Dave Meltzer 5 Star Matches List (1983 to 2024)

Dave Meltzer rates wrestling matches on a five-star scale for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscribe here). We have compiled the ultimate list of Dave Meltzer’s 5 star matches. This goes from 1983 all the way to the present day. Some matches have even earned more than the traditional ***** rating. Thank you for checking out the Dave Meltzer 5 Star matches list. If there is a match that we missed, please let us know and we will update this page.

Dave Meltzer 5 Star Matches List (1983-2024)

5 Star Matches From 1983

Tiger Mask I vs Dynamite Kid

Event: NJPW Sumo Hall Show 1983 | Rating: 5 Stars

The very first match to ever receive a 5-star rating from Meltzer took place back in 1983. This took place between Tiger Mask and Dynamite Kid. If you go back and watch this match, you will see that both guys were influencers in the wrestling styles that you see today.


1984

Kazuo Yamazaki vs Nobuhiko Takada

Event: UWF Tokyo Show 1984 | Rating: 5 Stars

This is a match that is extremely difficult to find. Meltzer liked it enough to make it one of the first few 5 star matches.


1985

Tiger Mask II vs Kuniaki Kobayashi

Event:  AJPW Sumo Hall Show 1985 | Rating: 5 Stars

One of the earliest 5 star matches according to Meltzer took place between Tiger Mask II and Kuniaki Kobayashi. This happened back in 1985 for All Japan Pro Wrestling. This was for the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1985.


1986

Barry Windham vs Ric Flair 

Event: CWF Battle Of The Belts 2 – 1986 | Rating: 5 Stars

Barry Windham and Ric Flair faced off in the main event of Battle of the Belts II for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. This was an entertaining match that went over 40 minutes.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1986. This is the first of many 5 star matches for Ric Flair.


 The Sheepherders (Butch Miller, Luke Williams) vs The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton, and Tommy Rogers) 

Event: NWA Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Tag Team Tournament 1986 | Rating: 5 Stars

The Fantastics faced off against the Sheepherders in the quarterfinals of the 1986 Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament. The match ended in a double disqualification.

This is probably one of the weirder matches to ever receive the 5 star rating. You also probably didn’t expect the Sheepherders (better known as The Bushwackers) to be on a 5 star matches list.


1987

Ric Flair vs Barry Windham 

Event: NWA Crockett Cup 1987 | Rating: 5 Stars

Another match between Flair and Windham to make the list. This one took place for the NWA World Title at the 1987 Crockett Cup event.

Flair won the match to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.


Paul Ellering, Animal, Hawk, Nikita Koloff, Dusty Rhodes vs The War Machine, Lex Luger, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, Ric Flair

Event: NWA The Great American Bash 1987 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was the second ever Wargames match to ever take place. It happened on July 31st, 1987. If you haven’t seen it, definitely worth checking out.

Paul Ellering joins the list of surprising names that have been a part of 5 star matches.


1988

Terry Gordy and Stan Hansen vs Toshiaki Kawada and Genichiro Tenryu

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1988 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was the finals of the 1988 Real World Tag League. This is a nice hidden gem of a match for fans of Gordy and Hansen.

Gordy and Hansen won the match and the vacant All Japan World Tag Titles.


1989

Ricky Steamboat vs Ric Flair

Event: NWA Chi-Town Rumble 1989 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair have put on some incredible matches against one another in their careers. One of their best took place at the NWA’s Chi-Town Rumble event back in 1989 for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Steamboat pinned Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.


Ricky Steamboat vs Ric Flair

Event: NWA Clash Of The Champions VI: Ragin’ Cajun 1989 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was a Two-out-of-three falls match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The match lasted near an hour with Steamboat coming out on top 2 falls to 1. Another great match between these two.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1989.


Ric Flair vs Ricky Steamboat

Event: NWA WrestleWar 1989 | Rating: 5 Stars

Another classic match between Flair and Steamboat took place at WrestleWar 1989 for the  NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Lou Thesz, Pat O’Connor, and Terry Funk served as guest judges for the match.


Genichiro Tenryu vs Jumbo Tsuruta 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1989 | Rating: 5 Stars

Genichiro Tenryu pinned Jumbo Tsuruta to win the All Japan Triple Crown.


Ric Flair vs Terry Funk 

Event: NWA Clash Of The Champions IX: New York Knockout 1989 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was an ‘I Quit’ match in the main event. Ric forced Terry to quit while he had him locked in the Figure 4.


1990

Mitsuharu Misawa vs Jumbo Tsuruta 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1990 | Rating: 5 Stars

This is a match that is credited with changing the landscape of All Japan Pro Wrestling. The match that put Misawa at the top of the company, where he would stay for many years.


1991

Ric Flair, Barry Windham, Sid Vicious, Larry Zbyszko vs Sting, Brian Pillman, Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner

Event: WCW WrestleWar 1991 | Rating: 5 Stars

WrestleWar 1991 featured a WarGames match! The Four Horsemen (Barry Windham, Ric Flair, and Sid Vicious) and Larry Zbyszko (with Arn Anderson) defeated Brian Pillman, The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) and Sting.


Keiji Mutoh vs Big Van Vader 

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 3 – 1991 | Rating: 5 Stars

Vader faced off against Keiji Mutoh (better known as The Great Muta) on day 3 of the 1991 G1 Climax.

Mutoh rolled up Vader for the victory.

5 Star Matches From 1992

Jushin Thunder Liger vs El Samurai 

Event: NJPW Sumo Hall Show 1992 | Rating: 5 Stars

Jushin Thunder Lifer faced off against El Samurai in the finals of the Top of the Super Juniors tournament.

Liger would win the match and the tournament.


Manami Toyota vs. Toshiyo Yamada

Event: AJW Mid Summer Typhoon 1992 | Rating: 5 Stars

Manami Toyota defeated Toshiyo Yamada in a hair vs mask match.


Manami Toyota vs Kyoko Inoue

Event: AJW Wrestlemarinepiad 1992 | Rating: 5 Stars

Manami Toyota defeated Kyoko Inoue to win the IWA World Title.


Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, Nikita Koloff, Dustin Rhodes vs Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Larry Zbyszko 

Event:  WCW WrestleWar 1992 | Rating: 5 Stars

The main event of WrestleWar 1992 was a WarGames match. Sting’s Squadron (Sting, Barry Windham, Dustin Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat and Nikita Koloff) defeated The Dangerous Alliance (Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton and Larry Zbyszko).


