10 Greatest AEW Dynamite matches of the second year

AEW Dynamite will be celebrating its second anniversary this coming Wednesday. AEW has a huge lineup for the landmark show, as the company will offer fans a stellar card. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, Adam Cole and The Young Bucks of the Elite will face Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage and Jurassic Express in an eight-man tag team main event.

AEW Dynamite - The Second Anniversary Show will also have a Casino Ladder Match for a shot at the AEW World Championship with Jon Moxley, Miro, Lance Archer, Orange Cassidy, Matt Hardy, Andrade El Idolo and a mystery Joker entrant. To finish off the card, Hikaru Shida will look for her 50th win against Serena Deeb, and Sammy Guevara will face the debuting Bobby Fish for the TNT Championship.

Throughout the past two years, the show has presented many great matches that fans continue to remember. Last year, the site covered the best encounters of the first year of Dynamite and now it's time to reflect on the second year. In this article, let's take a look at the ten greatest AEW Dynamite matches from the second year.

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10) Darby Allin vs. Ethan Page in a Coffin Match (AEW Dynamite - Fyter Fest 2021 Night 1)

The Fyter Fest specials have proven to be among the best episodes of AEW Dynamite over the past two years. In 2021, Night 1 was no different, as it delivered an impressive night of professional wrestling. The show kicked off with Jon Moxley defeating Karl Anderson for the IWGP United States Championship.

Plus, Ricky Starks won the FTW Championship from Brian Cage, and Christian Cage beat his long-time rival Matt Hardy. These matches were solid, but the headlining bout between Darby Allin and Ethan Page stole the show.

The two men had been feuding throughout their entire careers, and they reignited their differences when Page arrived in AEW. At Fyter Fest, the rivalry came to a head in a Coffin Match, and this bout was different from a majority of contests under this stipulation.

The Texas crowd at AEW Dynamite - Fyter Fest Night 1 saw the two men brawl all over the arena. Sting and Scorpio Sky also got involved, and the competitors also used steel steps and turnbuckle hooks to amp up the violence. The action finally culminated with Allin using a thumbtacked skateboard to stomp onto Page's back. He then placed his rival in the coffin to win the match.

To end the night at AEW Dynamite - Fyter Fest Night 1, Allin hit a Coffin Drop from the top rope onto Page while he was in the coffin. This match was an emphatic ending to a brilliant night on television.

9) The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle in a Blood & Guts Match (AEW Dynamite - Blood & Guts)

AEW Dynamite was supposed to present the first Blood and Guts Match in March of 2020, but the pandemic prevented the company from putting on this first time-ever contest. Well over a year later, The Inner Circle found themselves in a war with another stable in the Pinnacle, and this battle had to be settled in a Blood and Guts Match.

Months before the bout, Maxwell Jacob Friedman set up a plot on Chris Jericho and The Inner Circle by using the faction to learn how to lead one of his own. MJF turned on the group and formed the Pinnacle with FTR, Shawn Spears, Wardlow and Tully Blanchard. This turn set the stage for the first Blood and Guts Match in AEW Dynamite history.

This war more than lived up to the hype, with numerous competitors getting busted open throughout the bout. Wardlow was presented as a beast, as he took down each member of the Inner Circle.

FTR brought their old-school style into this one by using double-team moves and expert selling to get over the brutal nature of the contest. Likewise, Shawn Spears, Jake Hager and Chris Jericho all played their roles well and were highlighted.

The AEW Dynamite - Blood and Guts main event was all about building two of the company's future stars in Sammy Guevara and MJF. Guevara was the MVP of the bout, as his high-flying and perseverance turned him into a fan-favorite star.

That being said, it was MJF who secured the victory when he threatened to push Jericho off the cage. In doing so, he made his opponents surrender before he shoved Jericho down to the floor anyway.

The final visual of MJF, with a bloody face, saying "Thank you" to Chris Jericho and smiling while looking at the crowd remains one of the most enduring sights of the year for AEW Dynamite. Friedman showed why he is one of the top heels in wrestling and a future AEW World Champion with his actions at Blood and Guts.

