[9.0] "By far, my favorite Ospreay match of all time. Danielson amazing as always, and probably the best in ring worker of all time. Everything was perfect until the stupid and very silly finish - the only reason that i dont give this one a 10/10."
[10.0] "This match is what I would call "absolute cinema". In-ring-wise, this might be the best match that I've ever seen. One thing that I love not only about this match but about matches in general is just two people trying to prove who is the best. Although I love stories, sometimes you don't need the craziest story known to man just to build up suspense. These are two of the best in the world, just going at it. Who doesn't want to see that? And they delivered just like everyone thought they would. The difference, though, is that they delivered times a gazillion. From the false finishes to probably the best counters I've ever seen. I'll never forget when Ospreay went for that Styles-Clash and Bryan literally flipped the switch in the match and countered into the deadliest hurricanrana I've ever seen. Such a masterclass, such a masterpiece, and one of my favorite matches of all time. 6 stars."
[10.0] "What a masterpiece, man. Loved the psychology behind it, with Danielson using his technical wrestling at its favor, focusing on Ospreay's arm, as well as Will focusing on Bryan's neck. Some strikes looked brutal, that corkscrew moonsault was insane, the last match moments where intense as hell, mainly that staredown between both, and also, how could I forget, the one armed Styles Clash. Genuinely, one of the best matches I've ever seen (even though I'm more into spotfests and hardcore stuff)."
"The match was exhausting in the best way possible. Both men went into this match at their very best. Both trying to prove that they are the best, but most importantly, better than the other. Bryan's technical prowess with Ospreay's aerial assault was honestly just a perfect combination. They both brought the very best out of each other. The match had a scary, emotional ending, and just went to show how much Ospreay loves and respects Bryan. Both men deserve every flower in the world for this match."
[10.0] "what match it was man, will trying to push danielson to its limit by shattering his neck. danielson did a great job by going for comeback, and he put everything he had in the line to have a great match."
[10.0] "You have Bryan Danielson who is one of the greatest to ever wrestle in the twilight of his full time wrestling career go against the newest AEW signing in Will Ospreay. This match was phenomenal. This is one of the rare matches for me where I will remember this match for the rest of my life it was that good. For me this is the greatest wrestling match ever and the crowd really helped add another level to it as well."
"I watched this for like a 10 minutes completely zoned out because I had watched Ospreay Omega at Wrestle Kingdom just before and I had a long day at school. I then paused it and fell asleep for like 30 minutes. Then turned it on again and didn't pay any attention because I knew I wouldn't be able to be engaged with it. Don't be like me guys. Please pay attention to the stuff you watch. I'm gonna watch a Chigusa Nagayo match my friend sent me on twitter and hope I can engage with it well enough."
[9.0] "Match référence que je montre à mes amis qui veulent découvrir l'AEW, match de l'année, simple, pas de storyline à part savoir qui est le meilleur dans le ring.. Ospreay, Danielson, deux maîtres en la matière, un combat exceptionnel, we're not worthy ! La fin du match en face à face, des frissons, vive les Shonen et merci Messieurs."
[4.0] "Truly one of the matches of all time. Ospreay did the thinkable with all his moves and his oft no-selling, and Danielson being amazing as always. The finish was...a thing...Danielson having a seizure for no reason...This match aged worse than a 2000 Dumpster match done in WCW with Kevin Nash somehow involved. The middest match that has ever midded. Don't get why it got 6.5 stars, it's at max 3.25 for me (back then, now it'd be around 2.5-3 stars)"
[6.0] "Ospreay continues his exciting but psychology-less move spam, Danielson continues to be the best wrestler in the planet, my opinion was not swayed by this decent match, and I get why people like it so much."
[10.0] "(10) One of the best matches in AEW history. Great meshing of styles with a mix of technical and high flying with both doing a fantastic job, it was super physical too (some of those strikes looked brutal). The sequences were ridiculous as well and the one armed Styles clash was so so good. The knee to counter the Oscutter was so good and I really liked the ending as well."
