Luckily, there were alternatives available to those that were growing dissatisfied with WWE’s continued push of the same people. TNA and ROH were both doing well from presentation and creative standpoints (relatively-speaking), and on several occasions, we got to see some thrilling matches that showed exactly why these companies had such rabid and devoted fans.
So which matches stood above the rest in 2009? Read on to find out…
#5. A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels – TNA Turning Point 2009
This was a rematch from their epic encounter in 2005, but this time it was for the TNA World title as opposed to the X-Division title. And just like in that 5-star classic, these three men tore the house down.
All three of them had perfect chemistry here. They hit some of the most unique triple-threat moves ever seen. At one point, Daniels had a Boston Crab on Styles while locking Samoa Joe in a camel clutch. And later, hit an uranage on Styles and an inverted DDT on Joe at the same time. You just don’t see sequences like that very often, if ever.
But this wasn’t just a complete repeat of that amazing triple threat from Unbreakable 2005. This match had its own unique sequences, own flow, and own big moments. It doesn’t feel like a chaotic triple threat in any way; everything makes sense, and the drama is off the charts.
Easily one of the best matches in TNA history.
#4. Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho – Mask vs. Title – The Bash ‘09
One of the best kinds of wrestling matches is called Luchas de Apuestas, which means ‘wager match’. These wrestling contests involve two opposing sides wrestling with something important on the line that one wrestler risks losing if they don’t win their match. In lucha libre, these matches usually involve luchadores putting their cherished masks on the line, and that is exactly what happened here.
In 2009, Jericho had a bone to pick with Rey Mysterio over his mask and wanted to expose Mysterio to the entire world. To achieve that goal, Jericho faced Mysterio in this fantastic match, and if Mysterio lost he’d have to unmask forever.
As if the story and drama of this match weren’t good enough, these two outstanding wrestlers put on a great performance. The match was filled to the brim with great reversals, momentum shifts, incredible athletics and intense storytelling. Jericho going for the mask several times made him look like the perfect underhanded cheater, while Mysterio refused to give up no matter how much the odds were stacked against him.
Even though this isn’t the same Rey Mysterio from years past, who had been known as one of the greatest high-flyers ever, this match is still fun to watch. Rey showed he could still go, and Jericho was simply entertaining as a despicable jerk in the ring.
#3. Keiji Mutoh vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi - Wrestle Kingdom III
This match a perfect contest of master vs. student, past vs. future, the veteran passing the torch to the new ace of the company. And it was glorious.
This match was the perfect example of wrestlers getting so much out of so little. Neither Tanahashi nor Mutoh used a wide variety of moves in this match; Mutoh, in particular, used maybe seven different moves in total. One of them was the Dragon Screw Leg Whip, which he used more times than could be counted.
Now, normally, a wrestler using the same moves over and over again is a quick way to get the crowd to turn on you (see: Brock Lesnar). But not here; Mutoh’s limb targeting made perfect sense, given Tanahashi’s tendency to fly and jump.
With one leg virtually demolished, Mutoh didn’t have to worry about Tanahashi hitting his big moves with as much power. On several occasions, Tanahashi hit a big move that could’ve ended the match, but couldn’t capitalize because his legs had been damaged by Mutoh earlier on.
That is perfect wrestling psychology and is a prime example of why Mutoh is considered one of the smartest wrestlers ever.
But Mutoh wasn’t alone in wrestling greatness here. Tanahashi showed the entire world that he was ready to take the reins and become NJPW’s new ace. He put on a spectacular performance, showed unbelievable dynamism in the ring, and even pulled a Rob Van Dam by turning in mid-air while hitting his High Fly Flow.
This match was the perfect harbinger of what was to come with Tanahashi as company ace, and signaled a critical turning point in NJPW’s history.
#2. Bryan Danielson vs. Naruki Doi – Dragon Gate USA Untouchable
Last time the name ‘Naruki Doi’ was mentioned, it was in that epic 6-man Dragon Gate match in 2006. In this match, he found himself alone against Bryan Danielson, arguably the best technical wrestler alive. That led to a dream match of sorts, pitting the ‘Ace of the indies’ against the Ace of Dragon Gate USA.
Yet unlike previous Bryan matches discussed in this series, Bryan was the veteran here and not the underdog. It was Doi who had to prove himself against the best wrestler on the independent circuit. He did this by withstanding Bryan’s seemingly-never-ending onslaught of kicks, elbows and painful submission holds. While Bryan dominated most of the contest, Doi showed that typical never-say-die attitude and kept coming back, even though the crowd was overwhelmingly cheering Bryan. Doi showed his own technical skills and ring psychology, wearing down Bryan’s legs to the point that those trademark kicks of his nearly lost all effect.
In the end, Doi pulled off the upset victory, much to the dismay of the pro-Bryan crowd. Yet that victory did wonders in elevating Doi as a credible singles wrestler and helping him break away from the tag-team-centric matches he was often put in beforehand.
#1. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XXV
This is the best wrestling match in WrestleMania history. It is also the best match of both wrestlers’ storied careers, which is saying a lot. It is a match of mythical proportions and reputation, and is likely to be discussed for decades to come.
Fans were going nuts from the beginning, cleanly split between both wrestlers for its entire length. For the first time in WrestleMania history, there were fans that actually wanted to see someone end the Streak. That great atmosphere was complemented by intense, nail-biting drama created by two of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history.
Whether it was the Undertaker’s terrifying suicide dive, the submission gold transitions, perfectly-executed signature moves, or the constant kick-outs, this match was off the charts. Even the commentators, who are normally supposed to maintain an air of impartiality and professionalism, were cheering wildly.
As the Undertaker said in a recent interview, to him it’s all about emotions being brought out through a match. Well not only did he have over 72,000 screaming in unison, but he also made Jim Ross ‘have an out-of-body experience’.
Only these two bona fide legends could pull off such a phenomenal match and leave every person in the crowd with a memory that will last a lifetime.
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