8) The Elite vs. Hangman Page & The Dark Order in a 10-Man Tag Team Elimination Match (AEW Dynamite - Fight For The Fallen 2021)

AEW Dynamite - Fight For The Fallen 2021 featured quite a few high-profile matches, but none were bigger than the huge 10-Man Tag Team Elimination opener. Hangman Page's journey to the AEW World Championship is the longest ongoing storyline in wrestling today, as it began when All Elite Wrestling launched. Page's quest came to a head on this show.

If Hangman Page and the Dark Order won, Page would finally get his shot at Kenny Omega's AEW World Championship. Plus, Dark Order would receive an opportunity at the Young Bucks' AEW World Tag Team Championships. But if they lost, Hangman would never get a shot at the gold as long as Omega was champion.

The 10-Man Tag Team Elimination Match at AEW Dynamite - Fight For The Fallen 2021 was tremendous, as it featured all the competitors firing on all cylinders in front of a hot crowd in North Carolina.

Despite Dark Order coming out hot, The Elite got a demanding three-on-one advantage, leaving Hangman Page on his own. Page fought hard and was able to eliminate Matt Jackson with a Buckshot Lariat, but Omega nailed Hangman with V-Triggers and finally the One-Winged Angel to win the match on AEW Dynamite.

This bout was a thrilling battle that closed a chapter of AEW's most captivating storyline. Hangman Page was written off television following this loss and established some tension the Dark Order, so it felt like a contest that had consequences after the bell rang.

7) Kenny Omega vs. Jungle Boy for the AEW World Championship (AEW Dynamite - June 26th, 2021)

Kenny Omega's AEW World Championship reign has been a central figure in the stories on AEW Dynamite in 2021. His title defenses have delivered for the most part, but one of the best bouts was his contest against Jungle Boy. The Jurassic Express member has had an underdog journey throughout his time at All Elite Wrestling, and it reached a new level against Omega.

Jungle Boy won the Casino Battle Royale at AEW Double Or Nothing 2021 by last eliminating Christian Cage. Ahead of the June 26th episode of AEW Dynamite, Kenny Omega wasn't taking his challenger seriously, based on his track record in big matches and his relative inexperience. That being said, Jungle Boy wouldn't be denied in their buzzworthy showdown.

The AEW World Championship Match on the June 26th AEW Dynamite was a hard-fought battle where Jungle Boy pushed the pace and used his quickness to keep Kenny Omega off-balance. The young challenger surprisingly seemed like he was on the brink of victory a few times. In one highlight, he responded to the V-Trigger with a rebound lariat and a brainbuster for a nearfall.

Still, Omega's veteran experience made all the difference. He went after Jungle Boy's long hair a few times in this AEW World Championship bout, and he used it to escape the Snare Trap. In the end, The Cleaner bombarbed Jungle Boy with V-Triggers, the Tiger Driver 98 and the One-Winged Angel for the win.

This bout was one of Omega's better title defenses on AEW Dynamite this year, and it was one of Jungle Boy's best matches of his young career.

6) Brodie Lee vs. Cody Rhodes in a Dog Collar Match for the TNT Championship (AEW Dynamite - October 7th, 2020)

Brodie Lee's destruction of Cody Rhodes to win the TNT Championship remains one of the greatest moments and endings to AEW Dynamite in the show's history. The Dark Order leader used that win to go on a short yet impressive run with the title. He defeated Dustin Rhodes and Orange Cassidy in title defenses, but Cody returned to set the stage for a rematch.

Brodie Lee subsequently challenged Cody Rhodes to a Dog Collar Match on the October 7th, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite. Rhodes accepted, and this clash would become an iconic encounter in the history of the program.

It had a big fight feel, especially with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine being in attendance. Valentine was in one of the most famous Dog Collar Matches ever with Roddy Piper at Starrcade 1983.

Lee and Rhodes went at it with a barbariac nature in an attempt to destroy each another. The challenger used the chain immediately and took control early on, but Cody made his comeback with a springboard cutter.

Lee later used the chain to bust Rhodes open, but The American Nightmare dropped Lee head-first into a table at ringside in a violent moment. This title match quickly became a bloody affair on the October 7th, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Cody used the chain across Lee's teeth and started nailing elbows to his face. He then hit one Cross Rhodes and followed it up with another to finally defeat Brodie Lee. This bout fit the stipulation superbly and delivered the brutal nature that the Dog Collar Match was always known for. It was truly one of the most barbaric AEW Dynamite encounters of all time.

