5 most memorable AEW rivalries of 2021

With the end of 2021 drawing closer, AEW has had a year packed with insane matches, surprising debuts, and shocking developments. Excellent creative choices and well-thought-out bookings played a big part in AEW's success in 2021.

The organic development of feuds is an integral aspect of professional wrestling. AEW has been phenomenal in its handling of an extremely talented roster.

While choosing the best AEW rivalries of 2021 isn't by no means an objective task, here are five feuds that entertained fans the most.

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#5. MJF going up against one of AEW's biggest signings this year, CM Punk

It's hardly surprising that CM Punk's feuds are epic. Throw sharp-tongued MJF into the mix, and you've got one of the most entertaining AEW feuds of 2021. While the rivalry is far from over, it has already resulted in one of the best promos of 2021.

There seems to be a lot of steam left in the MJF vs. CM Punk feud. The Salt of The Earth has even admitted to this rivalry being one of his most special ones, almost breaking character in the process. Just the microphone skills makes this one of the best rivalries of 2021 in AEW.

#4. The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle

In AEW, Chris Jericho did a phenomenal job of bringing together The Inner Circle. However, it's safe to say their war against Pinnacle was the biggest entertainer. MJF, an absolute master of a heel, elevated the feud to the next level.

MJF's coup was developed in an organic way, which was a big part of its success. Although the feud ended with The Inner Circle prevailing, it paved the way for Jericho to start another rivalry. The scale and execution make it one of the best AEW rivalries of 2021.

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#3. Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker led to one of the best matches in the AEW women's division

The feud between Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker was important, as it gave the women's division a major storyline. The rivalry started when Baker interfered with Rosa's NWA Women's Championship match.

The feud gained momentum at AEW Beach Break. Baker knocked Rosa out to secure a win. This did not sit well with Rosa, which led to the iconic Lights Out bout. The match received widespread acclaim for breaking down stereotypes in professional wrestling.

While the feud doesn't seem to have reached its end, both stars are on different paths as of now. A third match is possibly in the works, which fans will be eager to see in 2022.

It's beyond argument that the rivalry between the two mammoths of the AEW women's division is one of the most memorable rivalries of 2021 in AEW.

#2. Eddie Kingston Against CM Punk was a short feud that packed a lot of punch in AEW

A feud that started with a disgruntled Eddie Kingston having a verbal spat with CM Punk backstage escalated to a full-scale war. With a single promo, Punk and Kingston packed enough story to make their fight one of the key matches of AEW Full Gear. The rivalry led to a grueling match between the two. The two wrestlers went the distance, with The Best in the World emerging victorious.

Although their feud started just two weeks before Full Gear, it packed a punch that serves to remind fans of their talent.

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#1. Hangman Adam Page finally took the AEW World Championship from Kenny Omega

Kenny Omega's phenomenal talent is a major part of AEW's success. Any feud with him is bound to be big. However, the rivalry between Hangman Adam Page and Omega scaled new heights in popularity with AEW fans.

Page's rivalry with Omega was especially big considering their journey as allies. With several opportunities not panning out for Page, he finally secured a shot at the title after winning a seven-man casino ladder match on Dynamite's second anniversary.

Twitter was ablaze with many AEW and WWE stars congratulating Adam Page after his victory at Full Gear. This memorable rivalry has finally reached its end, with Hangman emerging as the AEW World Champion.