1993

Robert Gibson, Robert Fuller, Ricky Morton, Jimmy Golden, and Brian Lee vs Tom Prichard, The Tazmaniac, Stan Lane, Killer Kyle, and Kevin Sullivan

Event: SMW Volunteer Slam II: Rage In A Cage 1993 | Rating: 5 Stars

Smoky Mountain Wrestling hosted a ‘Rage In A Cage’ match in 1993. Brian Lee, The Stud Stable (Jimmy Golden & Robert Fuller) & The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) defeated Kevin Sullivan, Killer Kyle, The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane & Tom Prichard) & The Tazmaniac.


Kenta Kobashi, and Mitsuharu Misawa vs Akira Taue, and Toshiaki Kawada 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1993 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was a match for the AJPW World Tag Team Titles. An excellent tag team match.


Stan Hansen vs Kenta Kobashi 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1993 | Rating: 5 Stars

Stan Hansen and Kenta Kobashi faced off in 1993 at AJPW Summer Action Series.

Hansen won the match after about 20 minutes.


1994

Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon

Event: WWE Wrestlemania X – 1994 | Rating: 5 Stars

Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon competed in a ladder match to determine the Undisputed WWF Intercontinental Champion. Razor won the match to become the Undisputed Champion.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1994. This also holds the honor of being the first on the 5 star matches list to take place in a WWE ring.


Wild Pegasus vs The Great Sasuke 

Event: NJPW Super J Cup 1994 | Rating: 5 Stars

Wild Pegasus is better known as Chris Benoit. He put on a great match in 1994 against the Great Sasuke. Pegasus won the match and the tournament.

WWE fans might recognize Sasuke as the former Light Heavyweight Champion.


Mitsuharu Misawa vs Toshiaki Kawada

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1994 | Rating: 6 Stars

Misawa and Kawada have put on many excellent matches against one another in their careers. This specific match has been referred to as “The Singles Match of the Decade” by some.


Bret Hart vs Owen Hart

Event: WWE SummerSlam 1994 | Rating: 5 Stars

Bret and Owen Hart faced off at Summerslam 1994 in a Steel Cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

Bret won the match to retain the Title. This would be the first of two 5 star matches in Bret’s career.


El Hijo Del Santo and Octagon vs Eddie Guerrero and Art Bar 

Event: WCW/AAA When Worlds Collide 1994 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was a two out of three falls, Mask vs. Hair match. Guerrero and Barr lost the match and were forced to shave their heads.


Manami Toyota vs Aja Kong

Event: AJW Doumu Super Woman Great War 1994 | Rating: 5 Stars

Aja Kong defeated Manami Toyota in a VTOP Woman Tournament First Round Match.


1995

Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa vs Johnny Ace, Steve Williams

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1995 | Rating: 5 Stars

You might be surprised to know that Johnny Ace (better known as John Laurinaitis) has a few 5 star matches to his name. The first came in a tag team match alongside “Dr. Death” Steve Williams. The team faced off against Kobashi and Misawa in a solid tag team match in 1995.


Mitsuharu Misawa vs Akira Taue

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1995 | Rating: 5 Stars

Misawa and Taue faced off at AJPW’s Champion Carnival in 1995.


Akira Taue and Toshiaki Kawada vs Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1995 | Rating: 5 Stars

Another excellent tag team match between these four men. Took place at AJPW’s Super Power Series 1995 – Tag 15.


Manami Toyota vs Kyoko Inoue

Event: AJW G*Top 2nd 1995 | Rating: 5 Stars

Toyota and Inoue went to a time-limit draw in their match for the WWWA World Title Match.


Manami Toyota vs Akira Hokuto

Event: AJW Destiny 1995 | Rating: 5 Stars

Manami Toyota defeated Akira Hokuto after about 20 minutes.


Manami Toyota vs Aja Kong

Event: AJW (June 27, 1995) | Rating: 5 Stars

Aja Kong defeated Manami Toyota to win the WWWA World Title Match.


1996

Rey Mysterio vs Juventud Guerrera 

Event: ECW Big Ass Extreme Bash – Night 2 – 1996 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was a Best 2 Out of 3 Falls Match. Guerrera defeated Mysterio, 2 falls to 1.


Jun Akiyama, Mitsuharu Misawa vs Johnny Ace, Steve Williams

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1996 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1986.


Akira Taue, Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama, Mitsuharu Misawa

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1996 | Rating: 5 Stars

Took place at AJPW’s Real World Tag League 1996 – Tag 16. An amazing tag team match.

5 Star Matches From 1997

Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Event: WWE WrestleMania 13 – 1997 | Rating: 5 Stars

Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin faced off in a submission match at Wrestlemania 13. This match is famous for Austin passing out in a pool of his own blood. This was also an incredible double-turn where the fans turned on Hart and began cheering for Austin.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1997. This marked the second time that both Austin and Bret made the list of 5 star matches.


El Samurai vs Koji Kanemoto

Event: NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors IV – Day 17 – 1997 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was the Best Of The Super Junior IV Final Match for 1997. El Samurai would win the match and the tournament.


Mitsuharu Misawa vs Toshiaki Kawada 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1997 | Rating: 5 Stars

Another great match between Misawa and Kawada. This match probably isn’t talked about as much as their classic in 1994 but it is still very highly-regarded.


Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker 

Event: WWF In Your House 18: Badd Blood – 1997 | Rating: 5 Stars

Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker faced off in the first-ever Hell in a Cell match. This also was the event where Kane made his debut.

Michaels won the match after Kane attacked the Undertaker. This was the second time that Michaels made the list of 5 star matches. This was the first and only time that the Undertaker made the list in his career.


Akira Taue and Toshiaki Kawada vs Jun Akiyama and Mitsuharu Misawa

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1997 | Rating: 5 Stars

Kawada & Taue defeated Misawa & Akiyama to win the 1997 Real World Tag League .


1998

Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi 

Event: AJPW 26th Anniversary Show 1998 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1998.


1999

Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi 

Event: AJPW Budokan Hall Show 1999 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 1999.


2003

Kenta Kobashi vs Mitsuharu Misawa 

Event: NOAH Navigate For Evolution – Day 9 – 2003 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2003.


2004

Kenta Kobashi vs Jun Akiyama

Event: NOAH Departure 2004 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2004.


