The 10 best AEW Dynamite episodes of 2021

1) AEW Dynamite: Second Anniversary Show - 10/6/21

In a year like 2021, trying to identify the best AEW Dynamite episodes is a difficult endeavor. The quality of the programming means two dozen episodes were great and deserve recognition. Over the course of two years, the company has developed a reputation for providing arguably the best wrestling show of the week. This made their second anniversary show feel special heading in.

The company didn't have clips or a compilation to celebrate, but they showcased what has been the basis of AEW Dynamite: awesome in-ring action. There were moments of memorable and intricate storytelling as the main event displayed all these factors with a seven-man Casino Ladder Match.

This was the second iteration of this match type and far exceeded the first match. The AEW Dynamite: Second Anniversary headliner saw Jon Moxley, PAC, Andrade El Idolo, Lance Archer, Matt Hardy and Orange Cassidy all vie for a poker chip that signified a shot at the AEW World Championship. The six men entered with the Joker card remaining.

After plenty of speculation that a former WWE Superstar would fill the open spot, it was none other than the returning Hangman Page who was revealed. It was an unforgettable moment with the Philadelphia crowd greeting him with a massive pop. The energy in this encounter was incredible as Page hit an insane Deadeye off a ladder onto PAC through a table in the ring.

It came down to Page and Moxley with the two men fighting on top of the ladder. Hangman won the strike exchange and retrieved the chip to win the Casino Ladder Match. The sight of the Philadelphia fans on their feet with Hangman Page on top of the ladder with the chip in hand was one of the best closing visuals to AEW Dynamite all year.

The show opened with the Super Elite of Kenny Omega, Adam Cole and The Young Bucks defeating Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage and Jurassic Express in a tremendous eight-man tag. The women once again delivered on this Second Anniversary special of AEW Dynamite. Serena Deeb denied Hikaru Shida of her 50th win in a sublime technical wrestling gem.

Sammy Guevara made his first defense of the TNT Championship, defeating Bobby Fish in his in-ring debut. Darby Allin beat Nick Comoroto to close out a night of good in-ring action. From entertaining wrestling to a fabulous return at the end of the night, the Second Anniversary followed two superb episodes and was the best AEW Dynamite episode of 2021.