The 4 best matches I have seen this week!

As someone who has followed wrestling for a long time this time of year is a very exciting time to be a fan of pro wrestling. With a two-day Wrestlemania 37 event around the corner and NXT’s recent announcement that they will be running two Takeover shows during Wresltmania has fans of WWE in a frenzy about what’s to come. Just like on the Mind of Monty podcast This particular blog and list will not only discuss WWE, but also All Elite Wrestling and New Japan pro wrestling.I believe with AEW’s consistency when it comes to great matches and the legacy of the New Japan Cup will also contribute to making a great list. Enough of me not doing what I’m supposed to be doing here is my list of the top 5 matches I’ve seen in the last week.

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1. Zack Sabre Jr Vs Will Ospreay - March 14th NJ Cup 2021

Before things went to hell last year and he pulled a Seth Rollins himself and could not keep his mouth closed on Twitter, Will Ospreay was recognized as possibly the best wrestler in the world. His legendary run in the Best of Super Jr 2019 and matches with Shingo Takagi and Hiromu Takahashi stood out the most with me. Recently his match with Okada at Wrestle Kingdom in January was another classic that seemed to put him back on the right track. As far as Zack Sabre Jr goes he is the 2018 New Japan Cup winner who is fresh off a tag team run with taichi, and he has been a thorn in the side of Will for a long time. They have had many battles over the Rev Pro title and Zack has taken most of the victories often when they fight. The matches are always fun with Will being the aerial assassin while Zack contrasts his style with submissions, strikes, and some of the best counters in the game. This match was no exception and it was also made more interesting by both men’s character change as of late as they have switched roles with Zack being more of a babyface and Ospreay on his first big heel run in NJPW with his united empire. This match was not only about advancing in the cup but also about who is the best British wrestler in the world which made the atmosphere for this match like none other.

Photo courtesy of NJPW1972.com

2. The New Day Vs The Hurt Business - March 15th, Monday NIght Raw

By this time in the week that I’m typing this, I'm sure if you are a wrestling fan the result of this match has probably already been spoiled for you but if you have not seen this match from the most recent edition of Raw you missed a gem. I'm not used to Monday night Raw having great title matches on the regular but when they do have one and it involves the New Day and the tag titles I recommend that you watch. The chemistry between these four was on display with well executed favorite spots with some nice false finishes included also. It is a shame that the Raw tag division is lacking when it comes to being focused on but encounters like this one makes you wonder how great these teams matches would be if it had more of a story behind it. Either way I believe this match earned its spot and I cannot wait to see Omos debut against the New Day at mania. (holding out hope that the hurt business gets added in the match)

Photo courtesy of WWE.com

3. Hirooki Goto vs Shingo Takagi - March 13th, NJ Cup

After his huge victory over The Rainmaker Kazuchika Okada in the first round of the cup there has been a buzz around Shingo Takagi’s name. As it should be he beat the main with the most heavyweight title defences in IWGP history. The buzz was probably there before that match but it was undeniable after that performance. Shingo is the best in every way possible in his current form character wise and in the ring. I loved him as a Super Jr and even more now as a heavyweight. For some reason though his dance partner in this physical clash of brute force vs technique Goto does not seem to get the respect he deserves. Goto for years now has had a great track record in tournaments. He is a three time cup winner and he fought like one in this match. It cannot be ignored that Goto beat Shingo last year in a great match and they were due for another great battle. If you like crisp striking and classic strong style fighting spirit this match is everything you could ask for.

Photo courtesy of NJPW1972.com

4. Thunderosa vs Britt Baker Unsanctioned Lights out - March 17th, AEW Dynamite

The evolution of women’s wrestling is something that truly is amazing. A decade ago there was no way in hell two women would be having an Unsanctioned match and they damn sure weren't in the main event. Thankfully, those days are gone because in 2021 we can experience matches like this one. After suffering from months of Britt Baker’s verbal and physical attacks Thunderosa had a chance to finally get some payback. That means we had a war here with no rules and these ladies absolutely delivered. From the opening bell these two ladies were relentless. I love this match because of the showcase of toughness these ladies showed and the fact that they went all out. It also had so many moments where I figured this match would be over that I lost count. There are a couple of spots where I cringed as if I was in the match with them. I'm sure my explanation is not doing the match justice if you are a fan of wrestling, not just women’s wrestling, seek this war out.

Photo Courtesy of Allelitewrestling.com