already having her 10th anniversary match and that is wild. There could be no better opponent than Mayu Iwatani.
I love the earlier portions where AZM was so thirsty for a win she destroyed Mayu on the outside, which led to a double countdown. Thankfully, it restarted, and that worked here. It was a nice old-school Kouraken Hall feel as they brawled all over and even did the dive over the steps like vintage Stardom. The match was dramatic and intense and built to a great emotional finish. The post-match speeches put it over the top!
Rating: 8.5/10
#9
Giulia (c) vs Megan Bayne
“NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship”
Stardom Dream Queendom
December 29, 2023
An absolutely perfect David vs Goliath match with Bayne adding to her arsenal in this one with some great power moves. Giulia worked so great from an underdog rolling, giving it her all to overcome Goliath!
Rating: 8.5/10
#8
Mio Momono (c) vs Mayumi Ozaki
“AAAW Championship”
Marvelous on August 7, 2023
An amazing match with the veteran using her destructive, violent skills to bloody and beat the underdog champion. Momono fought so hard to overcome Ozaki, but Oz Acadmey has too much tactics and violence and she could not. Great and dramatic match!
Rating: 8.5/10
#7
Rocky Romero (c) vs Mascara Dorada 2.0
“World Historic Welterweight Championship”
CMLL Super Viernes
December 15, 2023
Romero was such a great rudo in this, ripping at the mask and just being a general dick. On the other hand, Dorada was a great babyface hitting crowd pleasing hope spots and great sympathy getting selling. The finishing stretch was one of the best of the year with unreal nearfalls.
Rating: 8.75/10
#6
Arisa Endo, Miu Watanabe, Moka Miyamoto, Suzume, & Yuki Arai vs Miya Yamashita, Mizuki, Rika Tatsumi, Shoko Nakajima, & Yuka Sakazaki
“Best 2/3 Falls”
TJPW 10th Anniversary Show “We are TJPW”
December 1, 2023
This is similar to the Stardom cage match from earlier this year, where it’s a great match on its own, but if you follow the company it’s even greater. The issue for me is I don’t follow TJPW, so I see that it’s filled with huge moments, but without the proper context, it doesn’t hit as hard. That said, it’s a great match filled with amazing moments, great action, and story and character elements.
Rating: 8.75/10
#5
Gunther (c) vs The Miz
“WWE Intercontinental Championship”
WWE Monday Night Raw
December 18, 2023
I thought their Survivor Series match was good, but this one is great. Early Miz was a good babyface, but the match really picked up when Gunther missed a chop and hit his hand on the ringpost. The rest of the match was Gunther trying to overcome that limitation, while Miz was amazing working underneath. They played off the previous match really well. The finish was one of my favourites of the year. Miz hits his finisher off the second rope, but as he goes for the cover, Gunther rolls to the floor. Miz blindly follows, gets caught, and then Gunther kills him for the win!
Rating: 9/10
#4
Takako Inoue (c) vs Mariko Yoshida
“IWA World Championship”
AJW Zenjo Brightest
October 6, 1996
Talk about a hidden gem?
A 23-minute match with 0 drag that flew by. It had some incredible brawling all over the arena, with Inoue being a beast using weapons and making Yoshida bleed. They even took the brawling into the ring as a guardrail was brought in, and Inoue suplexed Yoshida onto it. There was a tremendous comeback by Yoshida that led to a very dramatic finishing sequence. Some of the near falls, especially from Inoue’s flying knee to the back of Yoshida’s head, were nuts. Watch this!
Rating: 9/10
#3
Swerve Strickland (c) vs Nick Wayne
“DEFY World Championship”
DEFY The Realest
April 8, 2023
Read about it on my 2023 Match of the Year list.
Rating: 9/10
#2
Arisa Nakajima (c) vs Sareee
“SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Championship”
SEAdLINNNG 8th Anniversary
August 25, 2023
Read about it on my 2023 Match of the Year list.
Rating: 9/10
#1
Adam Page vs Swerve Strickland
“Texas Death Match”
AEW Full Gear
November 18, 2023
Read about it on my 2023 Match of the Year list.
Rating: 9.25/10
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2023 Match of the Year List
2023 was an odd year, with a lot of great stuff scattered around, but I didn’t feel like there were any obvious picks for me. If I re-wrote this list in 2 months, it would be in a completely different order.