5) MJF, Santana & Ortiz vs. John Silver, Alex Reynolds & Hangman Page in a Six-Man Tag Team Match (AEW Dynamite - The Brodie Lee Tribute Show)

In just seven months with the company, Brodie Lee became an endearing presence on AEW Dynamite and to the entire locker room behind the scenes. This respect made his passing on December 26th, 2020 even more heartbreaking. It urtterly stunned the All Elite Wrestling roster, his friends, the fans and most especially his family. On the next episode of AEW Dynamite, the company held a tribute show to honor him.

This special episode was dedicated to a dear friend of everyone across all companies and a wonderful father to his kids. His wife and children were in attendance, and they were personally brought out to see the celebration of his life. The wrestling on the episode was secondary to that, but AEW Dynamite - The Brodie Lee Tribute Show featured an absolutely perfect contest that did everything just right.

Brodie Lee's stable, The Dark Order, was featured in every bout on the card, but he had a special connection with John Silver and Alex Reynolds. The two men were his most loyal lackeys and recruitment specialists. Brodie even gifted Silver the ring jacket that he wore to the ring on AEW Dynamite - The Brodie Lee Tribute Show.

Reynolds and Silver teamed up with Hangman Page to face MJF, Santana and Ortiz of the Inner Circle. The latter half were excellent heels, and they bumped like crazy for their opponents. MJF, in particular, was trash-talking Brodie Lee Jr. at ringside, and this moment led to a fantastic conclusion where the young man used a kendo stick on the despicable jerk.

The contest also saw Erick Redbeard make an appearance to honor his late friend and even the odds for the Dark Order by taking out Wardlow. In the end, John Silver hit Brodie's signature Discus Lariat for the win over Ortiz. After the match, the babyfaces, along with Redbeard, cried together and held up a sign in honor of Brodie. This scene was certainly the most emotional moment in AEW Dynamite history.

4) The Young Bucks vs. PAC & Rey Fenix for the AEW World Tag Team Championships (AEW Dynamite - April 14th, 2021)

On the April 7th episode of AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks turned heel on Jon Moxley and reunited with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers. The following week, the show kicked off with Matt and Nick Jackson defending the AEW World Tag Team Championships against PAC and Rey Fenix of Death Triangle.

On the April 14th episode of AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks made a complete transformation in their attire, as they went from colorful gear with streamers to more lavish clothing and Dior sneakers. Although this different look was obvious, the duo delivered the same terrific workrate that the Jacksons have become famous for.

PAC and Rey Fenix aren't regular tag team partners, but they meshed and performed like an elite team. They used their speed, intensity and high-flying prowess to constantly get the better of the Young Bucks during this AEW World Tag Team Championship Match. The work here was top-notch, and the competitors offered spectacular action throughout the bout.

Near the end of the match, the Young Bucks took out PAC with a low blow out of the referee's sight. This left Rey Fenix on his own in the ring, where Nick Jackson ripped his mask off. Fenix tried to cover his face, and the Bucks capitalized by blasting him with a double superkick for the win.

This clash on the April 14th edition of AEW Dynamite was a phenomenal tag team contest that remains one of the best matches of the year.

3) Kenny Omega vs. Rey Fenix for the AEW World Championship (AEW Dynamite - New Year's Smash Night 1)

Kenny Omega defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Championship on the Winter Is Coming special of AEW Dynamite on December 2nd, 2020. This triumph officially marked his heel turn because it kicked off his on-screen association with Don Callis. The Cleaner went on to make his first title defense the next month against Rey Fenix.

Omega and Fenix have faced each other twice before for Northeast Wrestling and AAA, but this bout was their first encounter in All Elite Wrestling. The two men had been scheduled to face off in the World Title Eliminator Tournament before Omega won the title. But Fenix was pulled from the bout after he was injured in his first-round contest against his brother, Penta El Zero Miedo.

The main event of AEW Dynamite - New Year's Smash Night 1 was the first headline match of the weekly series for 2021. It's fair to say that this bout proved to be one of the best in the show's history. Rey Fenix was in top form, and he delivered a truly star-making performance. His arsenal was on full display, as his high-flying expertise, like an impressive moonsault into a German suplex, amazed the fans

The quickness of both men and smoothness in the ring was remarkable. There were state-of-the-art exchanges such as Omega nailing the V-Trigger and Fenix immediately doing a kip-up to hit a superkick. The nearfalls were breathtaking, and they fully invested the crowd in Jacksonville. Omega ultimately got the win with the One-Winged Angel to retain the AEW World Championship on AEW Dynamite - New Year's Smash.

