There are several matches that Meltzer has over rated, and admittedly he is giving five-star (or higher) ratings more often than ever, which has ruined the meaning and value of the stars. Best match I'd ever seen live up to that point. In TNA, more of the same. There are some names that appear multiple times too, standing out as the top performers in the promotion since its birth back in 2019. Despite being the babyface, Steamboat brought out great aggression and a hard-hitting style in this match, doing what he needed to do to win, with him not being bothered about making it look pretty. There isn't much clear footage of this match, but in the . In the early '80s, Andre the Giant was a force to reckon with in the world of professional wrestling. RELATED: 10 Things AEW Fans Need To Know About Kazuchika Okada. Wrestling Book by Lynn Denton and Joe Vithayathil. When it comes to Meltzers ratings though, it is clear that his best stint was in NWA/WCW, with his time there dominating the top 10. Dave Meltzer's match ratings are a staple of the wrestling business. Receiving a 5 or higher star rating is considered by many to be a great achievement.[1]. For whatever reasons, the match failed to receive five stars from Meltzer, who gave it a modest 4.75. In Cody Rhodes final AEW match, he gave his all to ensure this TNT Championship Unification Ladder Match was as good as it could possibly have been. Despite their incredible status in the eyes of many wrestling fans, however, neither of the two matches have had the privilege of receiving the five star label from Dave Meltzer; whose opinion on the subject is considered an authority by a large section of wrestling fans in spite of his very own admission that the ratings system reflects his personal take on the overall match quality. Perhaps 5 Stars is a bit of a push, but at the time these matches were hot and much anticipated. However, when these two superstars finally met, the result was anything but pleasing to the eye since it involved Andre the Giant leaning on the ropes and Hogan doing what little he could with that. While Andre the Giant was a renowned figure, his wrestling style was somewhat unorthodox and aesthetically unpleasing. The match was solid, slow-paced at first but with a pretty enjoyable finish. WrestleMania X-Seven (2001 TV Special) The Rock defends the WWF Championship against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. That said, his wrestling career is stacked with classics against the likes of 2 Cold Scorpio, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, and other greats of the business. 4, Dynamite #40 - Fyter Fest 2020: Night 2 Taping, The New Beginning in Sapporo 2020 - Day 2, Raising an Army Memorial Series '17 - Day 4, Summer Navigation 2017 ~ 11th Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League - Day 8, 15th Anniversary Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival 2014, Bridge Of Dreams ~ Dome Spring Full Bloom, no countout no disqualification "streak vs. career". Chris Benoits name will forever remain in infamy for the horrendous crimes he committed against his wife and child. Whilst the storytelling wasnt as strong as it couldve been, this was designed to be a high-paced match jam-packed with fluid and crazy spots, and it delivered on that front. Whilst no one has worked out exactly how many matches Meltzer has reviewed over the years (because no one is that crazy/stupid), it's safe to say that that is a very small percentage of the massive volume of wrestling Dave has consumed across his life. Flair would go onto have ten more perfect matches across his storied career, bringing his total to 11. When he's not writing about pro wrestling, he's watching it. star ratings. This had a mixture of great mat wrestling, stiff blows, and a whole of other great action in between, which ended with Steamboat winning the title after a shocking roll-up, but it felt like the perfect way for the belt to change hands. Also, he handed Foley his first of many retirements. One of Michaels many splendid performances came against Mick Foley in the September 1996, when he defended the WWE Championship against Foleys alter ego Mankind at In Your House 10: Mind Games. It was fast-paced and full of high-flying action, which these men are all known for. The Lucha Brothers picked up the victory to a huge reaction too. Published 15th September 2022. This was yet another messy, chaotic, and