Honourable Mentions
- Roman Reigns vs Sami Zayn, WWE, February 18
- Gunther vs Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus, WWE, April 1
- Mina Shirakawa vs Saya Kamitani, Stardom, April 23
- Suzu Suzuki vs Syuri, Stardom, July 23
- Jaguar Yokota, Momoe Nakanishi, & Nanae Takahashi vs Momo Watanabe, Starlight Kid, & Yuu, Stardom, August 19
Now, onto the list!
#10
Swerve Strickland (c) vs Nick Wayne
“DEFY World Championship”
DEFY The Realest
Washington Hall
April 8
Swerve had one of the best heel performances in years, and this is your perfect veteran heel champion putting over a youngster match!
Swerve’s control and build-up of heat was perfection, and Wayne’s hope spots were well placed. Some of the high spots were amazing, especially Wayne diving from the stage into the ring but Swerve timing it to do a dive and meeting him in the air. There was one kick out that I felt took the match out a little, but all the callbacks to previous matches and earlier in the match and the finish were brilliant. It’s a great old school, but with modern moves, match up!
#9
The Usos (c) vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
“WWE Unified Tag Team Championship”
WWE WrestleMania 39: Saturday
April 1, 2023
SoFi Stadium
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
Although this match should have been the perfect end to Roman Reigns’ title reign, at least it was the perfect end to the reign of the Usos.
It was one of the best face-in-peril segments ever in WWE history. It led to a great hot tag for Owens. The staredown was great, and the ending was immensely satisfying with a Sami Zayn victory. A rare, perfect ending for the WWE.
#8
Titan (c) vs Mascara Dorada 2.0
“CMLL World Middleweight Championship”
CMLL Noche de Campeones
Arena Mexico
September 29
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
I haven’t seen much of the new Mascara Dorada, but he is insanely good for a wrestler who debuted in 2021. He reminds me of Rey Mysterio Jr., who came around and blew everyone away with his flying, but it never looked like he was showing off, but always competing in a match. Dorada is the same way.
Titan is no slouch, as he’s been great for a long time. With all the great flying, the spot that really hit me was Titan doing a double stomp from the top rope to Dorada on the apron. As it built towards the finish, all the submission nearfalls were amazing. It was a great match and probably in my top ten matches of the year.
#7
Becky Lynch vs Trish Stratus
“Cage Match”
WWE Payback
PPG Paints Arena
September 2
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
This was a perfect WWE cage match. It was not built around trying to do cool moves; it was built around the feud and legacy. For once, no blood, after being rammed into the cage, was perfectly covered, as Trish had a giant welt on her forehead. The tributes to the first-ever WWE women’s cage match and other cage matches in WWE history were perfectly done. They were even somewhat subtle, like the Bret-Owen superplex and the outside interference door slamming into the face. I loved the finishing sequence so much, where Becky had enough of Trish’s lackey, so she locked her in the cage too and took her out, leading to catching Trish on the top of the cage and hitting a super Manhandle slam.
#6
Arisa Nakajima (c) vs Saree
“SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Championship”
SEAdLINNNG 8th Anniversary
Korakuen Hall
August 25
This felt like a classic stiff Nakajima battle from her prime, and it’s so nice to see her at that level still and Sareee getting back to being at that level. The strikes were, of course, on point, and some of the flying double stomps by Nakajima were just vicious. Actually, everything was vicious, and it had a great pace throughout!
#5
Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa vs The Usos
“Bloodline Civil War”
WWE Money in The Bank
The O2
July 1
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
It was one of the best tag team matches in WWE history and great WWE wrestling. It worked so well playing off storylines and building drama setting up the finish of what the fans wanted, which sets up a huge match down the line.
It started pretty traditionally with a great shine by The Usos, followed by a face in peril by Jey, including an amazing hot tag tease where Jimmy was pulled off the apron by Solo at the last second. After a fun hot tag, the match started building towards the finish with no silly kick-outs, as partner’s made the saves. There was a great near fall where Roman stacked both The Usos, only for them to kick out. I loved Roman not sure what to do, and in shock, Solo just starts kicking ass and is like Roman, what the fuck? After some more great action, we got the big shocking finish. Awesome.