If this excellent AEW World Championship Match wasn't enough to remember AEW Dynamite - New Year's Smash Night 1, the post-match set the tone for the entire year of main event storylines for All Elite Wrestling.

The Good Brothers made their AEW debut by aligning with Omega and the Young Bucks followed suit. The group ended the night by sharing a Too Sweet salute between the former Bullet Club stablemates.

2) Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. vs. Thunder Rosa in an Unsanctioned Lights Out Match (AEW Dynamite - St. Patrick's Day Slam)

AEW Dynamite - St. Patrick's Day Slam proved to be a historic night for the company. This show marked the first time the program was headlined by an Unsanctioned Lights Out Match. More importantly, it delivered the first women's main event in AEW Dynamite history. The heated feud between Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., and Thunder Rosa felt like the best way to achieve this honor.

Baker was the first female signing for All Elite Wrestling, and many believed that she would become the first AEW Women's Champion. But her character didn't truly connect until she turned heel, as this shift helped her become a complete package.

Meanwhile, Thunder Rosa came into AEW as an outsider because she was the NWA Women's World Champion when she arrived. This difference was the basis for their bitter rivalry, and it culminated on this unforgettable episode of AEW Dynamite.

Baker and Rosa offered fans an incredibly violent encounter on AEW Dynamite - St. Patrick's Day Slam, and they kept escalating the level of intensity. Steel chairs, steel steps and ladders were used in extreme ways. Both women bled during the match, and Baker's crimson mask was akin to Stone Cold Steve Austin's face in his famous Submission Match against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13.

The two rivals showcased their toughness throughout the contest. Baker brought in thumbtacks, but Rosa powerbombed her on top of them. In the end, Rosa finally put Britt away with the Fire Thunder Driver through a table at ringside.

This bout was a career-defining match for both women, and it propelled Baker to the AEW Women's World Championship. Likewise, it secured Rosa a contract with the company, and she remains one of the most popular stars in the women's division.

1) Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson (AEW Dynamite Grand Slam)

Throw recency bias out the window because fans may have just witnessed the greatest AEW Dynamite match of the second year last week. AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam kicked off with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega facing Bryan Danielson in a dream match that was years in the making.

Danielson made his AEW debut at All Out 2021 by confronting Omega and The Elite. Just a few months before his arrival, Danielson competed in the main event of WrestleMania 37 against WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Edge. His decision to come to AEW shocked many fans, but it immediately paid dividends when he challenged Omega to a non-title bout at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.

The New York crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was extremely hot, and the fans cheered for almost two minutes before the two men even locked up. What followed was 30-minutes of professional wrestling excellence. Though he hadn't wrestled in a few months, Danielson didn't show any signs of ring rust. The two opponents traded strikes and chops early on, and the hard-hitting action picked up from there.

Bryan Danielson brought back staples of his pre-WWE career, such as his "I Have 'til 5" bit and The Cattle Mutualition submission.In one highlight, Omega caught one of Bryan's kicks and hit a vicious Snap Dragon Suplex that Danielson sold brilliantly. The Best Bout Machine followed up with a nasty running V-Trigger on the ramp.

Omega then hit a bucklebomb that looked like it actually hurt Danielson's wrist. Both men kept hitting big moves to totally engage the New York City fans at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. Bryan hit an avalanche backdrop suplex, while Omega hit an insane avalanche Dragon Suplex off the top rope.

The intensity and drama ramped up as the time limit drew closer. Both men traded strikes and headbutts as the 30-minute time limit ran out to end an absolutely exhilarating battle. Neither man was able to prove themselves the better wrestler at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, but this result has only built even more anticipation for an inevitable rematch.

Omega has had quite a few of the greatest matches in AEW Dynamite and company history, but this encounter with Bryan Danielson was something else completely. It was a wrestling clinic that had it all from great mat work, high spots, drama, and outstanding pacing. That's why Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson is the greatest AEW Dynamite match of the second year.