Samoa Joe vs C. M. Punk 

Event: ROH Joe Vs. Punk II – 2004 | Rating: 5 Stars

Samoa Joe and Punk faced off for the ROH World Championship. The match went to a time limit draw after 60 minutes.


2005

A.J. Styles vs Christopher Daniels vs Samoa Joe 

Event: TNA Unbreakable 2005 | Rating: 5 Stars

A Three-way match for the TNA X Division Championship. The first TNA match to receive 5 stars from Meltzer.


Kenta Kobashi vs Samoa Joe 

Event: ROH Joe Vs. Kobashi 2005 | Rating: 5 Stars

Samoa Joe faced off against the legendary Kenta Kobashi in 2005. Kobashi won the match after about 23 minutes.


2006

Ryo Saito, Dragon Kid, and Genki Horiguchi vs CIMA, Naruki Doi, and Masato Yoshino

Event: ROH Supercard Of Honor 2006 | Rating: 5 Stars

The ROH Supercard Of Honor event in 2006 featured a fun 6-man tag team match. Do FIXER (Dragon Kid, Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito) defeated Blood Generation (CIMA, Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi).


2011

CM Punk vs John Cena 

Event: WWE Money In The Bank 2011 | Rating: 5 Stars

CM Punk and John Cena faced off at the 2011 edition of Money in the Bank PPV. This was the first WWE match to receive 5 stars from Meltzer since 1997.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2011


2012

Davey Richards vs Michael Elgin

Event: ROH Showdown In The Sun – Day 2 – 2012 | Rating: 5 Stars

Davey Richards and Michael Elgin faced off for the ROH World Championship. Richards won the match to retain the Title.


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Minoru Suzuki 

Event: NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2012 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2012

5 Star Matches From 2013

Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Event: NJPW Invasion Attack 2013 | Rating: 5 Stars

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2013.


Tomohiro Ishii vs Katsuyori Shibata

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 23 – Day 4 – 2013 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ishii and Shibata faced off on Day 4 of the 2013 G1 Climax. Ishii beat Shibata with a brainbuster.


Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Event: NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2013 | Rating: 5 Stars

Okada and Tanahashi faced off for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Okada won the match after over 35 minutes.


2014

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Katsuyori Shibata

Event: NJPW Destruction In Kobe 2014 | Rating: 5 Stars

Tanahashi and Shibata faced off at the 2014 Destruction in Kobe event. Tanahashi won the match after about 17 minutes.


2015

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 9 – 2015 | Rating: 5 Stars

Shinsuke Nakamura and Kota Ibushi faced off at Wrestle Kingdom 9 for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Nakamura would pick up the win after about 20 minutes.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2015.


Tomohiro Ishii vs Tomoaki Honma

Event: NJPW The New Beginning In Sendai 2015 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ishii and Honma faced off for the vacant NEVER Openweight Championship. Ishii won the match after about 24 minutes.


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 25 – Day 19 – 2015 | Rating: 5 Stars

Tanahashi and Nakamura faced off in the G1 Climax finals in 2015. Tanahashi won the match after more than 30 minutes.


2016

Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi 

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10 – 2016 | Rating: 5 Stars

Okada and Tanahashi faced off in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 10. Okada won to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2016.


Tomohiro Ishii vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 26 – Day 13 – 2016 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ishii and Okada faced off during the 2016 G1 Climax. Ishii ended up defeating Okada in a fun match.


Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 26 – Day 18 – 2016 | Rating: 5 Stars

Omega and Naito faced off on day 18 of the 2016 G1 Climax. Omega won in a fun match.


Will Ospreay, Ricochet, and Matt Sydal vs Nick Jackson, Adam Cole, and Matt Jackson

Event: PWG Battle Of Los Angeles – Night 2 – 2016 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ospreay, Ricochet, and Sydal ended up winning after hitting Shooting Star Presses at the same time.


2017

Tetsuya Naito vs Michael Elgin

Event: NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

Naito and Elgin faced off at the New Beginning in Osaka event in 2017. This was for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

Naito would pick up the victory after over 35 minutes to retain his title.


Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom XI – 2017 | Rating: 6 Stars

The first match of the excellent series between Okada and Omega took place at Wrestle Kingdom XI. This match was a taste of what these two would be able to do with one another in the ring.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it 6 stars. This won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Match of the Year award for 2017.


WALTER vs Zack Sabre Jr 

Event: PWG All Star Weekend 13 – Night 2 – 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

WALTER and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off on night 2 of PWG’s All-Star Weekend in 2017.

WALTER ended up winning the match in about 20 minutes.


Keith Lee vs Donovan Dijak 

Event: PWG Battle Of Los Angeles – Day 3 – 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

Day 3 of the 2017 Battle of Los Angeles featured a match between Donovan Dijak and Keith Lee.

The two big men put on a fun match with Lee ending up on top.


Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega 

Event: NJPW Dominion 2017 | Rating: 6.25 Stars

Okada and Omega put on another great match against one another. This time it came in the main event of Dominion. They ended up wrestling to a time limit draw after 60-minutes.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it 6.25 stars, which is among the highest ratings that he has ever given out.


Tetsuya Naito vs Hiroshi Tanahashi 

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 17 – 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

Naito and Tanahashi faced off on day 17 of the 2017 G1 Climax. Naito ended up winning in what was a strong match.


Kenny Omega vs  Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 18 – 2017 | Rating: 6 Stars

On day 18 of the 2017 G1 Climax, Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada faced off. These two put on another great match against one another.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it 6 stars, which is one of the highest ratings that he has ever given out.


Tetsuya Naito vs Kenny Omega 

Event:  NJPW G1 Climax – Day 19 – 2017 | Rating: 5.75 Stars

In the finals of the 2017 G1 Climax, Kenny Omega faced off against Tetsuya Naito. The match was won by Naito in what was an entertaining match.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it 5.75 stars.


KUSHIDA vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors – Day 14 – 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

Kushida and Will Ospreay faced off on Day 14 of the 2017 Best of the Super Juniors Tournament.

This was the tournament final, where KUSHIDA was victorious. The best match of the tournament was saved for last.


Kazuchika Okada vs Katsuyori Shibata

Event: NJPW Sakura Genesis 2017 | Rating: 5 Stars

Okada and Shibata faced off in the main event of NJPW’s Sakura Genesis event in 2017.

Another great match from Okada in his incredible run as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.