#4
Queen’s Quest (AZM, Hina, Lady C, Miyu Amasaki, Saya Kamitani & Utami Hayashishita) vs Oedo Tai (Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Rina, Ruaka, Saki Kashima & Starlight Kid)
“Loser Must Leave Unit Steel Cage Match”
Stardom Sunshine
Yoyogi National Gymnasium #2
June 25
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
The same rules as the other cage match, but the last person in the ring has to leave their unit this time. This works so much better because escaping saves your ass, even if it puts your team behind. Also, each escape felt like a huge accomplishment, as they were all battles. After people escaped, they still battled the other unit on the floor!
It was tremendous storytelling with great hatred and drama between the teams. Utami establishing herself as Queen’s Quest’s ass was the stand-out story as she helps Kamitani escape putting herself alone two on one. That led to a great finishing sequence with Utami bleeding, the teasing of a split between Utami and Kamitani, and Tora destroying Utami to leave, only to have Kashima be the final loser.
#3
Gunther (c) vs Chad Gable
“WWE Intercontinental Championship”
WWE Monday Night Raw
Spectrum Center
September 4
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month blog post:
This played off the previous match and built upon it. Gable knew he could win, and Gunther had doubts for almost the first time in his reign. Gable again fought from underneath, but here, his hope spots meant more. The comeback and the Gable’s attempts to win were electric. This had the best ankle lock submission nearfalls I have ever seen. When Gunther finally survived and got back on offense, there was no back-and-forth bullshit. He delivered a bunch of vicious offense and just pinned him clean. The camera immediately moved to Gable’s daughter crying in the first row. This might be my match of the year.
#2
Adam Page vs Swerve Strickland
“Texas Death Match”
AEW Full Gear
The Kia Forum
November 18
It’s awesome to see such a violent modern grudge match that doesn’t have the pitfalls that I would expect in a match like this. Swerve is a perfect heel, and maintaining that throughout this match only adds to the story. Of course, people can point to the blood-drinking, cinder blocks, staples, barbed-wire, and piledrivers onto the guardrail for huge moments, but what stood out was the masterful job Swerve did keeping the heat on Page.
#1
Giulia (c) vs Tam Nakano
“World of Stardom Championship”
Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom
Yokohama Arena
April 23
From The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Week post:
This may be my favourite feud of all time now. It’s gone on for years and has had many classics and this one may have been my favourite of the bunch. It did feel the most violent as their hatred had grown and grown over time. I loved that they saw red and didn’t even try to wrestle at the start before they realized they had a title to win. The snapmare from the top to the table looked so vicious, I was dying! By the end, they both tried everything before the Steiner Screwdriver by Tam finished Giulia off.
Years of Stardom booking long reigns really made Tam’s victory feel special.
Coming Soon
The top 25 wrestlers of 2023 list should be ready shortly, plus at the end of every month, I’ll write up the top 25 matches I watched during it.
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!
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Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we are continuously pioneering research, advocacy, and education to drive positive change around the world because we believe healthcare is a human right.
Please donate to Callen Lorde!
The Best Matches I’ve Watched This Month (September 2023)
I took a little break from GWE watching; I only had two 76/77 matches on the list this month. I was off-wrestling this month, but I got in a lot of the Stardom 5STAR and started to get back into CMLL.
#25
Superstar Billy Graham (c) vs Dusty Rhodes
“WWWF Heavyweight Championship Texas Death Match”
WWWF
October 24, 1977
This was bloody, with a superheated crowd in an intense brawl. It doesn’t really hit high gear, though, and the finish stunk, but a damn good match worth watching.
Rating: 7/10
#24
Hazuki, Shinobu Kandori, & Takako Inoue vs Natsupoi, Saori Anou, & Tam Nakano
Stardom MidSummer Fes
August 19, 2023
It’s a fun match, putting legends with current starts. All the legends hit their stuff and looked awesome, but the current stars carried the bulk of the work. It’s a textbook and is well worth watching stuff here.
Rating: 7/10
#23
Chigusa Nagayo vs Megumi Kudo
FMW New Year Generation
January 10, 1996
An amazing-paced 7-minute match where they fought with a great struggle like warriors! The power bomb finish was brutal!
Rating: 7/10
#22
Kaoru Ito & Manami Toyota vs Double Inoue
AJW Zenjo Strongest
January 3, 1996
This was just a super fun tag with a really hot finishing sequence and an insanely fast giant swing by Kyoko.