[8.0] "This definitely isnt close to being as good as its rating suggests but this is still pretty great. This isn't a typical Ospreay match where the first half doesn't matter and the second half is all bombs. The work done in the first half actually is wrestled with some purpose. Danielson grounds Ospreay as he knows he's faster and more agile than him and that he also isnt as technically sound as he is. Ospreay struggles to defend against Danielson on the mat and even when he is able to make a little space for himself, he immediately outwrestled back into another hold by Danielson. It's fairly basic stuff but ill honestly take that over 10 minutes of mundane hold exchanges that dont go anywhere. This match is also far better paced than most of Will's big matches. The action slowly escalates until it reaches it's peak with some sick sequences towards the end, and the match doesn't feel like it overstays it's welcome despite it being over 30 minutes long. I do have a few problems with this, mainly Will's selling which isn't a huge part of the match but there are moments when he just shrugs things off and hits his moves without any struggle. There's a part early on where Bryan targets his ribs which he sells for a bit but literally two minutes later it's completely forgotten about when Will hits the Sky Twister Press to the outside as if he's completely fine. There's also his arm selling which is a little better but is still very inconsistent and Will only sells it when it directly factors into the match. Even despite that though, i still thought this was pretty great on the whole. It's definitely not one of the greatest matches ive ever seen and it's not even both guys' best match but there is a lot of cool stuff here and considering the length, this didnt really feel that long at all. ****"
[7.0] "This was a good match, at times very good, however it was not one of the best matches of all time as the rating on this site suggests, I would say that it is overrated. Way too much no-selling, like way too much; I get adrenaline rises and the wanting to fight through the pain etc, but continuously no-selling HUGE bumps is just not pro wrestling. Ospreay is talented and a great athlete, but he's not a top tier pro wrestler, far too many acrobatics and flips. I have seen many more Bryan Danielson matches that I have preferred. I bet Bryan wouldn't say this was his best match either."
[10.0] "This was simply fantastic. This match went over 30 minutes, but it didn't feel like that at all. The crowd was white hot and they were not disappointed. This very much felt like a new school match wrestled under an old school philosophy. Of course you had all the wild and crazy spots you find in a modern match, but the selling and the pacing of those spots were done to perfection. Each big moment, like the Busaiku Knee counter to the Oscutter or the Avalanche Tiger Suplex, were given moments to breathe. This made each of those spots really mean something instead of just moving on to the next move in three seconds. The execution was on point. The transitions, the mat wrestling, the striking, the aerial offense, the match construction, the ring psychology and the storytelling were all excellent. The finish was brilliant too with Ospreay not noticing Danielson's neck injury until after the match. This enabled him to go over without making him the bloodthirsty monster that Don Callis wants him to be, plus it protects Danielson as well. Such a sick match. Definitely one of the greatest of all time."
[10.0] "Great match. Everything was great -- even beyond great. Ospreay gave us a fantasy-like performance from another world. Bryan's first running knee was the best one ever. But Dave Meltzer's rating was way too high. Yes, it was great, but not at the 6.5-star level of greatness. *****1/4"
[9.0] "What an Classic, Ospreay & Danielson had the crowd in the palm of their hands biting at every single move the two men did, this was an hard hitting, high flying, technical masterpiece and an exhilarating match, Bravo."
"DREAM MATCH. Can you imagine Busaiku Knee and Hidden Blade exchanging back to back? And CRAZY counters by both. This match not only shows why Will is GOAT right now, also let us know Brain was another GOAT."
[10.0] "Dream matches only come around every so often. You sit and think about them. And in your imagination you think it's the greatest match ever. And they never happen for reasons like they were never in the same company together or because by the time they are. One of the people are usually past their best and dont want to disappoint people. And if they do happen it sometimes ends up being so forgettable it wasnt even worth getting hyped over it (I remember Bret/Sting having that hype and their matches were so mediocre they might aswell not had happened. WCW in the late 90s in a nutshell) This is everything you think its gonna be in your imagination. Best dream match since Angle HBK. Two demons of wrestling having a masterful match."
[10.0] "Really great in-ring work from both men, each having the other scouted out. I usually like to rag on Will Ospreay for trying too hard to get himself over at times, but I enjoy the fact that he was willing to work a more grounded technical affair. I also enjoyed that the first chain sequence in the match had a clear indicator of who had that encounter won, something that I wish happened more often in these sorts of things. Of course, there was plenty of drama in certain spots, although I do wonder why Ospreay tried to win via countout after hitting a Hidden Blade off of the apron. Regardless, a great technical affair, although I didn't have as much personal connection to it as I would've hoped. [9.5/10, rounded up for cagematch.net]"
[10.0] "Absolute peak wrestling. I didn't think I was fond of technical wrestling but this match proved me wrong. It also contained some amazing storytelling and huge sequences."
[10.0] "Oh my god this was so damn good. I had high expectations for this match, as Bryan and Will are two of the greatest ever. This is the definition of a slow burner. It started slow, but by the end, I was jumping up and down. Bryan taking a Tiger Driver 91 with his injury issues was crazy. *****3/4"
[10.0] "Might be the best AEW match ever. The two best in the world just having a masterpiece of a match. Everything was perfect from the crowd to the sequences and the big fight feel in the Arena. Incredible match"
[10.0] "An all-time classic that delivered on every possible level. Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay showcased two of the best in the world at the absolute peak of their craft, blending technical mastery, athleticism, and intensity into a breathtaking contest. The pacing was perfect, the counters and transitions were seamless, and the storytelling was world-class. Every near fall felt electric, and the crowd was completely invested from the opening bell to the unforgettable finish. A flawless match that defines what professional wrestling can be."