5 Star Matches From 2018

Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 – 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

In a surprising move, Chris Jericho moved over to New Japan Pro Wrestling to face Kenny Omega. This took place at Wrestle Kingdom 12.

It turned out to be a really awesome match, with Omega winning.


Johnny Gargano vs Andrade Almas 

Event: NXT Takeover Philadelphia 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Johnny Gargano and Andrade Almas put on the first WWE 5 star match since 2011 at Takeover: Philadelphia. This was a lot of fun between two incredible performers.

Almas won the match to retain the NXT Championship.


Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi vs. The Young Bucks

Event:  NJPW Strong Style Evolved 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

An excellent demonstration of tag team wrestling took place between the Golden Lovers and the Young Bucks.

It is pretty rare to see tag team matches receive 5 stars but this one did just that at NOW”s Strong Style Evolved event

Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll 

Event:  NJPW Sakura Genesis 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ospreay and Scurll faced off for the  IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis 2018.

This ended up being the highest-rated match on the card. This is pretty impressive considering it featured a match between Kazuchika Okada and Zack Sabre Jr. 


Adam Cole vs. EC3 vs. Killian Dain vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream

Event:  NXT Takeover: New Orleans 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

This was a ladder match to crown the first-ever NXT North American Champion. All 6 guys ended up playing their roles well and we ended up with a fun match.

Adam Cole walked out as the inaugural NXT North


Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa

Event:  NXT Takeover: New Orleans 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

The main event of Takeover: New Orleans was the unsanctioned match between Gargano and Ciampa. This was a storyline that was building for over a year after Ciampa turned on Gargano to break up their friendship. The grudge match ended up delivering.

Gargano defeated Ciampa by submission.


Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi 

Event:  NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2018 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

The second night of Wrestling Dontaku featured Okada vs Tanahashi in the main event. These two have put on several great matches against one another in the past and this was no different.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it more than 5 stars.


Hiromu Takahashi vs Taiji Ishimori

Event:  NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors 2018 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

The finals of the Best of the Super Juniors in 2018 came down to Hiromu Takahashi and Taiji Ishimori. These two would go on to put on an excellent match, with Takahashi coming out on top.

Meltzer liked it enough to give the match more than 5 stars.


Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega

Event: NJPW Dominion 2018 | Rating: 7 Stars

The first match to ever receive 7 stars from Meltzer. Considering that the previous highest rating was 6.25 stars, this was pretty crazy. Omega and Okada went for over an hour, putting on a wrestling clinic.

If you are a fan of either guy, this is a must-watch.


Tyler Bate and Trent Seven vs Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly

Event:  NXT (July 11, 2018) | Rating: 5 Stars

This becomes the first and only of the 5 star matches that came from a weekly episode of NXT. Moustache Mountain vs the Undisputed Era took place on the July 11th, 2018 episode and was a lot of fun.

The match ended after Tyler Bate had to throw the towel in for his partner.


Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 2 – 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Omega and Naito faced off on Day 2 of the 2018 G1 Climax. These two put on a classic match last year in the G1 and did so again this year.

Omega won the match.


Kenny Omega vs Hirooki Goto

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 4 – 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Omega and Goto faced off on Day 4 of the 2018 G1 Climax. Omega went on to win hte match.

This was the first 5-star rating of Goto’s career!


Hirooki Goto vs Tomohiro Ishii

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 6 – 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Don’t look now, but Goto now has two 5 star matches. Two days after his match against Kenny Omega, Goto put on another good match with Tomohiro Ishii.

Ishii won the match but it was another great performance from Goto.


Tomohiro Ishii vs Kenny Omega

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 14 – 2018 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

Ishii and Omega faced off on Day 14 of the 2018 G1 Climax. Ishii picked up the win.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it more than 5 stars (5.5).


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 17 – 2018 | Rating: 5 Stars

Tanahashi and Okada faced off in the A Block final. The match ended in a time limit draw. Tanahashi advanced due to points.

Meltzer liked it enough to give it 5 stars.


Kenny Omega vs Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 18 – 2018 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi faced off in the B Block final. Kota Ibushi won the match via pinfall to win the B Block.

Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.5.


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax – Day 19 – 2018 | Rating: 5.75 Stars

The finals of the 2018 G1 Climax came down to Hiroshi Tanahashi (A Block) and Kota Ibushi (B Block). Tanahashi ended up winning the match.

Meltzer gave it 5.75 stars.


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW Destruction In Kobe 2018 | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Tanahashi and Okada faced off at the 2018 Destruction in Kobe event. This was for the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate. 

Tanahashi won the match after about 35 minutes.


Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2018 | Rating: 5.00 Stars

A great tag team match happened at NJPW’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed event in 2018. Omega and Ibushi faced off against Okada and Ishii.

The match was eventually won by Omega and Ibushi.


 A-Kid vs. Zack Sabre Jr

Event: Total Rumble 8 (2018) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

This was for the Triple W Championship. A-Kid ended up winning the match.


Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome (2018) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi & Will Ospreay in a fun tag team match.


2019

Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi 

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 – 2019 | Rating: 5.75 Stars (Was originally 5.5 but later revised to 5.75)

Omega and Tanahashi faced off in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 13. This was for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Tanahashi went on to win the Title after almost 40 minutes.


Kazuchika Okada vs SANADA

Event: NJPW New Japan Cup 2019 | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Okada and Sanada faced off in the finals of the 2019 New Japan Cup tournament. Okada went on to win the match after about 30 minutes.

This was the first 5 star rating of the career of SANADA.


Adam Cole vs Johnny Gargano

Event: NXT Takeover: New York 2019 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano faced off at NXT Takeover: New York. This was for the vacant NXT Championship and was a 2-out-of-3 falls match.

Gargano won the match (2 falls to 1) to become the new NXT Champion.

This is the first WWE match to ever receive more than 5 stars from Meltzer.


Will Ospreay vs Bandido

Event: NJPW BOSJ 26 (Night 8) 2019 | Rating: 5 Stars

Ospreay and Bandido put on a fun match during night 8 of the 2019 Battle of the Super Juniors Tournament.

Ospreay won after about 18 minutes.


Cody Rhodes vs Dustin Rhodes

Event: AEW Double Or Nothing 2019 | Rating: 5 Stars

Cody and Dustin Rhodes faced off at AEW’s first PPV, Double or Nothing. The two brother’s put on a fun and physical match against one another.

Cody went on to win after about 22 minutes.


