It’s time for Ringside Logic to bestow our “Best of the Year” honors. 2021 will go down as an unforgettable year in professional wrestling for both good and bad reasons. Let’s focus on the good aspects of the industry, which consisted of action-packed matches, wild angles, and paradigm-shifting events in and out of the ring. Here is our pick for the 2021 Wrestling Show of the Year.
Wrestling Show of the Year: AEW All Out – 9/5/21
Years from now, when fans look back at All Elite Wrestling’s 2021 edition of All Out, they won’t just remember one of the most incredible nights in professional wrestling. They will also gain a deep appreciation for the nonconformist storytelling that led the way.
AEW owner Tony Kahn did things that the rules of booking 101 prohibit. He stacked the deck in the promotion’s favor where every veteran worth their salt would do the opposite, citing, “Less is more.” Here is what AEW delivered all on one single show.
The blockbuster event was sold on CM Punk’s in-ring return after a seven-year absence. NJPW’s Minoru Suzuki was the first of many surprise appearances. The Lucha Bros vs. The Young Bucks cage match might be the GOAT of tag team bouts, and the drama of MJF vs. Jericho proved you can still do a convincing career stipulation.
If that’s not enough, Britt Baker nearly stole the show in her match with Kris Statlander while teasing a sign of things to come. Then, the debuts of Ruby Soho, Adam Cole, and Bryan Danielson energized an already hot product.
Some of the legendary nights etched on the Mount Rushmore of wrestling show are WrestleMania 17, AAA: When World’s Collide, ECW: One Night Stand’ 05, and WCW Bash at the Beach’ 96. Over Labor Day weekend, AEW added All Out to this illustrious group of game-changing events.
Honorable Mentions: ROH Final Battle, AEW Full Gear, WWE Crown Jewel, WWE Money in the Bank, WrestleMania 37, NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 – Night 2.
Ringside Logic 