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#2. AEW Stadium Stampede
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AEW was forced to get creative during the pandemic and deliver a marquee offering at Double or Nothing 2020. With no fans in attendance, the company had to find a satisfying stipulation for the big Inner Circle vs. The Elite main event.
Stadium Stampede saw the two teams battle all over TIAA Bank Field Stadium in a jumbo-sized, no-holds-barred, empty arena match. Tony Khan's family-owned the venue, so the wrestlers had the freedom to fight everywhere.
During a time when the wrestling industry pivoted to cinematic matches, AEW set the standard for the genre with this instant classic. The Elite scored their biggest win as a group up to that point, and it became a critical hit among fans and wrestling journalists. Stadium Stampede 2021 was a worthy sequel as well, with The Inner Circle once again triumphing. AEW stumbled upon a truly unique gimmick that could be a signature bout going forward.
#1. Unsanctioned Lights Out Match
When it comes to brutal bouts, the company can be counted upon to go all out (no pun intended). Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley tore the house down at Full Gear 2019 in a barbaric Lights Out match. The level of violence has not been seen in mainstream wrestling in decades, especially since WWE became PG.
The match divided opinion as a lot of people couldn't stomach its hardcore nature, including Moxley's wife, Renee Paquette. It set the tone for AEW as a promotion willing to push the envelope.
The most famous match under this stipulation is the classic Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker. Their Unsanctioned Lights Out match on Dynamite in 2021 was historic as it was the first time women main-evented AEW's flagship show.
Baker and Rosa gave it their all in one of the bloodiest matches in women's wrestling. Rosa emerged victorious, but the night belonged to Baker, who truly became a star. The unsanctioned nature of the match makes it feel dangerous and unpredictable. It has created several unforgettable moments for AEW, hence why it tops our list.
