Voices of Wrestling 2024 Match of the Year: #5 (Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Bryan Danielson)

#5 in Voices of Wrestling’s 2024 Match of the Year is the technical masterclass between Zack Sabre Jr. and Bryan Danielson!

VOICES OF WRESTLING 2024 MATCH OF THE YEAR ARCHIVES

• Introduction, Voters & Honorable Mentions
• Matches #100-76
• Matches #75-51
• Matches #50-26
• Matches #25-11
• Match of the Year Statistical Analysis & Top 10 Early Reveal (FlagshipPatreon.com)
• Match #10: Hangman Page vs. Swerve Strickland
• Match #9: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
• Match #8: Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay
• Match #7: Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
• Match #6: Kazuchika Okada vs. Bryan Danielson
• Match #5: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Bryan Danielson

VOICES OF WRESTLING MATCH OF THE YEAR ARCHIVES

• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012

#5
Zack Sabre Jr. defeats Bryan Danielson
02/11
NJPW

Overall Points: 605
Total Votes: 83
Percentage of Ballots: 40.89%
11 First-Place Votes

“I grew up as a Bret Hart kid so I absolutely love me some technical mat wrestling and in 2024 nobody did it better than Bryan Danielson and ZSJ. Incredible technique, liquid transitions, innovative and intricate holds and counters and, crucially, always looking like a struggle. It never came across as cooperative or contrived; every counter was opportunistic, every hold was fought for, every submission brought me back to that footage of Stu Hart stretching some newbies in the Dungeon on Wrestling With Shadows. Two wrestling geniuses using the ring as a chessboard. MatWrestling4life” – Martin Hearty

“One of the highlights on Bryan Danielson’s ‘retirement’ tour in 2024, these two meshed as perfectly as I hoped they would. ” – Andrew Sinclair

“This is a nearly perfect wrestling match and perhaps my favorite ever. The way that for nearly 20 minutes (a length of time longer than any other match on the card except for the main event legally-distinct-from-WarGames match between Bullet Club and United Empire) not a single pin was attempted by Sabre nor Danielson shows the mastery of the art of wrestling both men possess, as well as their storytelling ability. Neither man wanted to pin the other one as they saw it as a cheap way to win, so when Sabre won via such – well, he doesn’t think this is the last chapter in this rivalry, nor do I. ZSJ was already an upper carder in NJPW before this match; this match solidified him as a main eventer and put him on the road to his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship win later in the year.” – Ryan Largent

“What a match. It is true that technical wrestling is not for everyone. But, when it is done this well, how can anyone look away? Dynamic, exciting, and entertaining graps all around. ” – Kiley Fuller

“Not quite as excellent as their match from the year prior, but Danielson and ZSJ put on a superb sequel in Osaka. As technically outstanding as one would expect without falling into the lulls that can plague such a match. Also an early sign of Zack’s career year in 2024.” – Jack G. King

“Remember when these guys had one of the best matches of 2023? They decided to have one of the best matches of 2024 too.” – Andrew Rich

“The technical masterpiece of the year. 30+ minutes of the two best wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle wrenching and striking each other past their breaking points. Easy to follow storytelling through a complex combination of technical prowess & perfect psychology, Danielson took advantage of Sabre Jr.’s hurt leg and it became a pivotal piece of the match. So many callbacks to their previous bouts and such an array of counters showing how much the two have studied each other, this was technical wrestling at it’s finest.” – Nick Johnson/Awes0max13

“Technical Wrestling!!!” – Conrad Kushman

“I’m a strong believer that when mat wrestling is good, it’s peak wrestling. If you want mat wrestling at it’s highest form, Danielson and Sabre are the two best in the business. My personal favorite match of the year and probably my favorite for years to come.” – Jon Rogers

“Bryan and Zack are two of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time. For years we dreamed of the technical masterpiece they’d create if they ever met in the ring. On this night in Japan they put on an exhibition that lived up to the hype. ” – Adam Berger

