Dustin Rhodes vs Cody (AEW - 5/25/2019)

Man, what a match.  This match is well worth a nomination. A lot of people have it as an old school style five star match, which in and of itself is impressive in 2019.  Its a blood bath match built around psychology and grit. While I don't really want to take anything away from Cody because I think he has been a star since AEW began, this was such a testament to Dustin's ability. Dustin Rhodes is already a known commodity, but here we see the reigns off and, even at his age, what he can accomplish in terms of playing a crowd and creating wonderful wrestling theater.  I know some people have issues with blood in 2019, but I am a vampire and I think what it adds to a match like this, where it is used strategically and plays into the story, the gravitas, and the increasing intensity is hard to overstate. 

I also think the context is really important and could wind up being massive. As good as this match is, it actually could elevate in the general consensus if AEW continues to be successful. This was - to me at least - easily the best match in AEW history on the first major completely AEW show. It set the stage, got attention, and established an attitude. If 10 years from now AEW is still a thing, this match is going to be thought of as one of those foundational matches, cannon in the history of the company.  While we can't really presume that, the very idea that this is pretty clearly going to be one of those matches speaks to its quality, timing, and construction.

I really need to revisit this one. It had a resonance to it that I think really made it stick in my brain (and obviously I am not alone).