Rating: 7.25/10
#21
Akira Hokuto & Mima Shimoda (c) vs Double Inoue
“WWWA Tag Team Championship Best 2/3 Falls”
AJW Ota Ward Champion Legend
January 22, 1996
LCO work as psychotic heels against the sympathetic Double Inoue team, and it helps this tag for the first couple of falls. The third fall is tremendous action.
Rating: 7.25/10
#20
MIRAI (c) vs Konami
“Wonder of Stardom Championship”
Stardom 5STAR Special In Hiroshima
September 3, 2023
I really dug this title defense. Konami’s arm offense and kicks were on point, and MIRAI’s selling was tremendous. I loved her comeback and the finishing sequence, too. MIRAI’s lariats are so brutal.
Rating: 7.25/10
#19
La Jarochita & Lluvia vs Stephanie Vaquer & Zeuxis
“CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Title Match”
CMLL 90 Aniversario
September 16, 2023
A great opener to the Aniversario and a really fun tag match with some amazing dives and great double-team moves. There was a viciousness to this that made it extra appealing.
Rating: 7.25
#18
Momo Watanabe vs Saori Anou
“5STAR Grand Prix: Blue Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
August 15, 2023
It was a real blast where Momo was trying to knock out Anou all match, from an opening sneak attack to using her baseball bat and vicious heavy offense. Anou is pretty good from fighting underneath, so it’s worth watching.
Rating: 7.25/10
#17
Mariah May vs Mina Shirakawa
“5STAR Grand Prix: Blue Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
August 15, 2023
These two have been the most improved wrestlers on earth in the last two years, and they went out and had a good match between teammates. Mina’s leg work was on point as ever, and Mariah has developed some killer offense.
Rating: 7.25/10
#16
Mayu Iwatani vs Syuri
“5STAR Grand Prix: Red Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Special In Hiroshima
September 3, 2023
These two are just great, and even in an undercard match, they will deliver something awesome. It was intense and stiff and led to a great finish.
Rating: 7.5/10
#15
Aja Kong vs Combat Toyoda
FMW New Year Generation
January 10, 1996
A wild brawl all over the arena with Combat bleeding and weapons. It’s a real fun hoss battle well worth your time.
Rating: 7.5/10
#14
Hazuki vs Syrui
“5STAR Grand Prix: Red Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
August 15, 2023
A full-throttle intense 10-minute sprint that I loved. Two of my favourites doing everything to win their tournament match, but not in an epic way, but in a that put the other away as soon as possible way.
Rating: 7.5/10
#13
Manami Toyota (c) vs Kyoko Inoue
“WWWA World Championship”
AJW Wrestling Queendom
March 31, 1996
Putting aside the horrible design to not have Kyoko win and to have her lose to her own finish, this match was pretty damn good. The crowd really wanted Kyoko to win, which made every nerafall hot. The nerafalls all felt big, and it got better and better as it went.
Rating: 8/10
#12
Bomber Hikari, Chigusa Nagayo, & Sonoko Kato vs Eagle Sawai, Jenn Yukari, & Michiko Nagashima
LLPW
March 12, 1996
This is a rematch from a GAEA match higher on the list, and although it’s still pretty wild and a great match, it doesn’t hit the high levels the other match hit. The clipping makes it harder to rank, too.
Rating: 8/10
#11
Mayu Iwatani vs Tam Nakano
“5STAR Grand Prix: Red Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
August 15, 2023
Two legends of Stardom go at it for 15 minutes straight, trying to knock the other out. It’s as good as a 15-minute tournament match draw could be, really. These two need a big title match one day.
Rating: 8/10
#10
KAIRI & Saori Anou vs Unagi Sayaka & Sareee
AJPW Giant Series
September 8, 2023
Outside of the novelty of seeing these four, some of my favourites, in an AJPW ring, the match delivered. It was a great tag match where everyone was stepping up their game. Each team had really good team chemistry and double-team moves, too. The last few minutes were absolutely tremendous stuff.
Rating: 8/10
#9
CM Punk (c) vs Samoa Joe
“Real World Championship”
AEW All In London
August 27, 2023
This was a great opener and the only match I wanted to watch from this show. There were some nice nods to their previous matches with the headlock before Joe killed Punk into the table and blooded him up. Punk worked amazingly from underneath, and his comeback was fun, especially the Wrestlemania III tribute. A fun finishing stretch ended it. Punk then posed with a trans flag to push the match up even higher!
