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In a span of just a few weeks, professional wrestling has produced several instant classics that fans should go out of their way to watch.
Over the past week or two, major wrestling promotions delivered some of the year’s best matches. From AEW Double or Nothing and WWE Clash in Italy to AAA Noche de Los Grandes, fans were treated to unforgettable performances and some of the finest storytelling.
As wrestling continues to build momentum heading into the second half of 2026, these matches have not only entertained audiences but also set up intriguing storylines for the months ahead. If you’re looking for wrestling bangers to catch up on, here are some of the matches you need to rewatch.
Original El Grande Americano vs El Grande Americano II – Mask vs Mask Match (AAA Noche de Los Grandes)
What started as a joke character somehow became one of the biggest stories in Mexico. When Chad Gable suffered an injury, the new El Grande Americano stepped in and took the character to even greater heights. While Gable made the gimmick work initially, his successor elevated it into something truly special.
Their Mask vs. Mask Match was packed with incredible spots and layered storytelling, all in front of a passionate Mexican crowd that was fully invested from start to finish. The atmosphere alone made the match feel special, but the in-ring work elevated it even further. This was also one of the bloodiest matches in recent memory.
When Gable was finally revealed after losing the match, the reaction from the crowd was deafening and well deserved. The storyline has only scratched the surface of what both competitors can achieve moving forward. We’re only entering the second half of the year, but this is already a legitimate Match of the Year contender.
Darby Allin vs MJF – Title vs Hair Match (AEW Double or Nothing)
Darby Allin’s world title reign may ultimately be remembered as a short one, but it was also one of the best championship runs in AEW history. He proved himself to be a fighting champion, constantly putting his body on the line and delivering high-quality title defenses whenever called upon.
Standing across from him was MJF, the devil himself and the former champion seeking redemption and revenge. After losing the title, MJF disappeared for a period of time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike once Darby’s relentless title defenses began taking their toll.
The match was a masterclass in storytelling. Darby’s resilience and willingness to endure punishment clashed perfectly with MJF’s calculated and opportunistic approach. Every near fall felt meaningful, and the crowd was fully invested in every twist and turn.
Beyond the in-ring action, the emotional stakes elevated the contest into something special. The result was one of the promotion’s most compelling main-event matches of the year.
Jade Cargill vs Rhea Ripley – WWE Women’s Title (WWE Clash In Italy)
On a card featuring blockbuster matches like Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther, Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley’s match was somewhat overlooked heading into the event.
Their WrestleMania encounter was solid, but many felt the buildup failed to generate enough excitement. The same concerns existed heading into the rematch, yet once the bell rang, both women reminded everyone why they belong among WWE’s elite.
The chemistry between the two was evident throughout the match. Ripley once again showcased why she remains one of the faces of WWE’s women’s division, while Cargill continued to silence critics with another impressive performance.
More importantly, the match demonstrated Cargill’s continued growth as a performer. Against one of the best in the world, she looked comfortable and confident. She proved she is capable of hanging with WWE’s biggest stars. It may not have received the attention of some of the event’s headline bouts, but it was one of the night’s strongest matches.
Konosuke Takeshita vs Kazuchika Okada – International Championship (AEW Double or Nothing)
The Double or Nothing crowd was electric throughout the evening, and Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada more than lived up to the atmosphere.
In what felt like a G1 Climax Final-caliber match casually placed in the middle of the card, two of the world’s best wrestlers delivered a spectacular performance. After months of tension within the Don Callis Family, the longtime stablemates finally collided. Okada continues to prove why he is one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, maintaining an elite level well into 2026. Meanwhile, Takeshita keeps establishing himself as one of AEW’s future faces of the company.
The match was packed with memorable sequences and breathtaking counters. From brutal strikes to dramatic near falls, every moment felt significant. The Rainmaker on the apron was particularly jaw-dropping, and the crowd reacted as if they were witnessing a Tokyo Dome main event. In the end, Takeshita reclaimed the AEW International Championship in a career-defining victory.
The drama didn’t stop there. What many fans thought would be a celebration of “ProtoShita” instead turned into heartbreak as Kyle Fletcher shockingly turned on Takeshita after the match. The betrayal immediately created one of AEW’s most anticipated feuds moving forward, leaving fans excited to see what comes next.
Banner Images from Chad Gable on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
The original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) faced his successor in a Mask vs. Mask match at AAA Noche de Los Grandes. In a bloody, crowd-invested bout, Gable lost his mask and was unmasked to a thunderous crowd reaction. The match is considered a strong Match of the Year contender for 2026.
Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kazuchika Okada to reclaim the AEW International Championship at Double or Nothing 2026. The match drew comparisons to a G1 Climax final in quality. After the win, Kyle Fletcher turned on Takeshita, immediately setting up one of AEW’s most anticipated new feuds.
MJF defeated Darby Allin in a Title vs. Hair Match at AEW Double or Nothing 2026, ending Allin’s AEW World Championship reign. The match is widely regarded as one of AEW’s best main-event storytelling performances of the year, built on the contrast between Darby’s resilience and MJF’s calculated in-ring approach.
Jade Cargill faced Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship at Clash in Italy and delivered one of the event’s most praised performances. Despite entering with lower expectations than the card’s headline matches, Cargill demonstrated continued growth and held her own against one of WWE’s top performers.
Three major promotions delivered standout matches in mid-2026: AEW Double or Nothing featured Takeshita vs. Okada and Darby Allin vs. MJF; WWE Clash in Italy showcased Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley; and AAA Noche de Los Grandes produced the El Grande Americano Mask vs. Mask match, all contending for year-end honors.