“A phenomenal technical wrestling match from two masters. Some incredible mat wrestling early on as both look for openings to try and lock in submissions. Sabre hurts his leg when he is dropped into the ropes and Danielson is all over it. Some great heel work by Danielson while Sabre is forced to work from underneath. Danielson mocks and toys with Sabre, asking him to get to the ropes, only for Sabre to instead wrestle out of the holds and Danielson decides to start lighting him up with strikes as a receipt. Sabre starts to fire back at Danielson and we get to a battle of big bombs from both men. Some really nice near-falls and exchanges from both men before Danielson tries to again go for the LeBell Lock, only for Sabre to counter into a crucifix pin and score the pinfall. Brilliant bell to bell pro wrestling match. Just incredible to watch these two make every movement count and work towards the win. Sabre was able to out-wrestle Danielson in the end to score the pin but yet again neither man was able to make the other submit.” – Alex Kalil

“These two had met the previous year in what was in many ways a perfect display of professional wrestling with technical skills unsurpassed by any other modern wrestler. Despite how great that match was there was something missing. Whatever was missing they found in this match. This match had perfect technical skills and wrestling but it also had immense drama and some of most epic sequences of in ring work it also had the benefit of taking place in front of a hot Japanese crowd which when they are on are the best fans in the world to work in front of. All of this added up to a phenomenal match worthy of being the finest of 2024. ” – Jason Turner

“The two best technical wrestlers of a generation. Expectations were high for this one and in some ways, those expectations were even exceeded. ” – Greg Parks

“Most likely the best pure professional wrestling match this year. Amazing!” – Akash Merten

“This was a captivating match, the kind you keep thinking about after you watch it. Two of the absolute best in the world wrestling a match that only they could have. There were more dramatic matches this year but for my money this was the best wrestling-ass wrestling match. ” – Swarles

“A rematch from last years Wrestle Dream the match, which happened to be my match of the year in 2023. Needless to say I couldn’t wait for this one and I was really happy that I didn’t have to work the next day so I could watch it live! This match was expected was a technical classic between two master technicians. Working holds wearing each other down and trying to score the win the old school way of beating your opponent down to where they can’t continue it’s the type of thing I always find enjoyment in and can sink my teeth into. Danielson’s work in Japan during 2024 was more than stellar. At one point in the match Bryan had Zack’s legs tied up in a half surfboard and rather than hook the arms and bring him up to complete the hold he decides to start slapping Zack while taunting him and telling him to grab the ropes I really enjoyed that spot in the match. Danielson and Sabre continue throughout the match trading holds and beating each other down there was a lot of submission wrestling on display in this one. They also beat the hell out of each other with kicks and strikes Bryan even going as far as to spit in Zack’s face twice something that I’m not necessarily a fan of but it worked here. Zack relentless works over Danielson’s shoulder throughout the match and ends up locking him in some pretty innovative submission holds throughout the match. At the end of the match Zack would get the deciding pinfall in a match that was incredible to watch between two technical wrestling experts. Go watch this match if you’re a fan of either one of these guys or maybe both or if you are a fan of technical wrestling then this is the match for you!” – Nathan Neumann

“A master class in technical ability by the two best technical workers of our time. ” – Mike Charlip

“The second match in their recent rivalry, this one was someone even more technical than their WrestleDream match from back in 2023. The work was a flawless dance of limbs and aggression that followed up from their last match brilliantly. Both men’s psycology was on point in this match and the limb work was more logical and intense than any other match I’ve seen, especially in 2024. Zack got the flash pin this one which he said he wouldn’t do, but in the end he thought the win over a legend like Danielson would be worth going back on that promise, and it sets up a third and final match once Bryan returns.” – Adam Darwin

“This career-defining year we saw of Zack Sabre Jr. started here, as he slayed the American Dragon in an excellent professional wrestling match. Whenever you see someone saying technical wrestling is boring, show them this match and if they continue to think the same, learn where they live and take matters on your own.” – Roma Faliani

“Incredible and beautiful sequences and reversals are of course dotted throughout this, but it’s through the much more subtle use of timing and pacing that this rises beyond the sort of great match each of these two are capable of on any day of the week and into something truly special; the sort of match each man has likely hoped to have their entire career but simply could not create without the other. The long build towards both men’s first pinfall attempts, Bryan pouncing with the Busaiku the second Zack’s knee buckles after accruing so much damage…so many of these moments pay off entirely through the story crafted purely in the ring. Just a perfect self-contained match at all levels which no other two humans on the planet could possibly weave together.” – Bruce Lord