[10.0] "The crowd is great and it's a battle between two of the best to ever do it in the ring. The crowd is super into it and they went back and forth with brutal moves all match. I loved when Ospreay went for his cutter and Danielson got him with the knee to the back of his head."
[10.0] "Watching it at the time, in the middle of a whole pay-per-view, and coming on the heels of all the hype of its approaching, I found it tough to really just appreciate this for what it was. Looking back at it now... Just wow. There's the one time where Ospreay probably really didn't kick out in time and the ref momentarily has to pull up on the count, but beyond that this is flawlessly executed, with the smaller spots really more awe-inspiring than the big ones - Ospreay's palmstrikes to Danielson as he lies prone on the apron, the timing on the knee with which Bryan counters the Oscutter, etc. The story is oft-used, but when attached to such perfect execution and blazing intensity, this tale of how Danielson outwrestles Ospreay, so Will has to pick up the pace to take over, but when he does he gets cocky and Bryan takes back over, and how Ospreay, as the younger man, just powers up and wins the war as it devolves into a fight is spectacular. The way Ospreay sells his arm throughout is just one more detail to capture the toll of the battle. What a glorious thing."
[7.0] "This is very good. Of course, I'm not of the opinion that this is an all-timer but I'm known for being very low on Will Ospreay and this was far better than I expecetd. It's simple stuff, with Ospreay trying to take to the sky while Bryan tries to keep it on the mat and they commit to it well enough by grounding Ospreay for most of the match. He's alot more held back in this one and it works not only for the story they're telling but also in making the big stuff stand out more. Bryan's a real menace for most of this and puts Ospreay through the ringer. He doesn't go deep with the arm or core work mostly because Ospreay's able to shake it off and Bryan's latter efforts are mostly utilized in suppressing Ospreay's insane firepower, which of course leads to a predictably counter-nearfall heavy finishing stretch as is custom with so many of these Will Ospreay classics. However, it works here owing to the previously mentioned points. I'm not a fan of Bryan doing the concussion stuff in every match, though."
[10.0] "One of the best professional wrestling matches you'll ever see. Ospreay is a generational performer, but my one long-standing gripe with him is that he no-sells too often (no, he doesn't do "fighting spirit"; dude just straight up no-sells, like the German suplex/tombstone spot in his match with Takeshita). In this match though, the brilliant Bryan Danielson slows him down and gets him to sell more. That's another thing: while both men cut a fast pace, it never gets *too* fast to where the moves mean less or the viewer can't absorb the gravity of what's happening (a frequent problem with AEW). In this match, every move matters and the storytelling is great. Absolutely one of the best matches in company history, and among the best US matches ever."
[3.0] "I watched this match multiple times. I wanted to like it. I wanted to actually love it. But I look at it, based on how it will age over time. I appreciate the story they wanted to tell. And I get the abrupt finish. But then again I don't. Both guys have had excellent matches. This wasn't one of them. They were doing moves for the sake of doing moves."
"Though technically impressive, this match ultimately feels like a nothing-burner. Sure, Will Ospreay pulls off some undeniably cool flips, and there's a half-baked attempt to build tension around the Tiger Driver '99, but it never really goes anywhere. From a storytelling perspective, the match makes little sense -- it's being marketed to AEW fans as an "Absolute Dream Match, " and that's about as deep as it gets. I'm not the biggest Ospreay fan, and honestly, I think he's a bit overrated. That said, I can still recognize the athletic showmanship on display and give the match a solid eight stars based purely on spectacle. I prefer matches with more narrative substance. Ospreay represents the spectacle-over-story style that Uncle Dave (Meltzer) adores -- and that's the crux of my issue. He's all flash, no character, and while that may wow the crowd, it doesn't leave a lasting emotional impact."
[7.0] "You can call me a hater all you want, I just watched this last night, and this really didn't live up to the hype. I truly expected a lot more. Certainly not one of the greatest matches of all time like everyone makes it out to be. This just seems like every other Ospreay match."
