AEW Dark continued to showcase lesser-known talents and established veterans despite the pandemic in 2020. The YouTube series also maintained storyline consistency with AEW’s televised show and pay-per-view events.
When it came to match quality, Dark packed plenty of action. The show put a lot of emphasis on the in-ring craft of younger talents. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best AEW Dark matches of 2020.
Best Friends vs. The Hybrid2 (AEW Dark #20)
This was an evenly-paced match between two teams who were part of AEW during its formidable years. Chuck Taylor and Trent adjusted well to the aerial offense from the enigmatic duo of Angelico and Jack Evans.
The crowd also showed their love for Orange Cassidy, who was at ringside to watch his best friends (pun very much intended) in action against a solid team in Angelico and Jack Evans.
Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Kip Sabian & Penelope Ford (February 4)
Kenny Omega’s run on AEW Dark doesn’t get enough credit. The Cleaner’s match with Joey Janela put the YouTube show on the map. Omega delivered another superb performance in a mixed tag team match with Riho against Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford in 2020.
The action was smooth, and the solid pacing made it a great tag team outing. Both teams showed good coordination. It featured other great moments, such as Omega teasing a snapdragon on Ford.
Ben Carter vs. Lee Johnson (September 22)
Ben Carter gained Tony Khan’s attention for his work in Black Label Pro, GCW, and Warrior Wrestling. The Black And Brave Wrestling Academy alumnus had an excellent stint in AEW during the pandemic.
Carter met Nightmare Factory trainee Lee Johnson on AEW Dark in September of 2020. The pair put on a great match. For Johnson, this was his breakout that landed him a multi-year contract with AEW.
For those who may not know, Carter currently wrestles on WWE NXT under the ring name Nathan Frazer.
Jurassic Express vs. Stronghearts (AEW Dark #16)
Jurassic Express polished their craft with matches like this on AEW Dark. The trio of Jungle Boy, Marko Stunt, and Luchasaurus took on Cima, El Lindaman, and T-Hawk in a fun six-man tag team match.
All six competitors got the opportunity to shine throughout the match. Stronghearts wanted to take their record 0-1 to 1-1, but the collective might of Jurassic Express proved to too much for the trio.
Cody, Dustin Rhodes & The Young Bucks vs. Private Party & Stronghearts (AEW Dark #3)
Cody and Dustin Rhodes joined forces after their five-star classic at AEW Double or Nothing. The half-brothers joined The Young Bucks in an excellent eight-man tag team match on this episode of AEW Dark.
The four men collided with Private Party Isiah (Kassidy Marq Quen) and Stronghearts (CIMA and T-Hawk). MJF and Brandi Rhodes watched the action from ringside. The match featured non-stop action, as well as Max’s highly-entertaining shenanigans.
Also read: Best AEW Dark Matches of 2021
