AEW Rampage arrived on the wrestling map on August 13, 2021. The show quickly became popular with fans because of the excellent matches it delivered on free television. Tony Khan announced at the time that AEW would air both pre-taped and live episodes of Rampage.
Rampage in 2021 put on several incredible matches despite having debuted in the second half of the year. Stars such as Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson and Adam Page elevated the show by delivering high quality action.
Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best AEW Rampage matches in 2021:
CM Punk vs. Daniel Garcia (October 8)
CM Punk made his historic AEW debut at Rampage: The First Dance on August 20, 2021. The Second City Saint quickly embarked on an undefeated streak. The streak was challenged by upstart Daniel Garcia in October.
Garcia targeted Punk’s leg throughout the entire match. The Chicago native sold the offense while delivering occasional comebacks. The closing stretch also added to this solid outing on AEW Rampage.
Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC (AEW Rampage – October 22)
Andrade El Idolo and PAC tore the house down with a fantastic match on AEW Rampage in September. The pair ran it back the following month with another fantastic display of in-ring acumen and psychology.
Fans had been expecting a lot more from their previous match and they exactly got what they wanted. This AEW Rampage match between Andrade and PAC was extremely physical, with multiple stiff spots.
A distraction from Malakai Black only added to the crowd’s intrigue. The future House of Black member tried to take out PAC, but stopped in his attempts due to the arrival of Cody Rhodes.
Christian Cage vs. Kenny Omega (IMPACT World Championship Match – August 13)
Christian Cage and Kenny Omega had the honor of being the first match of the very first episode of AEW Rampage. Omega had been on a superb run under his Belt Collector gimmick. His challenger wanted to bring the IMPACT World Championship back to Scott D’Amore.
Captain Charisma and The Cleaner delivered a match of the year contender with their fantastic performance. Everything, from in-ring psychology to selling, was top notch. The closing stretch brought the crowd to their feet.
Bryan Danielson vs. Minoru Suzuki (AEW Rampage: Buy In, October 15)
Fans had been wanting Bryan Danielson versus Minoru Suzuki. They got the match on Rampage in October 2021. The American Dragon enjoyed the match from bell to bell as he went toe-to-toe with the legendary shoot specialist.
The pair battered each other with their stiff strikes. Danielson’s chest became crimson red with chop marks – courtesy of wrestling’s resident Murder Grandpa. The Dragon survived the violence with his signature Busaiku Knee strike.
Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston (October 29)
Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson entered the finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament on AEW Rampage. The two veterans of the squared circle dished incredible punishment on each other throughout the match.
Neither man wanted to lose in this high-stakes match-up. After failing to put away Kingston with his strikes, Danielson caught him in a triangle choke. The American Dragon still couldn’t get the Mad King to submit and won the match via referee stoppage.
Also read: Best AEW Rampage Matches Of 2022