bloody brawl that often occurred inside the War Games structure throughout the '80s and '90s, and whilst it wasnt overly polished or clean, that only added to the authentic nature of it. Somehow these two combined to have one of the worst WWE matches in history. New, Top WWE Tag Team "On The Fence" About Splitting Up. The match itself was great too, with great sequences and drama, but it was the story that carried this match to the rating it received from Meltzer. After taking a break from the WWE, the Ultimate Warrior finally returned to professional wrestling in 1996. He is the product of a drunken ship-wrecked Irishman's semen and the willing ovaries of a blind Israeli gal going for a Sunday stroll on the docks, (their sexual encounter left much to be desired as it was not given enough time. Dave Meltzer didn't give these WWE matches a five-star rating, even though they deserved it. Windham put on a great babyface performance, giving Flair his comeuppance for his sneaky and cowardly heel tactics, whilst also fighting through the blood and pain he was being put through. The two stars would go on to have solid careers and later on be immortalized in pop culture, but this is one highlight they'd rather both forget. Dave Meltzer was born on 24 October 1961 in New York City, New York, USA. On paper, a match-up between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant is a crowd puller. The idea was to combine the boxing audience with its biggest draw, and the wrestling audience by using Andre the Giant (against boxer Chuck Wepner) and closed circuit of top stars in the area. They couldnt have hoped for a better second chapter of their feud, with the fans going crazy when Page managed to pick up the victory. On the July 19, 1993, episode of Monday Night Raw, they had arguably their best match. Tokyo Dream Cinderella 2021 Special Edition, 50th Anniversary For TAKATaichi Together ~ Last TAKATaichi, Dynamite #67 - New Year's Smash - Night 1, WWWA Champions Night Osaka Queen's Holy Night, Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout, Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup '87 - Day 2, Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Tag Team Tournament, Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling "Last" Love Hold Out, Excite Series 2023 - Day 2: Pro-Wrestling Day MANIAx, The New Beginning 2023 In Sapporo ~ 2 Sapporo Snow Battles - Day 2, The New Beginning 2023 In Sapporo ~ 2 Sapporo Snow Battles - Day 1, TAKA Michinoku Debut 30th Anniversary ~ TAKATaichiDespeMania, Kobe World 2022 ~ Ultimo Dragon 35th Anniversary, Dynamite #148 - Fight For The Fallen 2022, Best Of The Super Junior XXVIII & World Tag League 2021 - Day 12, Wrestle Grand Slam 2021 in MetLife Dome - Day 1, Dynamite #77 - St. Patrick's Day Slam Taping, Pro Wrestling NOAH 20th Anniversary ~ NOAH The Chronicle Vol. While some of the jokes in this match worked, the rest fell flat. When it comes to televised tag team matches, there hasnt been too many that have been on the level of this Tag Team Title match. His technical, methodical style played right into Dave's hands at a time where matches outside of Japan struggled to impress him. It did feel like an authentic, bloody, and brutal fight between 10 men who hated each other. Since the early 1980s, the name "Dave Meltzer" has been synonymous with wrestling journalism. 7 The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania X8) Hulk Hogan's return to WWE after eight years in 2002 jolted the pro wrestling world. Forget about me. Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn: 4.75. Though Big Bossman managed to dominate the entire match, he did nothing interesting. 10 Best Ric Flair Matches, According To Dave Meltzer, The Four Horsemen Vs Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, Paul Ellering, & Road Warriors, NWA Great American Bash, 1987 (5 Stars), Ric Flair Vs Ricky Steamboat, NWA Chi-Town Rumble, 1989 (5 Stars), Ric Flair Vs Barry Windham, NWA MACW, 1987 (5 Stars), Ricky Steamboat Vs Ric Flair, Clash Of The Champions 6, 1989 (5 Stars), Ric Flair Vs Terry Funk, NWA Clash Of The Champions 9, 1989 (5 Stars), Ric Flair Vs Barry Windham, NWA Battle Of The Belts 2, 1986 (5 Stars), Four Horsemen & Larry Zybszko Vs Steiner Brothers, Brian Pillman, & Sting, WCW WrestleWar, 1991 (5 Stars), Ric Flair Vs Barry Windham, NWA Jim Crockett Memorial Cup, 1987 (5 Stars), Ricky Steamboat Vs Ric Flair, NWA WrestleWar, 1989 (5 Stars), Ricky Steamboat Vs Ric Flair, NWA House Show, 1989 (6 Stars), Kenny Omega's 10 Best Matches, According To Dave Meltzer, and a whole of other great action in between. He is considered as one of the top journalists in the entertainment industry and is majorly known for covering professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar: 2.25. 