AEW Dynamite continued to deliver great action in 2021. The arrival of stars such as Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson only added to the incredible litany of names that graced Tony Khan’s promotion at the time.
The consistent in-ring action, coupled with some great storytelling, accounted for AEW’s staggering success among the fans. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best outings Dynamite had to offer in 2021:
Dr. Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa (Lights Out Match – Dynamite St. Patrick’s Day Slam)
It’s a shame that real-life issues created a wedge between Dr. Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa. The pair have always had incredible chemistry inside the squared circle. They had an incredibly violent match at the St. Patrick’s Day Slam special edition of AEW Dynamite.
The Lights Out stipulation meant the use of outside objects was legal. Both women bled buckets as they beat the life out of each other. The match has since gained a cult following because of its violent action and incredible storytelling. The image of Baker’s crimson mask is an all-timer.
The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle (AEW Blood & Guts ’21)
AEW is known for its penchant for ECW-esque violence, and displayed it in this Blood & Guts match between. The bout between The Inner Circle and The Pinnacle main evented the May 5 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Both factions had been wanting to destroy each other for weeks in the lead-up to this cage match. The bout itself featured plenty of rough spots. The only drawback that came out of the match was its convoluted finish.
Death Triangle vs. Young Bucks (AEW World Tag Team Championship Match – April 14)
Lucha Bros. and the Young Bucks had one of the best matches in AEW history at Double or Nothing 2019. Matt and Nick Jackson would deliver an instant classic against Death Triangle (PAC and Rey Fenix) on AEW Dynamite two years later.
The stakes were extremely high in this match as it had the AEW World Championship on the line. Both teams showcased their immaculate athleticism in this five-star match. The explosive exchange made for a superb outing.
Bryan Danielson vs. Hangman Page (AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming ’21)
Adam Page had one of the best feuds of his career against Bryan Danielson. The pair collided for the Hangman’s world title at AEW Dynamite’s Winter is Coming television special on December 15, 2021.
The duo tore into each other with an epic exchange that involved stiff strikes. The plenty of near falls only added to the excitement and drama. The ending, which saw Page retain his title after a one-hour time-limit draw, left the fans wanting more.
Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega (AEW Dynamite Grand Slam)
History was made when Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega collided in this dream match on AEW Dynamite Grand Slam. The pair had previously worked together in Ring of Honor alongside Tyler Black (better known as Seth Rollins).
Both men had claimed to be the best wrestlers in the world and wanted to find the real “best in the world” in this historic outing at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For 30 minutes, Omega and Danielson had the crowd on their feet.
The intense exchange of strikes, the nail-biting near falls, and the overall crowd reaction, made Bryan Danielson versus Kenny Omega one of the best matches of AEW Dynamite in 2021.
Honorable Mentions
- Bryan Danielson vs. Dustin Rhodes (October 23, 2021)
- Jurassic Express vs. The Young Bucks (August 18)
- Kenny Omega vs. Rey Fenix (AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash ’21)
Also read: Best AEW Dynamite Matches Of 2022