Adam Cole vs Johnny Gargano

Event: NXT Takeover: XXV 2019 | Rating: 5.25 Stars

Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano faced off for the NXT Title at Takeover: XXV. This match went for over 32 minutes, with Cole winning the NXT Title.

Meltzer gave it 5.25 stars, which is just .25 below their original match at Takeover: New York (which received 5.5 stars).


Bandido, Flamita, and Rey Horus vs Puma King, Black Taurus, and Laredo Kid

Event: PWG Sixteen 2019 | Rating: 5 Stars

PWG’s Sixteen event featured a fun 6-man tag team match: Bandido, Flamita, and Rey Horus vs Black Taurus, Laredo Kid, and Puma King.

Bandido, Flamita, and Rey Horus won after about 14 minutes.


Will Ospreay vs Shingo Takagi 

Event: NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors 2019 | Rating: 5.75 Stars

Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi faced off in the finals of the 2019 Best Of The Super Juniors tournament.

Ospreay won the match after more than 33 minutes to win the tournament.


Dragon Lee vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Dominion 2019 | Rating: 5 Stars

Dragon Lee and Will Ospreay faced off at Domination for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship. This was a fun match with plenty of big moments and spots.

Ospreay ended up defeating Lee to win the title.


Kota Ibushi vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 5 | Rating: 5 Stars

Day 5 of the 2019 G1 Climax featured a match between Kota Ibushi and Will Ospreay. Both guys put their bodies on the line in what was a fun match.

Ibushi ended up picking up the win.


Jon Moxley vs Tomohiro Ishii

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 6 | Rating: 5 Stars

Jon Moxley and Tomohiro Ishii faced off on day 6 of the 2019 G1 Climax tournament. This was a hard-hitting match, with Moxley eventually picking up the win.

This marks the first Jon Moxley/ Dean Ambrose match to ever receive 5 stars from Meltzer.


Will Ospreay vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 7 | Rating: 5.75 Stars

Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada faced off on day 7 of the 2019 G1 Climax Tournament. This was an incredible match with Okada picking up the win.

The match received 5.75 stars from Meltzer. Also, this was the second Ospreay match in less than a week to receive 5 stars from Meltzer. The other being Ospreay vs Kota Ibushi from day 5.


Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 13 | Rating: 5 Stars

Okada and SANADA faced off on Day 13 of the G1 Climax tournament. SANADA picked up the win in what was a really good match.


Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 14 | Rating: 5 Stars

Natio and Takagi faced off on Day 14 of the G1 Climax tournament. Naito picked up the win after about 27 minutes.


Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 16 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

Ishii and Takagi faced off on Day 16 of the G1 Climax tournament. Takagi picked up the win.

Meltzer gave this match 5.5 stars. This also marked the 2nd Takagi match to receive 5 stars in less than a week.


Kota Ibushi vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 17 | Rating: 5 Stars

Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada faced off in the A Block Final of the 2019 G1 Climax tournament. They ended up putting on a really strong match.

Ibushi picked up the win, which means he advanced to the tournament final.


Jay White vs Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2019 – Day 19 | Rating: 5.5 Stars

Jay White and Kota Ibushi faced off in the finals of the 2019 G1 Climax tournament. Ibushi would go on to win the tournament after an excellent match.

Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.5. This also marked the second 5-star match for Ibushi in only a few days.


Tyler Bate vs WALTER

Event: NXT Takeover: Cardiff 2019 | Rating: 5.25 Stars

Tyler Bate and WALTER faced off at Takeover: Cardiff for the WWE UK Championship. This turned out to be an incredible match.

WALTER won to retain his Title. Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


The Young Bucks vs The Lucha Bros

Event: AEW All Out 2019 | Rating: 5.25 Stars

The Young Bucks and the Lucha Bros faced off in a wild ladder match at All Out. This was for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.

After some crazy moments, the Lucha Bros picked up the win. Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


Bandido vs Dragon Lee 

Event: PWG Battle Of Los Angeles 2019| Rating: 5.00 Stars

Bandido and Dragon Lee faced off in the semi-finals of the 2019 Battle of Los Angeles tournament.

Bandido ended up winning to advance to the finals.


David Starr vs Jordan Devlin

Event: OTT Fifth Year Anniversary | Rating: 5.00 Stars

David Starr and Jordan Devlin faced off at the 5th-anniversary show for Over The Top Wrestling.

Starr ended up winning after about 27 minutes.


5 Star Matches From 2020

Will Ospreay vs Hiromu Takahashi

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 (day 1) | Rating: 5.5 Stars

At Wrestle Kingdom 14, Will Ospreay and Hiromu Takahashi faced off for the IWGP junior heavyweight championship. Takahashi won the title after they put on a wild match that lasted around 25 minutes.

This match originally received 5.25 stars but after watching it back, Meltzer changed the rating to 5.5 stars.


Kazuchika Okada vs Kota Ibushi

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 (day 1) | Rating: 5.5 Stars

At Wrestle Kingdom 14, Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi faced off for the IWGP heavyweight championship. Okada ended up winning after about 40 minutes.

This match received more than the usual 5 from Meltzer as he gave it 5.5 stars.


Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 (day 2) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Naito and Okada faced off in the main event of day 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 14. This was for both the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Naito ended up winning after about 35 minutes.

This match originally was rated 4.75 stars by Meltzer but he watched it back and changed it to 5 stars.


Will Ospreay vs Zack Sabre Jr.

Event: RevPro High Stakes 2020 | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off in the main event of RevPro’s High Stakes event. This was for the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Title.

Ospreay ended up winning the match and the title.


Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs The Young Bucks

Event: AEW Revolution 2020 | Rating: 6.00 Stars

Kenny Omega and Adam ‘Hangman’ Page put their AEW Tag Team Titles on the line against The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution. This was a really great match that went for about 30 minutes.

Omega and Page ended up winning to retain their Titles. Meltzer gave this 6 stars and said that it was one of the best tag team matches that he has ever seen.


Best Friends vs Santana & Ortiz

Event: AEW Dynamite (September 16th, 2020) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

The September 16th, 2020 edition of Dynamite featured a street fight between Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) vs Santana and Ortiz.

This was a wild street fight, with Best Friends picking up the win.


Will Ospreay vs Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 30 (2020) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Night 5 of the 2020 G1 Climax tournament featured a match between Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi.

Takagi ended up winning after a really good match.