“This was a masterpiece. One of the best technical matches in the past decade or so and one of the best matches ever. Even better than their match last year in October. Just incredible. Perfect match structure and psychology here with both opting for pure technical wrestling until Danielson gets frustrated and tries mixing things up with what he is more familiar with, but ZSJ outsmarts him here too.” – Eric Thornley

“We got this dream bout in October 2023, and it was everything that we could have dreamed of. The rematch four months later was somehow even better. Discussions of Danielson vs. Sabre always start with the phrase “dream technical match”, but this match was defined by striking and mind games more than any submission holds. It’s no accident that these two are considered among the most intelligent wrestlers in history.” – George Atsaves

“A better match than their previous matches, this redeemed the match-up’s potential that they didn’t reach in their WrestleDream match in 2023.” – Kim Wong

“Anytime these two face each is pure magic and bliss. A great back and forth contest that is deserved of the MOTY label.” – Abraham Delgado

“Tekkers for days. Nuff said.” – Jacob Nelson

“One of the more unique matches in a major promotion in 2024, I’d say. You of course expect the technical wizardry from ZSJ, but rarely do we see his opponent spend most of the match on the ground with him, trading more holds & submissions than strikes and throws.” – Liam Renner

“Professional wrestling is an art form. Bryan Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr are the artists. And the cerulean mat is their canvas. The argument of who the best technical wrestler in the world today would be answered that night and both men fought hard for that title but only one man could leave with it. This is once again a showcase of Bryan Danielson’s brain when it comes to pro wrestling, there’s nothing else like it. He sees a target on Zack’s messed up leg after a botched roll through and starts to eliminate it from action because that leg is a strong suit to Zack. But despite all of that, Zack’s perseverance will continue. Zack’s fighting spirit shines through and ties up Bryan getting the pinfall. That night, Zack became the best technical wrestler in the world and it set up his amazing 2024. Bryan would eventually regain that title in his next singles match but besides that, amazing match.” – Nathan Heslip

“Pure technical masterpiece by two of the best technical wrestlers. Also setting up for the 3rd match perfectly. Cause ZSJ still didn’t made Bryan tap out.” – Kaan Ünverdi

“The second match from this show in my top 10. If not for the memorable Sting retirement, New Beginnings may have been my show of the year. In terms of strictly in-ring action, it’s hard to arguethat it wasn’t. ” – Paul Fontaine

“Sequels can be better than the original. Of course the technical aspect between the best two technical wrestlers of our generation was going to be top notch but this time round, the physicality of the strikes put this over the edge and top of my MOTY list. That it took over 20 minutes for the first attempt of a pin tells you what this match is about. The pride of making another at your level submit, the need to inflict pain to make that submission easier to achieve. It was the match that told the best story of 2024” – Peter Edge

“An incredible rematch of their great WrestleDream match from last year. This time the tongue-in-cheek niceties have gone and these two are tetchy and aggressive from the off as they continue their battle of who is the better technical pro-wrestler. Bryan yelling fuck as he has to grab the matches’ first rope break after 20 minutes is amazing; rather than be relieved the match is continuing, he’s consumed by frustration that he was the first who couldn’t escape a hold. With Zack stealing a pin, we still don’t have a clear answer on who the better technician is; surely this is heading into a 3rd match where one man finally submits the other whenever Bryan is back. ” – Ed Mills

“Danielson/Sabre was my clear match of the in 2023. And then they did it again. And it was somehow even better.

While Sabre is better as the antagonist and more at home playing that role in 2023, that doesn’t diminish the fabulousness of the technical mastery at display here.

While Danielson/Hechicero might have had the more gripping story, this was still on just another level. Two chess masters on the exact same level, on an even playing field, trying to find out once and for all who is simply the better man. The marquee says technical wrestling and that we got. Locks, escapes, counters, what have you. You don’t need bells and whistles. You don’t need grandiose gesturing. Two men at the top of their games is enough.

The mat greats had their fair share of great matches this year (Danielson/Hechicero, ZSJ/Hechicero, ZSJ/Makabe, Makabe/Thatcher, add your own favourite as you see fit), but this was the torchbearer of the style. What it loses in the minutia of grappling in the DEAN~ Makabe/Thatcher or the llave-style mastery of Hechicero/Blue Panther, it gains in spades by making everything feel big and important. This was technical wrestling perfected for the big arenas.