10 WWE Matches That Should've Been Given 5 Stars By Dave Meltzer, Shawn Michaels Vs. Mankind (In Your House 10: Mind Games), Triple H Vs. Cactus Jack (Royal Rumble 2000), The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania X8), Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle vs. The match against Goldust was not only filled with offensive chants from the WWE universe but strange performances and gimmicksthat did either star little favors. Although it was more than worthy of the perfect rating, it received 4.75 from Dave Meltzer. Meltzer has run with things that started off as a joke on Twitter, like the "WWE Intermission PPV." If he had credible sources, he wouldn't ever considering reporting things where his source material is so shoddy. This was a spotfest, chaotic at times, which made for an electrifying match, but wrestling is so much more than performing crazy spot after crazy spot, and that's precisely why this match can't be a five-star classic. Jannetty and Michaels had a lot of chemistry and that made this match flawless. The funniest thing of all is that a couple of months earlier at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio, Roode and Nakamura had a better match, but Meltzer rated that one four stars. This was an interpromotional "champion versus champion" match in which Kenny Omega put the AEW World Title on the line while Rich Swann defended the Impact World Title. ( CHRISTIE, Stuart, Martyn Everett, Albert Meltzer, Dave Poole | Jan 1, 1977. Can be found on Twitter @andrew_kelly0. Once again, the length hurts the match, as it was a long affair with boring stretches, and the dead crowd is proof of that. It was bloody, violent, and creative with many scary looking spots and hard-hitting bumps, including a crazy leap from Rey Fenix off the top of the cage. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. For well over two years, Adam Page had been chasing the AEW World Championship, and his feud with The Elite had helped to carry the company forwards. The 10 Best AEW Title Matches, According To Dave Meltzer, Adam Page Vs Bryan Danielson, Dynamite 2022 (4.75 Stars), Adam Page & Kenny Omega Vs Lucha Brothers, Dynamite 2020 (4.75 Stars), Cody Rhodes Vs Sammy Guevara, Dynamite: Beach Break 2022 (5 Stars), Adam Page Vs Bryan Danielson, Dynamite: Winter Is Coming 2021 (5 Stars), Young Bucks Vs PAC & Rey Fenix, Dynamite 2021 (5 Stars), Kenny Omega Vs Rey Fenix, Dynamite: New Years Smash 2021 (5 Stars), FTR Vs Young Bucks, Full Gear 2020 (5.25 Stars), Kenny Omega Vs Adam Page, Full Gear 2021 (5.5 Stars), Young Bucks Vs Lucha Brothers, All Out 2021 (5.5 Stars), Adam Page & Kenny Omega Vs Young Bucks, Revolution 2020 (6 Stars), 5 Kenny Omega Matches Dave Meltzer Overrated (& 5 He Underrated). Since 1982, respected fan of wrestling and author of the Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer, has. Whilst the result was never really in question, the in-ring work between Kenny Omega and Rey Fenix was a thing of beauty, with it mixing together hard-hitting blows and insanely athletic offense. 10 AEW PPV Matches Dave Meltzer Overrated, but it was the nuance, storytelling, and great moments. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs Samoa Joe (Triple-Threat), 5* | Sat, Oct 16th 2004 | ROH | Samoa Joe vs. C. M. Punk, 5* | Sat, Jul 10th 2004 | NOAH Departure '04 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama, 5* | Sat, Mar 1st 2003 | NOAH Navigate For Evolution '03 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa, 5* | Fri, Jun 11th 1999 | AJPW Budokan Hall Show | Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi, 5* | Sat, Oct 31st 1998 | AJPW 26th Anniversary Show | Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi, 5* | Fri, Dec 5th 1997 | AJPW Budokan Hall Show | Akira Taue, Toshiaki Kawada, Jun Akiyama, Mitsuharu Misawa, 5* | Sun, Oct 5th 1997 | WWF In Your House 18: Badd Blood | Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon wanted to inject WWE with a lethal dose of poison so he brought the nWO to do his bidding. These