In the world of professional wrestling, few names have become as synonymous with star ratings as Dave Meltzer, who has been assigning ratings to matches since 1982. As of 2024, Meltzer rated 27 matches as five stars or above, showcasing the continued evolution and excitement of wrestling. His ratings are a much-anticipated aspect of the wrestling community, with fans eager to see which bouts resonate the most. As the wrestling calendar moves into 2025, Meltzer has already begun to highlight matches that stand out as true showcases of talent and storytelling.
January 4, 2024, marked a significant return to the ring for Kenny Omega as he faced Gabe Kidd in a spectacular match at the Tokyo Dome. This bout wasn’t just a homecoming; it was a showcase of skill, rated at an impressive 5.25 stars by Meltzer. “We will have matches with more great moves that the crowd will be louder and give standing ovations to, but I’m not sure any of them will leave you as emotionally moved and drained,” Meltzer remarked, emphasizing the depth of emotion and intensity Omega brought to the match.
The excitement didn’t stop there. On February 2, 2025, Stardom’s Supreme Fight event saw the Cosmic Angels face off against Neo Genesis for the Artists of Stardom Trios titles. In a hard-fought match that lasted 18 minutes, Neo Genesis ultimately triumphed, led by AZM, who pinned Saori Anou, securing a solid 5-star rating from Meltzer. He praised the contest, stating, “This was one of those all-action trios matches that just got better and better.” Meltzer currently regards it as the second-best match of the year, surpassed only by Omega's return against Kidd.
In another thrilling encounter, Yota Tsuji clashed with Gabe Kidd on February 11, 2025, for the global title in a match that ended in a dramatic double knockout after 21 minutes. Meltzer remarked, “Every single move and spot meant something,” highlighting the storytelling aspect of the match that added to its overall excitement.
A few days later, on February 15, 2025, wrestling fans gathered for AEW's Grand Slam event in Brisbane, Australia, which featured an explosive tag team match. Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega teamed up against Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher, delivering a match that Meltzer rated 5 stars, calling it the best tag match of the year thus far. The anticipation was palpable, with fans chanting “this is awesome” even before the first blow was thrown. The relentless pace kept spectators on the edge of their seats, as each competitor executed their high-impact moves with precision.
March 1, 2025, saw a long-standing rivalry rekindle at WWE's Elimination Chamber, where Kevin Owens faced off against Sami Zayn. This emotionally charged bout was deemed the finest match of the event, culminating in Owens claiming victory after a series of powerbombs onto the apron. Meltzer noted that while Randy Orton's possible return could be a bigger draw for WrestleMania, the narrative build-up made Owens vs Zayn the standout match.
The following week, another pivotal clash occurred on March 3, 2025, in a match featuring Saya Kamitani and Tam Nakano at Stardom. This confrontation had far-reaching implications, as it was a “loser leaves Stardom” stipulation bout where Kamitani emerged victorious, leading Nakano to exit the promotion temporarily. Meltzer remarked, “Saya Kamitani won what was, based on the loser leaves Stardom stipulation, the biggest match in the promotion in years.”
With anticipation high, March 9, 2025, delivered two more notable matches at AEW Revolution. First up, Timeless Toni Storm's dramatic encounter with Mariah May featured a bloody and intense storyline that gripped the audience. Meltzer asserted this match reached a level unseen in any women's contest in the U.S. due to its storytelling and violent nature.
That same evening, Kenny Omega clashed with Konosuke Takeshita in another installment of their storied rivalry. In nearly 30 minutes of competitive wrestling, both showcased their elite skill, but Omega managed to find a way to win, illustrating his resilience. Meltzer remarked that this was the best overall wrestling match on the show.
The final highlight of March 9 saw Will Ospreay take on Kyle Fletcher in a thrilling and brutal match that walked the line between innovation and intensity, rated 5 stars as well. Meltzer commented that the contest was on par with some of the best matches in recent history, reinforcing the skill level both wrestlers possess.
As Meltzer continues to track these standout matches, wrestling enthusiasts worldwide are motivated to keep up with his ratings and reviews. The anticipation surrounding future bouts and the rankings they might receive shows that professional wrestling remains as dynamic and engaging as ever.
With each new match, stars rise and storyline threads weave tighter, ensuring fans stay invested in both the athleticism and narratives of professional wrestling.
For those interested in staying updated, subscribing to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is the way forward.
