Have you ever tried getting someone new into wrestling? Don’t know where to start? Well, here is a quick guide to everything that All Elite Wrestling has to offer. Here are the top five AEW matches for new fans.
Nyla Rose vs. Riho: AEW Dynamite 02/12/2019
Wrestling is a sport full of contrasts. Good vs. evil, rookie vs. veteran, but none is as effective at distilling the fun and awe of wrestling as little vs. large.
The match between Riho and Nyla Rose on the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite is an excellent example of the little vs. large style. It is a story that has been used repeatedly, not just in wrestling but in storytelling in general. The visual of a plucky 98 lb Riho taking on a much larger Nyla Rose is a simple story for new fans to latch onto. No hours of explaining backstory or past matches. Everything you need to know is on screen.
What’s more, it is an excellent mix of styles too. You have the sheer brute force of Nyla Rose. While Riho brings the Japanese Joshi style of quick strikes and speed. The partnership makes for some fantastic high spots that will have new fans oohing and ahhing, ultimately it is a well-told story with a little vs. large dynamic that exemplifies all the joy of wrestling. The match is quick, flows well, and has an easy-to-follow story. All of this is topped off by a fairy tale ending—a great match for new fans to be eased into the world of wrestling.
If you like this try: Dary Allen vs. Bodie King Fyter Fest 7/20/22
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa Lights Out Match: St Patrick’s Day Slam 03/11/2021
It is matches like this that die-hard fans love to shove into skeptics’ faces. “You think this is fake? Well, watch this.” WrestleMania 22 and King of the Ring 1998 were the usual go toos, and for a long time, they mostly involved Mick Foley, not women. That is until Britt Baker, and Thunder Rosa faced off at AEW’s St Patrick’s Day Slam 2021.
This match is a violent affair involving two women with something to prove. The match subverts the traditional narrative of women’s wrestling, with Britt and Thunder using every weapon in the wrestling handbook, including thumbtacks (a gimmick rarely used by women). It is a match filled with iconic visuals and has gone a long way to breaking the double standard of what “men can do” and what “women can do.” in wrestling.
For new fans, there is a brutality that is shocking and unexpected. Although from the way the two women wrestles, it is clear both women are fighting for more than just a fabricated feud. It is easy to see the blood and sweat women put into wrestling when it trickles down their faces. A bloody and brutal match that is not for the faint of heart. But if your new fan is a horror lover, maybe slide this match their way.
If you like this try: Penelope Ford & The Bunny vs. Tay Conti & Anna Jay Street Fight Match 3/12/21
Orange Cassidy vs. PAC: AEW Revolution 2020
Wrestling isn’t all blood, guts, or crazy feats of strength. Wrestling, at its core, is fun and silly. And wherever the word silly is used in wrestling, Orange Cassidy is not far behind. Again, the plot of the match is simple. The vicious and physically domineering PAC is trying to get his hands on the crafty Orange Cassidy.
While the aloof character or Cassidy can be hard to figure out without context, the commentary team and cheering fans help new fans figure out what OC is all about. The match is an excellent example of the ebb and flow of wrestling. The match starts slowing and builds and builds to a crescendo. There is also a story building as well as the intensity of the in-ring work.
An entertaining match with a strong good vs. evil dynamic that is as fun as it is athletic. A good choice for someone who isn’t into the serious competition that comes with other sports. The only downside, there is no getting to see that beautiful Black Arrow.
If you like this try: The Elite vs. The Inner Circle Stadium Stampede, Double or Nothing 2020
Young Bucks vs. Top Flight: AEW Dynamite 11/18/2020
I spoke about veteran vs. rookie earlier, and this list wouldn’t be complete without what is a massive part of AEW, its tag division.
Like many of the matches on this list Top Flight vs. Young Bucks is a tasting board of what wrestling has to offer. For new fans, it is easy to pick up on who is who, thanks to Top Flight’s youth and the flamboyance and arrogance of the Bucks.
The match is frantic and spot-heavy, precisely what you expect from Matt and Nick Jackson. However, it is the rookie vs. veteran story that runs throughout the match that puts it over some of the Bucks’ other matches in AEW.
A fast and fun match. New fans can marvel at this crazy spectacle and follow the story—the Bucks at their best.
If you liked this try: Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros Ladder match All Out 2019, Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros Steel Cage Match All Out 2021, Young Bucks vs. Hangman Adam Page and Kenny Omega AEW Revolution 2020
Aja Kong, Emi Sakura & Yuka Sakazaki vs. Hikaru Shida, Riho & Ryo Mizunami: Double or Nothing 2019
Believe it or not, I was new to AEW at one point too. Double or Nothing 2019 was my introduction to AEW. I had no idea what to expect. While the whole PPV was an outstanding debut for the company, this match hit me in my soul, and my fondness for OTT characters that made me fall in love with wrestling in the first place.
I vividly remember picking up on each woman’s persona just from their entrance—Yuka Sakazaki as a cheerful genie girl. Emu Sakura as a Freddie Mercury impersonator turned wrestler. The bright and bold colors of both Aja Kong and Hikaru Shida. How a person walks and presents themselves is vital in wrestling. You need anyone tuning in for the first time to know exactly who you are and what you’re about without speaking a word. This match does just that.
While this match is not as athletic or violent as some others on this list, it is here to show the length and breadth of who wrestlers can be.
So, there you have it, the top 5 AEW matches for new fans. But they are not the only great matches that AEW has to offer. Hopefully, these matches will serve as a guide and a jumping-off point for new fans into the beautiful world of AEW.
But that’s enough from me. What do you think? What AEW matches would you show a new fan? Let us know what you think. We love hearing from you and be sure to keep an eye out for more new fan guides in the coming weeks.
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