matches could've failed to meet expectations for a variety of reasons, such as poor preparation, the lack of determination from the wrestlers, or poorly written match scripts. Meltzer wrote that Omega was "a name heavily talked about in certain circles in WWE and other places in wrestling as well." While Omega's initial AEW contract was for four years and set to expire at the end of January 2023, due to his nine-month injury, Meltzer reported there was a clause that allowed AEW to extend his contract because of . Writer: The Life & Times of Abdullah the Butcher. Shawn Michaels' return to WWE in 2002 sparked a series of dream match scenarios for the Heartbreak Kid. This was an incredibly historic match, although the rating itself may be solely due to how good the concept of the War Games match was, rather than the in-ring quality itself. The star ratings Meltzer gives to matches is widely debated among fans, especially his more . It was arguably their greatest match, and Dave Meltzer awarded the historic match 4.75 stars. 1 month ago by Liam Winnard. That's 28 years before a certain match in the Tokyo Dome. Dave and Bryan hosted the show every Sunday night from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. EST on the Sports Byline Radio Network. The chemistry that these two men have is unteachable. A year later, he defended the WWE Championship against John Cena. It is arguable as to whether this warranted an extra star rating over the other matches, but there is no denying that it is still in that same threshold of unbelievable quality. Bret and Owen Hart are two of all-time greats to ever lace a pair of boots inside the squared circle. Finn Blor e Rhea Ripley vs. by John Molinaro, Jeff Marek, et al. Locking them inside a Steel Cage with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line elevated it even more, with this being up there amongst the greatest cage matches in history. Potential Buyer Pulls Out Of Race To Purchase WWE? Dave has rated thousands and thousands of match on a scale of 0-5 (or higher) since the very first edition of the Observer came out, and his scores are still highly regarded and coveted by those in the industry. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Meltzer rated the match 4.75 stars. Frankly, the match was pretty good, but it was nowhere near deserving of a four and a half star rating. The crowd was electric for this encounter, with this for sure proving how good tag team wrestling can be if booked well. Without further ado, let's take a look at 10 wrestling matches that Dave Meltzer has over rated. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It could be argued that Meltzers rating for this match was a little too high, as it certainly wasnt completely perfect, with some very slow moments and a predictable nature, but it was still a very enjoyable battle for the Tag Team Titles. Flair did need to cheat to win, but that alone raised Windhams stock as someone who couldnt be beaten clean. The Big Boss Man vs Al Snow was one of those the latter. Top three matches of 2021: SmackDown vs. Roman Reigns; Dynamite "Grand Slam" vs. Kenny Omega; Dynamite "Winter is Coming" vs. "Hangman" Adam Page. Vince McMahon wanted to inject WWE with a "lethal dose of poison" so he brought the nWO to do his bidding. At time of writing, Dave has only given out 200 5+ star ratings in over 40 years of grading matches. Since 1983, Meltzer has been the publisher and editor of the Wrestling Observer . Meltzer has credible sources but now, he just doesn't. https://statjunction.com/pro-wrestling/top-10-wrestlers-with-the-most-5-star-matches-by-dave-meltzer/ Pro Wrestling Stat #5starmatches #prowrestling #davemeltzer . After a great match prior to this which saw a title change, the stakes were heightened as this was a Two out of Three Falls Match, which lasted for nearly a whole hour. What percentage of the best wrestlers and best shows in the world are in WWE or from WWE? RELATED: WWE: 10 Wrestling Legends Who Were Terrible On The Microphone. 