1) Abyss vs AJ Styles – Six Sides of Steel Cage Match – TNA Lockdown 2005
This match tops the list for many reasons but at its core, it is simply a great match. The psychology, storytelling, and moves engage the live audience in exactly the way that some competitors only dream of having the chance to do and it translates perfectly to the screen lasting well beyond that night over 13 years ago. Top that off with the fact that it is the first Lockdown main event cage match and you have the makings of something very special indeed.
AJ Styles was already seen as one of the best but it was a match like this that cemented his versatility and raised his stock even further. It also proved how valuable Abyss was to the TNA roster. In addition to the sound fundamentals of wrestling storytelling, these two created memorable moments that have embedded themselves in the hippocampus of anyone that has taken the time to view this match. Whether it’s Abyss slamming the cage door into Styles’ face or a bloody Styles making the cover after a sunset flip powerbomb into the thumbtacks, the classic David vs Goliath battle cemented both performers’ status as top tier.
