AEW has plenty to offer wrestling fans, but when you’re starting something new, where do you even begin?
- 1. Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros — Steel Cage Match, All Out 2021
- 2. Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. — WrestleDream 2023
- 3. Toni Storm vs. Mariah May — Hollywood Ending, Revolution 2025
- 4. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland — Texas Death Match, Full Gear 2023
- 5. Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay — All In 2026
- Start Your AEW Watchlist Here
Do you jump straight into weekly television? Do you go back and watch old pay-per-views? And if you do, which matches are actually worth watching?
That can be a daunting task.
To make things easier, five matches stand out as essential viewing for any new AEW fan. From fast-paced, high-flying action to technical masterpieces and downright chaos, each one highlights a different side of All Elite Wrestling.
Here are five AEW matches every new fan should see.
1. Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros — Steel Cage Match, All Out 2021
What better way to kick off this list than with one of the most celebrated matches in All Out history?
The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros inside a steel cage at All Out 2021 is considered by many fans to be one of the greatest tag team cage matches of all time. It perfectly captures the chaotic, high-flying style that helped put AEW on the map.
For those coming to AEW from WWE, Penta and Rey Fenix may already be recognizable. The two competed together as The Lucha Bros during their time in AEW, and this match shows them at their absolute best.
Throw in The Young Bucks, a steel cage, insane athleticism and plenty of chaos, and you have an unforgettable tag team encounter that is a must-watch.
2. Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. — WrestleDream 2023
Now, let’s slow things down and dive into the technical side of AEW. There may be no better introduction to that style than Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. at WrestleDream 2023.
When people say that “wrestling is art,” this is what they mean.
Two of professional wrestling’s best use the ring as their canvas, relying on holds instead of high-flying, strikes instead of theatrics, and incredible technical wrestling to tell a story.
They don’t need to say much. Every movement means something.
Not everyone is a fan of a slower, more technical style of wrestling, and that’s perfectly fine. But if you are, give this match a try. You won’t regret it.
3. Toni Storm vs. Mariah May — Hollywood Ending, Revolution 2025
Of course, we have to show the women of AEW some love. And if you want to see just how chaotic AEW’s women’s division can get, look no further than Toni Storm vs. Mariah May at Revolution 2025.
The long-running story between Storm and May came to a dramatic conclusion in a Hollywood Ending Match, a No Disqualification, Falls Count Anywhere bout that delivered exactly what the stipulation promised.
It was violent. It was chaotic. And it was very, very bloody.
The match also showcased something important for new AEW fans. The women aren’t simply given time to wrestle, they can get just as violent, chaotic and unpredictable as the men.
The story between Storm and May made the brutality mean something, turning what could have simply been a wild brawl into the culmination of a lengthy rivalry.
And if you’re not a fan of blood, consider this your warning.
This one gets very, very bloody.
4. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland — Texas Death Match, Full Gear 2023
If we’re going to highlight how violent the women can be, we have to show the men too. This match is the epitome of violence in AEW’s men’s division.
The rivalry between “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland became one of AEW’s most personal blood feuds, with the two men tormenting each other both physically and mentally.
Over the course of their rivalry, there were home invasions, a house was burned down and plenty of carnage unfolded. Their Texas Death Match at Full Gear 2023 was no different. This wasn’t simply two wrestlers having a match. It felt like two men who genuinely hated each other trying to destroy one another.
For a newcomer, this is a perfect introduction to AEW’s darker and more violent side. By the end, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself rooting for either Hangman or Swerve.
The real question is, whose side are you on? Just remember, this one is not for the faint of heart.
5. Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay — All In 2026
We’ve covered some of AEW’s most memorable matches, but no list would be complete without Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay.
AEW All In 2026 was headlined by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega defending his title against Ospreay at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
The two delivered a match that many fans immediately called a Match of the Year contender. It’s hard to disagree. Two of AEW’s very best wrestlers went out and did exactly what they were supposed to do in the main event. They stole the show.
Omega and Ospreay already had plenty of history together, and their encounter at Wembley added another chapter to one of AEW’s most celebrated rivalries. For a new viewer, this match offers a look at AEW on its biggest stage, with two world-class wrestlers competing for its top championship.
Talk about a perfect introduction to AEW.
Start Your AEW Watchlist Here
These five matches are only the tip of the iceberg. AEW has produced countless classics, from legendary tag team matches to unforgettable world championship bouts and everything in between.
But if you’re looking for a crash course in what All Elite Wrestling has to offer, this is a pretty damn good place to start.
Sit back, press play and enjoy. By the time you’re finished, you may understand why so many fans have fallen in love with AEW.