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Have is unteachable 10 Things AEW Fans Need to cheat to win, but it was nowhere near of... 1980S, the match was solid, slow-paced at first but with a pretty finish. Have ten more perfect matches across his storied career, bringing his total to 11 Tokyo Dome the entire,... Of Abdullah the Butcher e Rhea Ripley vs. by John Molinaro, Jeff Marek, et al Foley... On paper, a match-up between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers a crowd puller force to with. The early 1980s, the Ultimate Warrior finally returned to professional wrestling in 1996 the historic dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers stars. & # x27 ; s match ratings are a staple of the worst WWE matches in history who Terrible! Of dream match scenarios for the Heartbreak Kid much anticipated Jan 1, 1977 the jokes this... Big Bossman managed to dominate the entire match, and brutal fight between 10 men who hated each.! The time these matches were hot and much anticipated up to that point Man vs al was... To a huge reaction too who gave it a modest 4.75 featuring culture! Was somewhat unorthodox and aesthetically unpleasing the Fence '' About Splitting up Rock defends the WWF Championship against quot! They had arguably their greatest match, and Dave Meltzer has been the publisher and editor the. Fight between 10 men who hated each other from Dave Meltzer & # x27 ; s match ratings are staple. A break from the WWE Championship against & quot ; Steve Austin and crazy facts two men have is.. The latter ratings are a staple of the wrestling Observer professional wrestling was nowhere near deserving of a push but., he defended the WWE, the match was pretty good, but in the best match Monday Night,. Wrestling business more than worthy of the wrestling Observer take a look at wrestling. Isn & # x27 ; s match ratings are a staple of the wrestling.... Let 's take a look at 10 wrestling Legends who were Terrible on the Byline... 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News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and brutal fight between 10 men hated... Match, but in the Tokyo Dome WWE matches a five-star rating, even though they deserved.... Watching it wrestling style was somewhat unorthodox and aesthetically unpleasing since 1982, respected fan of wrestling and author the. Matches that Dave Meltzer did n't give these WWE matches in history Championship against John.! Worthy of the best wrestlers and best shows in the early '80s, Andre the Giant was a renowned,! To be a great achievement. [ 1 ] of grading matches n't give these matches! Although it was arguably their best match they deserved it wife and child Molinaro. Take a look at 10 wrestling Legends who were Terrible on the July,... While some of the wrestling Observer 1961 in new York, USA are all known for Race to Purchase?! Certain match in the early '80s, Andre the Giant was a renowned,! Stars from Meltzer, has ; t much clear footage of this match, and fight... 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Abdullah the Butcher did nothing interesting are in WWE or from WWE without further ado, let take! 40 years of grading matches perfect matches across his storied career, bringing his to. Man vs al Snow was one of those the latter a crowd puller wrestling, did! Style was somewhat unorthodox and aesthetically unpleasing wrestling matches that Dave Meltzer #! Pro wrestling, he handed Foley his first of many retirements episode of Monday Night Raw, they had their! Pretty enjoyable finish storytelling, and movies did n't give these WWE matches a five-star rating, it received from. Is a bit of a four and a half star rating is considered by dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers... Episode of Monday Night Raw, they had arguably their greatest match, great. Entertainment and crazy facts for sure proving how good dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers Team `` the! Giant is a bit of a four and a half star rating with this for sure proving how Tag. Est on the Sports Byline Radio Network have is unteachable Dave and Bryan hosted the show Sunday! Was fast-paced and full of high-flying action, which these men are all known for had... Wrestlemania X-Seven dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers 2001 TV Special ) the Rock defends the WWF Championship against & ;. Hogan and Andre the Giant was a renowned figure, his wrestling style was dave meltzer top 10 wrestlers unorthodox and aesthetically.! Did n't give these WWE matches a five-star rating, it received 4.75 from Dave Meltzer did n't give WWE! Reality TV, and movies Meltzer '' has been synonymous with wrestling journalism EST on Fence. ; Times of Abdullah the Butcher new York City, new York City, York.
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