Best Matches In AEW WrestleDream History, Ranked & Reviewed
WrestleDream is among the younger AEW PPVs, first being held in 2023, existing on a yearly basis ever since. Throughout the three-year history of the show, fans have been witness to a whole host of standout matches. With major stars on display, top titles on the line, and plenty of in-ring excellence, some matches have been more prominent than others.
TheSportster’s rating system will take a look across the entire history of AEW WrestleDream to determine the best ever matches at the PPV. These ratings will be compared to those from Cagematch.net and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
8
Adam Page Vs. Samoa Joe (AEW WrestleDream 2025)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
1.75/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 7.48
Adam Page’s AEW World Championship defense against Samoa Joe wasn’t the cleanest or prettiest of matches, but that was mostly by design. These two allies went to war in a hard-hitting slugfest which saw them come out with busted lips, bruises, and more battle wounds.
The crowd was hot for this showdown, which certainly elevated the action, plus the post-match heel turn from The Opps proved to be a shocking moment. Page had enough grit to overcome his opponent, though this wouldn’t be the case in their Full Gear rematch the following month.
7
The Young Bucks Vs. Jurassic Express (AEW WrestleDream 2025)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10
|
Storytelling |
1.75/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.5/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
1.75/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.75 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.45
The Young Bucks and Jurassic Express entertain anytime they are in the ring together, and that was the case in their WrestleDream 2025 match when they battled for 500,000 dollars. The broke and desperate Matt & Nick Jackson tried everything to get their hands on the cash, with the action carrying an unrelenting pace and sense of urgency.
Things arguably dragged on for a little too long and lacked some structure, but the wild sequences sent the fans into a continued frenzy, with plenty of big spots and near-falls. Jurassic Express stood tall in this one, leaving The Young Bucks strapped for money.
6
Brodido Vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Kazuchika Okada (AEW WrestleDream 2025)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.5/10
|
Storytelling |
2/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.91
The AEW World Tag Team Championships were on the line as Brodido put their gold up for grabs against the Don Callis Family pairing of Kazuchika Okada & Konosuke Takeshita, whose ongoing tensions were a big factor of this matchup.
A controlled pace began proceedings, though things naturally built up, with the four men carrying the crowd along with them, leading to several thrilling sequences. It was the superior teamwork of Brodido that sorted them the win in this impressive matchup.
5
Adam Page Vs. Swerve Strickland (AEW WrestleDream 2023)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.75 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.82
The first match in what would become the iconic series between Adam Page & Swerve Strickland came at WrestleDream 2023, with the pair engaging in a beautifully wrestled, hard-hitting war. They traded momentum throughout, showed instant chemistry between the ropes, and told a strong story of Strickland honing in on Page’s arm and Page targeting Strickland’s hand, both of which they sold well.
With a buzzing atmosphere, Strickland was elevating to the next level as a star in AEW with this match alone, and while he needed Prince Nana’s interference to score the win, he came out of the match looking strong.
4
Christian Cage Vs. Darby Allin (AEW WrestleDream 2023)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.91
The main event of the inaugural WrestleDream show saw one of AEW’s best matches of the whole year take place as Christian Cage put the TNT Title on the line against Darby Allin in a ‘best 2-out-of-3 fall’ clash. Every fall was unique and had a different structure, making it truly feel like three matches in one.
The intensity, heat, and violence continued to rise, with the ring mat torn and the wooden boards exposed, referee bumps, brutal landings from Allin, heel turns, and more, all making for a chaotic and unpredictable main event. Cage survived with the TNT Championship thanks to the betrayal of Nick Wayne, though post-match he was left running with the debut of Adam Copeland.
3
Will Ospreay Vs. Ricochet Vs. Konosuke Takeshita (AEW WrestleDream 2024)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 5.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.10
The International Championship was the prize as Will Ospreay, Konosuke Takeshita and Ricochet went all out at a breakneck speed in a triple threat that featured crazy offense, electric counters, and a whole bunch of creative three-man spots. Everyone looked great, but Takeshita in particular showcased fantastic explosivity, strength, and agility, making him the man to beat.
In the end, it was Kyle Fletcher’s betrayal and Don Callis interference that allowed Takeshita to pick up the win and be crowned as the new champion.
2
Bryan Danielson Vs. Jon Moxley (AEW WrestleDream 2024)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.25/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.75 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.59
One of the most unsung main events in AEW history came when Jon Moxley dethroned Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship, ending his career in the process (until his surprise one-off comeback in 2026). Moxley attacked Danielson before the bell, leading to a fun pre-match brawl that set the tone for this personal, violent, stiff war.
Both men put their all into making this a match that had everything; technical brilliance, clubbing blows, and more, plus it was elevated by Danielson’s hometown crowd who gave this a thunderous atmosphere. Moxley’s win was abrupt and shocking, as he choked out his former rival.
1
Bryan Danielson Vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (AEW WrestleDream 2023)
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.25/10
|
Storytelling |
2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
|
Technical Ability |
2.5/2.5 |
|
Character Work/Psychology |
2.25/2.5 |
|
Crowd Reaction |
2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 5.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.51
At WrestleDream 2023, Bryan Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr. battled it out for the right to be called the best technical wrestler on the planet, and they certainly both showcased why they’d earned the right to be in the discussion. The in-ring work was crisp, perfectly executed, and intricate, and while it was mostly mat-based and tactical, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands and made everything very engaging.
The story of Danielson needing to pull out his signature running knee to win the match, as he could not out-maneuvre ZSJ from a technical standpoint, was a masterful way to close out the fight.
About The Author