[10.0] "One of the best singles matches I've ever seen, even one of the best matches, period. The crowd is totally into it from start to finish, split between the two wrestlers. All the spots are well-executed and work. The finish is well-delivered and works. I really had a great time watching this match. (5*)"
[9.0] "Early AEW Ospreay still in the Callis Family was fucking ruthless. Like the Fletcher match in March he held absolutely nothing back here. When Bryan has him in a triangle and takes a single moment to taunt, Ospreay lifts him so fast into a nasty Styles Clash. No fun and games. Ospreay goes alllllll in! Obviously incredible match with a perfect atmosphere. Bryan sells so well its crazy and he does the fake seizure sell again its hilarious. Third time watching this and it still has me bouncing off the fucking walls! ****3/4"
[8.0] "After a long hiatus from watching pro wrestling at all (7 years to be exact) I recently decided to dedicate some time to watching what are considered the greatest matches of all time (this being one of them). I've heard a lot of mixed things about AEW as a promotion and the overall creative direction of their company but to be honest I'm so far past the point in my life where I can invest long term in a fed that I would rather just watch good matches than care about storytelling and title reigns. I'm saying that as a preface to my judgement of this match so anyone reading this will know my perspective. Onto the review proper: Ospreay is one of the most hyped up performers in the wrestling world today and it's easy to see why: his work rate is absolutely insane and he has some truly amazing maneuvers in his arsenal that makes his matches very unique. He has a solid look but nothing in my opinion that stands out a whole lot, it's all about what he can do between the ropes. Danielson of course needs no introduction, I was already a massive fan of his and ever since his ROH days this guy has been untouchable during his generation in mat wrestling and submission tech. I was worried their styles might not mesh well but I'm happy to say I was wrong. Ospreay actually SOLD a lot of what Danielson did, perhaps not perfectly, but regardless he made Danielson's offense look devastating at times. I thought Ospreay did just the right amount of high spots without it being overbearing and the two of them put together some great sequences. I'm thrilled that it wasn't just a series of per-choreographed spots, even though obviously this match did have some of that (such is wrestling in contemporary times). I didn't hate the finish but I do think it was a bit forced. Danielson literally waiting a fucking eternity for Ospreay to get up just to play a game of chicken with him in the ring just felt like they were trying to get the crowd fired up, but at the same time it really breaks kayfabe a bit (yes I know kayfabe is dead, it's still real to me dammit! (TM)). Speaking of kayfabe breakers, I really did NOT like the Oscutter on the apron, Danielson literally had to step forward and then stop in the center of the apron for Ospreay to execute it and it looked so worked. I won't hold it against this match too much because it was the only spot (besides the aforementioned finish) that felt forced to me, but it still just kind of made me cringe a bit. I also COULD NOT STAND the crowd in the first ten minutes or so trying their absolute best to get themselves over and squeeze as many chants in as possible. These people were chanting "fight forever" within the first 5 fucking minutes of the match! Fuck off. I also completely tuned out the commentary as it falls victim to the same sports entertainment bullshit of telling stories rather than calling the match. I don't watch AEW that much though so maybe this isn't a fair representation of their commentary quality. Overall, this match was very enjoyable and exceeded my expectations but I do go in with a healthy degree of skepticism to every AEW match I watch because I know a lot of wrestling fans tend to overrate their work. 4.25 stars."
[10.0] "***** / "This is real brother. This is wrestling." - Ric Flair The dictionary definition best thing AEW will ever do. Sure some I'll prefer as a favorite but this is as good as wrestling will ever get."
[10.0] "Bryan and delivering on dream matches, name a more iconic duo. The samurai face-off just before the end was perfect. Can't wait for the rematch."
[10.0] "I love both Bryan Danielson & Will Ospreay, and I was very excited for this match. This was probably my 4th most anticipated matches of 2024 and it did not disappoint."
