The Best Pro Wrestling Matches Of 2026 [So Far…]

From WWE to AEW, AAA and New Japan, there have already been some breakout wrestling matches in 2026 that could be match of the year.

While history has shown that one promotion can lead the charge with classic matches, every major promotion has delivered a match of the year contender within the first 6 months. From 2 luchadors going to war in a mask vs. mask match, a legend’s last fight and a torch-passing moment, wrestling fans have been spoilt so far this year.

The Best Pro Wrestling Matches Of 2026 [So Far…]

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada – Wrestle Kingdom 20

Last matches can be difficult to pull off. While the likes of Sting, The Undertaker and Steve Austin all ended their in-ring careers on a high, Ric Flair’s last match was not befitting of The Nature Boy’s legacy. Putting Hiroshi Tanahashi in the ring with one of his greatest rivals, and one of the best wrestlers of the 21st century, set things up for an all-time classic, and both men delivered on that expectation. Filled with drama and multiple kick-outs from the Rainmaker, there was the possibility that The Ace may pick up one final win. However, Tanahashi was no match for the younger Okada, who ensured that the President of New Japan was given a final match to remember.

CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns – WrestleMania 42

One of the most personal rivalries in WWE since Punk fought Drew McIntyre. Bringing up past issues with one another and how Punk was responsible for some of the fan backlash towards Reigns, this was the match that helped to promote a more underwhelming WrestleMania on paper. While some have debated that Punk didn’t headline Mania in 2025, there was no denying that he was the main event one year later. Given the star treatment in video packages and with the big entrance, this was a match more than 20 years in the making for the then-World Champion. When it came time for the match itself, Punk hit Reigns with everything he had, but still couldn’t pin The OTC. In the end, Reigns’ insults of Punk being old proved to be true, as Punk was unable to hit that final GTS for the win. As has been seen many times at Mania, Reigns stood tall to close out a landmark rivalry.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita – AEW Double or Nothing

When Takeshita signed with AEW and proved to be the next big Japanese star, there was one match that everyone wanted to see. Following multiple miscommunications in previous matches, The Alpha and The Rainmaker were finally given the opportunity to go one-on-one. Much like the Tanahashi match, the old Okada fans know and love resurfaced to make Takeshita a star. That being said, Takeshita more than held his own and delivered another landmark performance just before his 31st birthday. Packed with many believable near falls, Takeshita hit the Raging Fire to finally put away the multi-time IWGP World Champion. While Takeshita is the International Champion, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the champion in AEW.

El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano – Mask vs. Mask

At the 2026 Royal Rumble, the Original El Grande Americano returned from injury to confront the new El Grande Americano. Little did fans know at the time that this would be the start of one of the hottest rivalries of the year. While the feud was presented as more comedy in WWE, AAA was an entirely different story! Fans got behind new Americano in such a way that he became a national hero in Mexico, despite being from Germany. Culminating at Noche de Los Grandes, the two had a no DQ match that featured drama, interference and everything fans wanted to bring this rivalry to a fitting crescendo. After the match, Original Americano took off his mask to reveal his identity as Chad Gable, setting him up for a major babyface run in WWE.

Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland – AEW Forbidden Door

Although Ospreay has been predicted by many to be a future World Champion, the Essex star has been one to fall short multiple times. Along with losing out to Adam Page in the 2025 tournament, Ospreay also lost to Strickland in what was the former World Champion’s first defence. Aligned with The Deathriders, this is a more focused Ospreay looking to rise to the top of the card. Bloody for all the right reasons, Strickland focused on Ospreay’s surgically repaired neck and Ospreay fought from underneath as the babyface. Showing his more vicious side, Ospreay hit Strickland with 3 finishers in a row to win the match and secure his spot at All In: Wembley. This is Ospreay’s time, and this match proves why.

Featured image: WWE