Kota Ibushi vs Minoru Suzuki

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 30 (2020) | Rating: 5.25 Stars

Kota Ibushi and Minoru Suzuki faced off on night 13 of the 2020 G1 Climax tournament. This turned out to be a really good match with Ibushi winning.

Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 30 (2020) | Rating: 5.25 Stars

Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi faced off on night 13 of the 2020 G1 Climax tournament. Like Ibushi vs Suzuki, this turned out to be a really good match with Okada winning.

Meltzer also gave it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


WALTER vs Ilja Dragunov

Event: NXT UK (October 29th, 2020) | Rating: 5.00 Stars

WALTER and Ilja Dragunov faced off on the October 29th edition of NXT UK. This was for the NXT UK Championship. WALTER ended up winning to retain his belt.

Meltzer rated this match 5 stars and also called it one of the most brutal matches in WWE history (which is a compliment).


The Young Bucks vs FTR

Event: AEW Full Gear (2020) | Rating: 5.25 Stars

AEW’s Full Gear event in 2020 featured a match between The Young Bucks and FTR. This was for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.

The Young Bucks won after what was a really good tag team match. Meltzer gave it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


Go Shiozaki vs Takashi Sugiura

Event: NOAH The BEST ~ Final Chronicle 2020 | Rating: 5.00 Stars

Go Shiozaki and Takashi Sugiura faced off on December 6th, 2020 and put on a really good match.

Meltzer ended up giving it five stars.

2021

Kazuchika Okada vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15, Night 1 (2021) | Rating: 5.25

On the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay faced off in a singles match.

Meltzer ended up giving it more than 5 stars at 5.25.


Kota Ibushi vs Tetsuya Naito

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15, Night 1 (2021) | Rating: 5.00

On the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, Kota Ibushi and Tetsuya Naito faced off. This was for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

Ibushi ended up winning after about 30 minutes.


Jeff Cobb vs. Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15, Night 2 (2021) | Rating: 5.00

Jeff Cobb and Shingo Takagi faced off on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15. This was for the NEVER Openweight Championship.

Takagi ended up winning after about 20 minutes.


Kota Ibushi vs Jay White

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15, Night 2 (2021) | Rating: 5.25

On the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, Kota Ibushi and Jay White faced off. This was for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

This match received more than 5 stars at 5.25.


Rey Fénix vs. Kenny Omega

Event: AEW Dynamite (January 6th, 2021)| Rating: 5.00

Rey Fenix and Kenny Omega faced off on the January 6th, 2021 episode of AEW Dynamite. This was for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

Omega ended up winning to retain the title.


Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW New Beginning in Nagoya (2021) | Rating: 5.25

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shingo Takagi faced off at the New Beginning in Nagoya event in 2021.

Tanahashi won the match to win the NEVER Openweight Championship.


Will Ospreay vs Zack Sabre Jr

Event: NJPW New Japan Cup (2021) | Rating: 5.00

Night 9 of the 2021 New Japan Cup tournament featured a match between Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr.


Shingo Takagi vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW New Japan Cup (2021) | Rating: 5.5

The New Japan Cup featured a match between Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay.

This received more than 5 stars, with a 5.5 rating.


The Young Bucks vs PAC & Rey Fenix

Event: AEW Dynamite (April 14th, 2021) | Rating: 5.00

The April 14th, 2021 episode of AEW Dynamite featured a tag team match. It was The Young Bucks vs PAC and Rey Fenix.


Will Ospreay vs Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW Wrestling Dontaku (May 4th, 2021) | Rating: 6.00

Night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku featured a match between Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi.

Meltzer ended up giving it 6 stars.


Utami Hayashishita vs Saya Kamitani

Event: Stardom All Star Dream Cinderella (2021) | Rating: 5.5

Stardom’s All Star Dream Cinderella event featured a match between Utami Hayashishita and Saya Kamitani. This was for the World of Stardom Championship.

This match received 5.5 stars from Meltzer.


Shingo Takagi vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Event: Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome (2021) | Rating: 5.00

The 2021 Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome event featured a match between Shingo Takagi and Hiroshi Tanahashi.


WALTER vs Ilja Dragunov

Event: NXT Takeover: 36 (2021) | Rating: 5.25

WALTER and Ilja Dragunov faced off at NXT Takeover: 36. This was for the NXT United Kingdom Championship.

This match received 5.25 stars from Meltzer.


The Lucha Bros vs The Young Bucks

Event: AEW All Out (2021) | Rating: 5.75

The 2021 edition of All Out featured a steel cage match for the AEW Tag Team Titles. It was The Lucha Bros vs The Young Bucks.

This match received 5.75 stars from Meltzer.


Shingo Takagi vs Tomohiro Ishii

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 31 (2021) | Rating: 5.5

The first night of the 2021 G1 Climax tournament started off with a bang. Shingo Takagi and Tomohiro Ishii put on a great match.

This match received 5.5 stars from Meltzer.


Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega

Event: AEW Dynamite (September 22nd, 2021) | Rating: 5.00

Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega faced off on Dynamite and the match lived up to expectations.


Hijo de Vikingo & Laredo Kid vs Fénix and Pentagón Jr.

Event: AAA Heroes Inmortales (October 9, 2021) | Rating: 5.00

This was for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.


Christian Cage, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus vs Adam Cole, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson

Event: AEW Full Gear (2021) | Rating: 5.00

The 2021 edition of Full Gear featured a 6-man tag team match. It was Christian Cage, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus vs Adam Cole, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson.


Kenny Omega vs Adam ‘Hangman’ Page

Event: AEW Full Gear (2021) | Rating: 5.5

Full Gear featured a match for the AEW World Championship. It was Kenny Omega vs Hangman Page.

This match received 5.5 stars from Meltzer.


Bryan Danielson vs Adam ‘Hangman’ Page

Event: AEW Dynamite (December 15th, 2021) | Rating: 5.00

The December 15th episode of Dynamite featured a match between Bryan Danielson and Adam ‘Hangman’ Page.


2022

Kazuchika Okada vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16, Night 2 (2022) | Rating: 5.75

Night 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 16 featured a match between Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay. This was for the IWGP Championship.

This match received 5.75 stars from Meltzer.


Cody Rhodes vs Sammy Guevara

Event: AEW Dynamite (January 26th, 2022) | Rating: 5.00

The January 26th, 2022 episode of Dynamite featured a ladder match for the TNT Championship. This was between Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara.