[10.0] "To put it simply, this match is the TOP1 in my heart. Watching it from start to finish, there are almost no obvious flaws. It lasts over thirty minutes with no props or excessive action outside the ring--most of the moves happen on the mat--yet it keeps a flawless rhythm without a single moment of dullness. The pace isn't fast; the typical rapid exchanges only happen twice near the end. Still, throughout the match, you can feel the momentum constantly moving forward. Every move carries some weight, whether big or small, serving as both an immediate fight display and a setup for what's to come. The techniques, transitions, and positioning are handled with incredible detail, showing off impressive technical skill. Plus, every big climactic spot is backed by countless connected actions that make it feel earned. All these elements weave together into a tight, flowing web, making the match feel as natural as breathing. It builds the precision of "chain wrestling" step-by-step through layered details. This is also a highly stylized match. Ospreay excels in high-flying, while Danielson shines in mat wrestling, but both are top-tier in striking and throwing too. They play to their strengths for unique clashes while also going head-to-head in areas they both master, making the match technically rich and well-rounded. The focus is on striking and mat work. The strikes--like basic knife-edge chops, roundhouse kicks, elbow strikes, and finishing moves like the hidden blade and busaiku knee--leave a strong impression. The holds, from the opening moments to a wide variety of locks and transitions, is packed with depth. High-flying is limited for Ospreay here, but the diving corkscrew moonsault outside the ring is top-notch and covers that aspect well. The throws prioritize quality over quantity, with moves like the avalanche tiger suplex and tiger driver 91 brought out--I can't ask for much more. Plus, in this match, Ospreay finally shows a rare sense of restraint. He limits his moves on purpose, sticking to a core set of techniques. His once-flashy style becomes sharp and focused, stripping away excess flair. This lets his unique lightness, precision, and flashes of genius shine through without any limits holding them back. Lastly, I think the MVP of this match is Bryan Danielson. Both wrestlers brought tons of high-quality action, but controlling the pace becomes the key factor, and Danielson stands out clearly here. He not only helps Ospreay get through the early parts he struggles with but also keeps him in check with his structure, making him follow step-by-step. To me, Danielson feels like a seasoned guide in this match, both in the story and in real life. In the storyline, he lifts Will to the top of AEW with a noble loss. In reality, he uses his skill, experience, and wrestling sense to lead Will toward true mastery. I have nothing but love and respect for them."
[10.0] "I can watch this match over and over again and still get that feeling like I am watching it for the first time. Maybe the best match I have ever seen."
[10.0] "Well, internet is for sure a damn shame to exist. I'm so fucking sick and tired to see people around talking about this match like this was just "another cooler match" from Ospreay. Probable there's no biggest fan of Bryan Danielson in the world than me, this guy means everything to me, he's the result of hard work, talent and humbling all combined in one guy. And what's funny about his oponnet it's the fact that Ospreay is literally the same thing, humble, dedicaded and talent. Some people in the internet don't really get the reason of this match or don't like it for some reason but...let's make this clear. They're basically facing eachother for they notice who is the best wrestler in the world, and I mean, there's nothing more WRESTLING than this. I know, it could be better, but yall need to understand the circunstances. It was the first year of Ospreay in AEW and LAST of Danielson as a full time wrestler, which means that we need to give a great start up for Ospreay and no one fuck knows if this match are gonna be able to happen again. And them...this match happen. There's basically some aspects in pro wrestling, but the most importants are for example technic, striking, athleticism and strengh. Bryan is the best in the first two, and Ospreay is the best in the last two. Most matches of Bryan work in a slow technical pace. Most matches of Ospreay work in a high intensity skilled match with sometimes unique spots. For a miracle that I can't even understand, they're able to mix their style and create this masterpiece. In my opinion, never in a pro wrestling match I saw something like this. Everything was executed perfectly, everything happenned perfectly, everything was selled perfectly. This was freaking awesome and this is fucking awesome. The way AEW showed that Ospreay was so focused to show that he's the best wrestler in the world that he don't even care about the healthy of Bryan during the match, executing a "dangerous" Tiger Driver 91 (one of the most smooths I ever saw) that make Bryan tremble in pain, fact that Ospreay notices only after his adrenaline left his body....cinema. At this time, wrestling was anime, cinema, action, fire, and of course, wrestling. I loved to write this listening to some amazing songs, and thanks for everyone who gonna read this in the future. Oh, and before I forgot...this is a FUCKING five stars match for me."
[10.0] "The best technical wrestler of all time in Bryan Danielson, taking on the most insanely athletic and innovative future star on the rise in Will Ospreay. They did not disappoint and neither did the St. Louis crowd whom IMO, matched WWE's France Backlash crowd that was red hot in recent times, at least for this match they did."
[10.0] "Simple story, two of the greatest performers to ever lace them up meet in the ring, put on a wrestling masterclass and have the best match in 2024"
[10.0] "absolutely insane match. easily in my top five matches of all time. essential watch for anyone looking to get into watching professional wrestling."
[10.0] "For some reason, I didn't rate this match immediately after watching it, so almost a year later, I rewatched it to see if it was still as good as I remembered. It was 10x fucking better. The crowd, the commentary, the storytelling, the action, the incredible highspots all were remarkable. If you watched this match a while back and thought it isn't a top ten match in North American wrestling history, you need to rewatch it. This talent and atmosphere cannot and probably will not ever be replicated again."
[6.0] "After re-watching the match, I lower my grade to a 6. I already said there was no storytelling. Added to that, there was quite some botches, a lot of no selling, and the finish left a bad taste in my mouth. Is it overrated? Depends on the watcher. But the match clearly isn't for me the best in NA"
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