AJ Styles vs. Matt Hardy

[9.0] "AJ Styles vs. Matt Hardy in 2005 felt like a true dream match at the time--one of the best high-flyers on the independent scene facing a WWE standout looking to re-establish himself. Styles brought his usual speed, agility, and crisp offense, while Hardy countered with a more deliberate, grounded approach rooted in psychology and timing. The clash of styles worked surprisingly well, with Hardy adapting to the faster rhythm of Styles and the indy scene. The crowd was fully engaged, treating it like a big-time bout, and both guys delivered with urgency and pride. A compelling match that balanced indie athleticism with veteran presence. They were given plenty of time to give the fans a great match and they did just that"

[7.0] "This is a really fun match that built very well. It took a while for them to properly get going, but the crowd being electric from the start helps with the atmosphere immediately. They really find their gear after about 15 minutes and it becomes a classic AJ performance. One of Hardy's better single matches, even if he's not the best seller."

[8.0] "This was a great match. AJ Styles was on fire on 2005, it seems like every single match that he was in, not only was he giving it his best, but he had some absolute classics that year. Credit to Matt Hardy, when he returned to WWE and he was fulfilling his prior commitments, he wasn't lazy about it. Matt had some really good matches in ROH and again here. They were given 26 minutes, which gave them plenty of time to have a great match. It started out slow, but not boring, as Matt and AJ were feeling each other out. As you might expect, the match built and built in a great way and the crowd was loud for this match. They even traded each other's finishes, as well as using their own finishes, but both men were able to kick out. Styles won after countering a Twist of Fate and transitioning into an Oklahoma roll for the pin. This was a great back and forth, with Matt putting over AJ Styles, both in the ring and on the mic. ****1/4"

[7.0] "It starts after a good promo by Hardy about the future of Wrestling. First part of the match is about holds and headlocks. Hardy really seems out of place, but the intensity starts to grow up as the match goes on and he can connect with a great Front Lock which he never used in WWE. Then, everything goes well, it's an enjoyable match with some peaks. I can't believe Hardy used the Styles Clash on AJ near the end. The end was great, at that point I could not figure who was going to win. With a better first part it could have been a classic. ***1/2"