Rating: 8/10
#8
AZM vs Utami Hayashishita
“5STAR Grand Prix: Blue Stars”
Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix
August 15, 2023
The main event in Korakuen Hall delivered in a big way as teammates fought in the 5STAR. AZM used her high speed skills to try to sneak in a victory, while Utami used her power to pick her apart. It was a perfect power vs speed match.
Rating: 8.25/10
#7
Lince Dorado & Samuray del Sol vs. Soberano Jr. & Titan
“Best 2/3 Falls”
CMLL 90 Aniversario
September 16, 2023
The Lucha House Party makes a surprisingly good gringo rudo tag team here, and this was a dynamic, exciting tag. The first two falls were perfect, with great spots and good build-up. The third fall got a little extra, but this was filled with spectacular spots and some good playing character work.
Rating: 8.25/10
#6
Dragon Rojo Jr. vs Templario
“Mask vs Mask”
CMLL 90 Aniversario
September 16, 2023
There’s nothing like a mask vs mask match to end a CMLL Anniversary show, and this was a good one. I loved Dragon Rojo Jr. on offense for the first half; he kind of reminded me of Kikuchiyo in his movement. Templario’s comeback had a lot of spectacular dives, but the finishing stretch seemed like a letdown from what they were building.
Rating: 8.5/10
#5
Angel de Oro vs Volador, Jr.
“Hair vs Hair”
CMLL 90 Aniversario
September 16, 2023
A dramatic and great hair vs hair match made even better with Volador’s shoulder injury, making all his moves look more spectacular. I love these high-stakes matches. It makes everything feel way more important. This wasn’t just a spot fest. There was some great hate and submissions mixed in there.
Rating: 8.75/10
#4
Bomber Hikari, Chigusa Nagayo, & Sonoko Kato vs Eagle Sawai, Jenn Yukari, & Michiko Nagashima
GAEA War Is A Friday Night
February 16, 1996
This is as fun as a wild all over the arena crazy brawl can be. Chigusa and Eagle just killing each other in the audience is a blast, but the story of Kato losing her shit was amazing. Blood and brawling, GAEA is such a great promotion.
Rating: 8.75/10
#3
Jaguar Yokota, Momoe Nakanishi, & Nanae Takahashi vs Momo Watanabe, Starlight Kid, & Yuu
Stardom MidSummer Fes
August 19, 2023
This was an exciting trios match main event. There was so much great action with everyone, especially the legends, getting their chance to shine. The action was really classic Joshi. I’m so blown away by how great Nakanishi was after 18 years of not wrestling a real match. She looked like she could main event today on a consistent basis. Unbelievable.
Rating: 9/10
#2
Terry Funk (c) vs Jumbo Tsuruta
“NWA World Heavyweight Championship Best 2/3 Falls”
AJPW NWA Champion Series”
June 11, 1976
One thing I immediately loved about this match was each fall was built like a regular match, albeit the later ones got shorter and went quicker toward finishing sequences. It has that great feel-out segment that leads to them figuring out what to do. Funk doing Jumbo’s finisher to him was fascinating, as I had no idea people were doing that before the 2000s. It is just tremendously well-built, and once it going going, it is an exciting match.
Rating: 9/10
#1
“Match of the Month”
Becky Lynch vs Trish Stratus
“Cage Match”
WWE Payback
September 2, 2023
This was a perfect WWE cage match. It was not built around trying to do cool moves; it was built around the feud and legacy. For once, no blood, after being rammed into the cage, was perfectly covered, as Trish had a giant welt on her forehead. The tributes to the first-ever WWE women’s cage match and other cage matches in WWE history were perfectly done. They were even somewhat subtle, like the Bret-Owen superplex and the outside interference door slamming into the face. I loved the finishing sequence so much, where Becky had enough of Trish’s lackey, so she locked her in the cage too and took her out, leading to catching Trish on the top of the cage and hitting a super Manhandle slam. It was a brilliant match and will be near the top matches of 2023 for me!
Rating: 9/10
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!
How Can You Help?
Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we are continuously pioneering research, advocacy, and education to drive positive change around the world because we believe healthcare is a human right.
Please donate to Callen Lorde!
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