Professional wrestling fans can't complain about 2021, as it was an excellent year, filled with top-notch content from various promotions around the world. WWE, AEW and Japanese promotions like NJPW and Stardom produced formidable matches throughout the year.
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There were so many fantastic matches that it's actually very complicated to pick the top 10, as it depends a lot on the tastes of each fan, whether it's a technical match, hard-hitting, or with insane spots. Taking into account a little bit of everything and from a general perspective, we could say that these were the 10 best wrestling matches of 2021.
10 Bianca Belair Vs. Sasha Banks – WrestleMania 37
This bout will always be remembered, not only for its historical significance, but because it was also entertaining, exciting, emotional and compelling: it was simply excellent. Sasha Banks is a terrific performer and her game plan against the athleticism and power of Bianca Belair was brilliant. But in the end, it was Bianca who managed to prevail and have a once in a lifetime moment.
Overall, both women took advantage of the spotlight to shine at WrestleMania, with formidable performances and some incredible moves. This was one of the best women's bouts of the year, hands down.
9 Adam Page Vs. Bryan Danielson – AEW Dynamite
Adam Page recently defeated Bryan Danielson to retain the AEW World Title in a spectacular match, slightly better than their first encounter, which was also sensational.
In their first encounter, Hangman and the American Dragon went to a draw after a brutal 60 minutes, in which both competitors proved that they deserve to hold AEW's most prestigious title. The bout was slow-paced and had a couple of flaws, but no one can deny that it was one of the best wrestling matches of 2021.
8 Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Shingo Takagi - NJPW The New Beginning In Nagoya
On January 30, 2021 at NJPW The New Beginning in Nagoya, Shingo Takagi defended the NEVER Openweight Title against Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Takagi always delivers and was arguably the best wrestler of the year for NJPW. On the other hand, what Tanahashi can still do at 44 is exceptional. This match was extremely intense, it was a thriller. Takagi and Tanahashi fought fiercely from start to finish, with epic sequences and memorable action. The final stretch was mind-blowing, Takagi was on fire but Tanahashi managed to win the match and become champion.
7 Roman Reigns Vs. Edge Vs. Daniel Bryan – WrestleMania 37
The main event of WrestleMania always brings with it high expectations, and this was one of the best WrestleMania main events in recent years. WWE is adept at building Triple Threat matches and this was the authentic formula. Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan and Edge did a phenomenal job of both developing the storyline and delivering a memorable show at Raymond James Stadium.
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Roman Reigns retained the Universal title in epic fashion against two fan favorites, which gave him tremendous momentum and established his Tribal Chief character as his best version.
6 Adam Page Vs. Kenny Omega - AEW Full Gear 2021
Long-term storylines exist and work and this match is proof of that. AEW spent two years working on this storyline between Kenny Omega and Adam Page.
The match itself is terrific in terms of in-ring action and storytelling, with exquisitely executed spots and perfect pacing. Adam Hangman Page was finally able to redeem himself and achieve glory, and what better way to do it than by dethroning his former partner, Kenny Omega, one of the best wrestlers of the modern era.
5 Utami Hayashishita Vs. Syuri - Stardom Tokyo Dream Cinderella
Dave Meltzer considers this to be the best women's match in wrestling history, as he gave it a five and a half star rating. Frankly, Meltzer may be right, because it's hard to think of a match that was better than this one.
Utami Hayashishita and Syuri faced off in a brutal battle for the World Of Stardom Title that went over the time limit because both women wanted to get the win. In the end neither of the two could prevail and the match ended with an unbelievable double KO.
4 Will Ospreay Vs. Shingo Takagi - NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2021
Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi had a truly extraordinary rivalry, and this match was the best of it. It was an absolutely amazing bout, with exceptional in-ring psychology and perfect storytelling.
The first part was very technical, with a bit conservative pacing but fast enough to keep the fans attentive, highlighting Ospreay's exquisite technique and Shingo's clever counter attacks. The final minutes of the bout were much more violent and intense, with Ospreay doing everything he can to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Title.
3 Kenny Omega Vs. Bryan Danielson – AEW Dynamite
The simple fact that AEW produces only four PPVs a year allows fans to watch awesome matches on free TV more frequently. In 2021 there were many amazing AEW TV matches, but this was undoubtedly the best.
The atmosphere was second to none, as the fans were crazy to see this dream match, and the wrestling did not disappoint at all. Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson put on a clinic, worth watching again and again.
2 Ilja Dragunov vs. WALTER – WWE NXT TakeOver: 36
There is nothing to say about this match but praise. WALTER is one of the most impressive wrestlers out there, the intensity of his attacks make his matches feel like a real fight and his aura of a giant makes everyone tremble before him. Everyone except Ilja Dragunov, of course.
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Dragunov had one of the best performances ever seen in NXT history, managing to overcome unimaginable amounts of pain to finally dethrone WALTER and become NXT UK Champion.
1 The Lucha Brothers Vs. The Young Bucks – AEW All Out 2021
This was the best match on one of the best PPVs in wrestling history. This match was perfect, a masterpiece. Every move was fluid, flawless and made sense, and there were several mind-blowing spots, typical of The Lucha Brothers, who are arguably the best tag team in the world today.
For their part, The Young Bucks did a phenomenal job as well, playing their part as heels in the match perfectly. This may be the best Steel Cage match of all time.