2024 was the year of the dragon and this was his magnum opus. ” – Semi Salmikannas

“The greatest technical wrestling match of the modern era, if not all time. ” – Lawson Leong

“The skill with Sabre has always been there, but it’s a match like this that shows how thoughtful of a wrestler he has become. What I love most about modern ZSJ is that his technique is impressive as ever, but now there’s so much more purpose behind everything. Both men were superb, and this was the right time and place for Danielson to pass the “Best Technical Wrestler” torch to Sabre.” – TDE

“The quintessential rookie-vs-veteran babyface performance by Kanamic. Miku Aono was the perfect ace foil to make Kanamic shine.” – Sbadoosh

“This match served as the highly anticipated rematch from WrestleDream, where Bryan Danielson previously bested Zack Sabre Jr. With the bar set incredibly high, these two technical maestros didn’t just meet expectations—they exceeded them. As anticipated, the bout was a masterclass in grappling, featuring a brilliant exchange of holds and submissions, but it surprised many with its hard-hitting physicality. Sabre used his trademark Tekkers to outmaneuver Danielson and avenge his WrestleDream loss, kickstarting what would become an extraordinary 2024 for him.” –Jeremy Donovan

“Sometimes when you have these matches that are rescheduled to a later date, it builds up anticipation in a way that leads to expectations that are hard to meet. Especially when the match was set to take place on the first Forbidden Door in what was arguably the most anticipated show of the entire decade. But in retrospect, Danielson vs. ZSJ is a match that was better placed within the Tokyodome. And boy did it deliver. Just a absolute masterpiece from top to bottom, and the best match in NJPW for 2024” – Douglas Fowler (Skeach101)

“For the longest time, while Danielson was wasting away in New York, this was the ultimate dream match for him. Forget Omega, Okada and Ospreay. Everyone with a podcast, blog, website, twitter account always pointed to Zack Sabre Jr as Danielson’s dream opponent. We finally got two of these matches. Both exceeded expectations. The two best technical wrestlers in the world had one of the best technical matches of all time. The work here was outstanding. Every transition and reversal felt important. It all meshed so flawlessly. This was a great back-and-forth. The story of both wrestlers trying to defeat each other with submissions was compelling. The outcome even more so, as both guys traded wins where they didn’t win by submission. The match is great as a standalone match but also leaves room for a third. Whether we get that third match is unknown but this match still had closure and was conclusive enough to not necessarily warrant another one. It was masterful pro wrestling and easily my match of the year. ” – Rene Martinez

“A match so good that on my first viewing, I insisted my girlfriend, who has no interest in wrestling, sit down and watch it with me because I knew it wouldn’t be embarrassing. And it wasn’t. It was divine. I think my girlfriend became about 10% less embarrassed that I watch wrestling.” – Elliot Imes

“It can be hard to recapture magic in a bottle. The first match in this series was a great technical exhibition that beat all my expectations. This surpassed that one. In a wrestling world where everyone does nonsensical choreographed strike exchanges that can kill the idea that they are trying to beat each other? This is the opposite of that. Every strike has a purpose. Every blow invites a counter. It’s a dangerous dance of grappling not a choreographed series of moves. And the wear and tear follows a logic progression until ultimately Zach capitalizes and wins. This is a match I will point to for wrestlers who want to work a graps battle.” – AmericanNumbers

“Technical masterpiece. That’s the reason. This was in many ways, a passing of the torch. When Danielson came back from injury, he had an award named after him that Zack Sabre Jr won for many years from the WON. This was the match we hoped we would see and it exceeded expectations. I don’t know if this is the best Danielson match on the list this year, but it is my favorite.” – Jeremy Finestone

“I have never seen this matchup before and I am glad I to see it. If this was last Danielson’s year, I am glad I have gotten to see him across the ring from ZSJ. It was exhilirating pro-wrestling. Probably the cleanest match I have ever seen. ” – Velkej Bracha

“The perfect technical masterpiece. No crazy story; no title, no stipulation, just absolute proper graps from the best technical wrestlers of all time. I loved their match at Wrestledream last year but they hit a different level this time. Eye patch Danielson being the clear heel here added an element that wasn’t in the ingredients of their Wrestledream match. Perhaps even better chemistry than before; the counters were endless and the closing stretch had me believing Danielson was going to go 2-0 against Zack Sabre Jr. Beautiful.” – Noveliss

Voices of Wrestling 2024 Match of the Year
(305-11)