Will Ospreay vs Michael Oku

Event: RevPro High Stakes (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay faced off against Michael Oku for the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.


Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Event: NJPW New Japan Cup (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off on Night 13 of the 2022 New Japan Cup.


Zack Sabre Jr. vs Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW New Japan Cup (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Shingo Takagi and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off in the 2022 New Japan Cup.


FTR vs The Briscoe Brothers

Event: ROH Supercard of Honor (2022) | Rating: 5.00

The 2022 edition of Supercard of Honor featured FTR vs The Briscoe Brothers. This was for the ROH World Tag Team Championships.


Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager, Angelo Parker, and Matt Menard vs Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston, Santana and Ortiz

Event: AEW Double Or Nothing (2022) | Rating: 5.00

AEW’s Double or Nothing event in 2022 featured an Anarchy in the Arena match. It was The Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager, Angelo Parker, and Matt Menard) vs The Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley), Eddie Kingston, Santana and Ortiz.


Seth Rollins vs Cody Rhodes

Event: WWE Hell in a Cell (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes face off at the Hell in a Cell PPV in 2022. This was a Hell in a Cell match.


Matt & Nick Jackson vs Penta & Rey Fenix

Event: AEW Rampage (June 3rd, 2022) | Rating: 5.00

The Young Bucks faced off against The Lucha Bros on the June 3rd episode of Rampage.


Shingo Takagi vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2022 (Night 12) | Rating: 5.5

Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay faced off on night 12 of the 2022 G1 Climax Tournament.

This received 5.5 instead of the usual 5.


Kazuchika Okada vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 2022 (Night 20) | Rating: 5.75

The finals of the 2022 G1 Climax tournament featured a match between Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay.

This received 5.75 instead of the usual 5.


Sheamus vs Gunther

Event: WWE Clash At The Castle (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Sheamus and Gunther faced off at Clash at the Castle. This was for the Intercontinental Championship.


Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood vs Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis

Event: NJPW Royal Quest II (2022) | Rating: 5.00

FTR faced off against Aussie Open at NJPW’s Royal Quest II event in 2022.


El Hijo del Vikingo vs Rey Fenix

Event: AAA Triplemanía (2022) | Rating: 5.00

El Hijo del Vikingo and Rey Fenix faced off at the Triplemanía event in 2022.


El Hijo del Vikingo vs Laredo Kid

Event: AAA Showcenter (2022) | Rating: 5.00

El Hijo del Vikingo and Laredo Kid faced off at AAA’s Showcenter event in 2022.


Will Ospreay vs Tetsuya Naito

Event: NJPW Battle Autumn (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and Tetsuya Naito faced off at the Battle Autumn event in 2022.


Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood vs Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe

Event: ROH Final Battle (2022) | Rating: 5.5

FTR faced off against the Briscoe Brothers at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle event in 2022. This was a Double Dog Collar match for the ROH tag team titles.

This received more than 5 stars, with Dave giving it a 5.5 rating.


Shingo Takagi vs Taichi

Event: JTO 50th Anniversary (2022) | Rating: 5.00

Shingo Takagi and Taichi faced off at the JTO 50th anniversary show. This was a Last Man Standing, Lumberjack Match


2023

Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 (2023) | Rating: 6.25

Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega faced off on night 1 of Wrestle Kingdom 17. This was for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.

This received more than 5, with Dave giving it 6.25 stars.


Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix

Event: AEW Dynamite (January 11th , 2023) | Rating: 5.00

The January 11th , 2023 episode of Dynamite featured a ladder match which is called “Escalera De La Muerte”. This was between the Elite and Death Triangle.


Adam Page vs Jon Moxley

Event: AEW Revolution (2023) | Rating: 5.00

Hangman Page and Jon Moxley faced off at AEW’s Revolution event in 2023. This was a Texas Death match.


MJF vs Bryan Danielson

Event: AEW Revolution (2023) | Rating: 5.75

MJF and Bryan Danielson faced off at Revolution. This was an Iron man match for the AEW World Championship.

This received 5.75 stars instead of 5.


Kenny Omega vs El Hijo del Vikingo

Event: AEW Dynamite (March 22nd , 2023) | Rating: 5.00

Kenny Omega and El Hijo del Vikingo faced off on the March 22nd, 2023 episode of Dynamite.


Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso

Event: WrestleMania 39 (Night 1) | Rating: 5.00

Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 featured a tag team match: Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs The Usos. This was for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.


Gunther vs Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus

Event: WrestleMania 39 (Night 2) | Rating: 5.00

Night 2 of WrestleMania 39 featured a triple threat match: Gunther vs Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus. This was for the Intercontinental Championship.


Shingo Takagi vs Aaron Henare

Event: NJPW Road To Sakura Genesis (April 2nd, 2023) | Rating: 5.25

Shingo Takagi and Aaron Henare faced off on the road to Sakura Genesis.

This received 5.25 stars.


Master Wato vs Titán

Event: NJPW Best of the Super Juniors (2023) | Rating: 5.00

Master Wato and Titán faced off in the 2023 finals of the Best of the Super Juniors.


Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta vs Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, & Adam Page

Event: AEW Double or Nothing (2023) | Rating: 5.00

The 2023 edition of Double or Nothing featured an Anarchy In The Arena match between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club.


Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii vs Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley & Shota Umino

Event: NJPW Dominion 6.4 (2023) | Rating: 5.00

The Dominion event in 2023 featured a six-man tag team match.


Kenny Omega vs Will Ospreay

Event: AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door (2023) | Rating: 6.00

AEW and NJPW hosted a combined event in 2023. Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay faced off at this event for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.

This match received 6 stars.


Kento Miyahara vs Katsuhiko Nakajima

Event: NOAH One Night Dream (2023) | Rating: 5.25

Kento Miyahara and Katsuhiko Nakajima faced off at Noah’s One Night Dream event in 2023.

This received 5.25 stars.


Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood vs Jay White & Juice Robinson

Event: AEW Collision (July 15th, 2023) | Rating: 5.25

The July 15th, 2023 edition of Collision featured a tag team match that was also 2 out of 3 falls.

This received 5.25 stars.


Tetsuya Naito vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 33: Night 18 (2023) | Rating: 6.00

Night 18 of the G1 Climax featured a match between Tetsuya Naito and Will Ospreay.

This received 6 stars.


Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada

Event: NJPW G1 Climax 33: Night 19 (2023) | Rating: 5.25

Night 19 of the G1 Climax featured a match between Tetsuya Naito and Kazuchika Okada.

This received 5.25 stars.


Will Ospreay vs Shingo Takagi

Event: RevPro 11th Anniversary Show (2023) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi faced off at the 11th anniversary show for RevPro.


Bryan Danielson vs Ricky Starks

Event: AEW All Out (2023) | Rating: 5.00

The 2023 edition of All Out featured a match between Bryan Danielson and Ricky Starks. This was a strap match without any disqualifications.


Kenny Omega vs Konosuke Takeshita

Event: AEW All Out (2023) | Rating: 5.00

The 2023 edition of All Out featured a match between Kenny Omega and Konosuke Takeshita.


Will Ospreay vs Yota Tsuji

Event: NJPW Destruction in Kobe (2023) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and Yota Tsuji faced off at the Destruction in Kobe event in 2023. This was for the IWGP United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship.


Bryan Danielson vs Zack Sabre Jr.

Event: AEW WrestleDream (2023) | Rating: 5.5

WrestleDream featured a match between Bryan Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr.

This received 5.5 stars instead of 5.


Will Ospreay vs Zack Sabre Jr.

Event: NJPW Royal Quest III (2023) | Rating: 5.5

Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off at the Royal Quest III event in 2023. This was for the IWGP United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship.

This received 5.5 stars.


Will Ospreay vs Mike Bailey

Event: Impact Bound for Glory (2023) | Rating: 5.25

Impact’s Bound for Glory event featured a match between Mike Bailey and Will Ospreay.

This received 5.25 stars.


Will Ospreay vs Shota Umino

Event: NJPW Power Struggle (2023) | Rating: 5.75

The Power Struggle event in 2023 featured a match between Will Ospreay and Shota Umino. This was for the IWGP United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship.

This received 5.75 stars.


Katsuhiko Nakajima vs Yuma Aoyagi

Event: AJPW Giant Series (2023) | Rating: 5.25

This received 5.25 stars.


Swerve Strickland vs Adam Page

Event: AEW Full Gear (2023) | Rating: 5.00

Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page faced off at Full Gear in 2023. This was a Texas Death match.


Katsuhiko Nakajima vs Kento Miyahara

Event: AJPW ManiaX (2023) | Rating: 5.25

This received 5.25 stars.


2024

Kazuchika Okada vs Bryan Danielson

Event: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 (2024) | Rating: 5.25

Kazuchika Okada and Bryan Danielson faced off at Wrestle Kingdom 18.

This received 5.25 stars.


Máscara Dorada vs Templario

Event: CMLL Super Viernes (2024) | Rating: 5.00

This was a 2 out of 3 falls match.


Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi

Event: NJPW Battle in the Valley (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Jon Moxley and Shingo Takagi faced off in a no disqualification match.


Kazuchika Okada vs Will Ospreay

Event: NJPW Battle in the Valley (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Battle in the Valley featured a match between Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay.


Josh Alexander vs Will Ospreay

Event: TNA Impact (January 18th, 2024) | Rating: 5.5

The January 18th, 2024 episode of TNA Impact featured a match between Josh Alexander and Will Ospreay.

This received 5.5 stars


Zack Sabre Jr. vs Bryan Danielson

Event: NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka (2024) | Rating: 5.5

The New Beginning in Osaka event in 2024 featured a match between Zack Sabre Jr. and Bryan Danielson

This received 5.5 stars


Michael Oku vs Will Ospreay

Event: RevPro High Stakes (2024) | Rating: 6.00

The High Stakes event from RevPro featured a match between Michael Oku and Will Ospreay. This was for the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.

This received 6 stars


Will Ospreay vs Konosuke Takeshita

Event: AEW Revolution (2024) | Rating: 5.75

Will Ospreay and Konosuke Takeshita faced off at AEW’s Revolution event in 2024.

This received 5.75 stars


Will Ospreay vs Kyle Fletcher

Event: AEW Dynamite (March 6th 2024) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher faced off on the March 6th, 2024 episode of AEW Dynamite.


Bryan Danielson vs Will Ospreay

Event: AEW Dynasty (April 21st, 2024) | Rating: 5.00

Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay faced off at AEW’s Dynasty PPV.

This match received 6.5 stars.


Cody Rhodes vs AJ Styles

Event: WWE Backlash France (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles faced off at Backlash France. This was for the Cody’s Undisputed WWE Championship.


Masa Kitamiya vs Tomohiro Ishii

Event: Noah: One Night Dream 2 (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Masa Kitamiya and Tomohiro Ishii faced off at One Night Dream 2 in 2024.


Hechicero vs Zack Sabre Jr.

Event: CMLL: Sabados de Coliseo (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Hechicero and Zack Sabre Jr. faced off at CMLL’s Sabados de Coliseo event.


Swerve Strickland vs Will Ospreay

Event: AEW/ NJPW: Forbidden Door | Rating: 5.5

Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay faced off at the Forbidden Door event in 2024, which was put on by AEW and NJPW.

This received 5.5 stars.


MJF vs Will Ospreay

Event: AEW Dynamite (2024) | Rating: 5.75

MJF and Will Ospreay faced off on the 25th episode of Dynamite.

This received 5.75 stars.


Konosuke Takeshita vs El Phantasmo

Event: NJPW: G1 Climax (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Konosuke Takeshita and El Phantasmo faced off on night 12 of the 2024 G1 Climax.


Will Ospreay vs. MJF

Event: AEW: All In (2024) | Rating: 5.00

Will Ospreay and MJF faced off at AEW’s All In event.


Bryan Danielson vs Swerve Strickland

Event: AEW: All In (2024) | Rating: 5.25

Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland faced off at All In.

This match received 5.25 stars.


Will Ospreay vs. Pac

Event: AEW: All Out (2024) | Rating: 5.5

Will Ospreay and Pac faced off at All Out 2024.

This match received 5.5 stars.


CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre

Event: WWE Bad Blood (2024) | Rating: 5.00

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre faced off in a Hell in a Cell match.


READ NEXT: A list of the lowest-rated WWE matches of all time according to Meltzer

Let us know if we missed any in the comment section below! What match do you think deserves a place on the list of 5 Star Matches? Do you disagree with any of these ratings? Also, if you notice a mistake, make sure to get into contact with us.

2 thoughts on “Dave Meltzer 5 Star Matches List (1983 to 2024)”

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