Dave Meltzer's 5-Star Match Masters

The world of professional wrestling is often a subjective arena, where opinions on the quality of a match can vary wildly. What one fan finds exhilarating, another might find underwhelming. However, there is one quantifiable metric that has held significant sway within the wrestling community for decades: Dave Meltzer's star rating system. Meltzer, a respected wrestling journalist, meticulously rates matches on a scale of one to five stars, and achieving a five-star rating is no small feat. Even Meltzer himself may not place the ultimate importance on these ratings, but for a considerable portion of the wrestling world – encompassing wrestlers, fans, and critics alike – his opinion carries immense weight. This is largely due to the sheer difficulty of attaining the highest accolades, with WWE Superstars, for instance, rarely achieving this honour. In fact, historically, only a handful of WWE matches have been awarded five stars, with the last notable instance occurring in 2011. This rarity underscores the prestige associated with the rating. The exceptional acclaim received by the New Japan Pro Wrestling encounter between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 11, which Meltzer rated an astonishing six stars out of five, further highlights the significance of these high marks. In this article, we will delve into the careers of the professional wrestlers who have amassed the most five-star encounters, celebrating their extraordinary in-ring achievements.

The Unrivalled Excellence of Mitsuharu Misawa

Topping the list with an incredible 25 five-star matches and even one six-star encounter, Mitsuharu Misawa stands as a titan of professional wrestling. Many consider him to be the greatest wrestler of all time, a sentiment echoed by numerous fans and journalists worldwide. His legendary status is cemented by his epic rivalries, particularly with Toshiaki Kawada, culminating in a historic six-star match in 1994. Misawa's career, which spanned from 1981 to 2000 with All Japan Pro Wrestling before he founded Pro Wrestling NOAH, was tragically cut short in 2009 when he passed away at the age of 46. His untimely death occurred while he was doing what he loved most, succumbing to complications after taking a Belly to Back Suplex in a match. Despite the lack of an officially released cause of death due to company invocation of Japanese law, speculation points towards a spinal injury leading to cardiac arrest. Misawa's influence is profound, inspiring a generation of top wrestling talents, including CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and William Regal, ensuring his legacy endures.

Kenta Kobashi: A Master of His Craft

Securing the second position with an astounding 23 five-star matches, Kenta Kobashi is widely regarded as one of the greatest workers in wrestling history. His career, from 1988 to 2013, was marked by a series of classic bouts that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Kobashi's rivalries with Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada are the stuff of legend, with several of their encounters being named Nissan Sports' Match of the Year, all receiving Meltzer's coveted five-star rating. Kobashi is also credited with inventing the Burning Hammer, a move considered one of the most dangerous in wrestling, which he used sparingly throughout his career. His innovative style and ability to consistently deliver high-quality performances have influenced countless wrestlers today, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Toshiaki Kawada: A Pioneer of Strong Style

Toshiaki Kawada holds the third spot with an impressive 20 five-star matches and a notable six-star match. Kawada was a pioneer of 'Strong Style,' a hard-hitting and intense wrestling approach that has gained significant popularity in Japanese wrestling. His career, primarily with All Japan Pro Wrestling from 1982 to 2005, saw him engage in memorable feuds and deliver classic performances against contemporaries like Mitsuharu Misawa, Jun Akiyama, and Kenta Kobashi. His six-star match against Misawa in 1994 was a landmark event, especially at a time when breaking the five-star barrier was a monumental achievement. Beyond his singles prowess, Kawada was also a highly accomplished tag team wrestler, holding the AJPW World Tag Team Championships nine times.

Akira Taue: The Tag Team Specialist

Akira Taue rounds out the top five with 14 five-star matches. Taue's career is a testament to his versatility and skill, transitioning from a sumo wrestler to a prominent figure in professional wrestling. His debut in 1988 with All Japan Pro Wrestling saw him quickly establish himself as a formidable tag team specialist, winning numerous championships. His move to Pro Wrestling NOAH in 2000 allowed him to showcase his capabilities further, even capturing the GHC World Heavyweight Championship for over 14 months. Remarkably, all but one of Taue's five-star matches occurred as part of multi-man contests, highlighting his exceptional ability to contribute to a team's success and elevate the overall match quality. He retired in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of consistent, high-level performances.

Manami Toyota: A Trailblazer for Women's Wrestling

Manami Toyota is a standout figure, not only for her exceptional in-ring ability but also for her groundbreaking achievements in women's professional wrestling. While women's wrestling in WWE has only recently gained the prominence it deserves, Japan has a long history of providing women with equal opportunities in the ring. Toyota, who debuted at the age of 16 in 1987, has amassed an incredible 17 five-star matches over her illustrious career, a number that places her among the elite wrestlers of any gender. She wrestled for All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling for three decades, announcing her retirement towards the end of the year of the article's publication. Her record firmly establishes her as one of the finest wrestlers ever and a paramount figure in the history of women's professional wrestling.

The Impact of Meltzer's Ratings

Dave Meltzer's star rating system, since its inception in 1982, has become deeply embedded in professional wrestling culture. While some may question the subjectivity or perceived leniency of ratings in recent times, the system's ability to elevate matches and provide a benchmark for quality is undeniable. For nearly forty years, Meltzer's ratings have continued to be a relevant and discussed aspect of the sport. The pursuit of a five-star rating drives many wrestlers to push their boundaries and deliver memorable performances, contributing to the rich tapestry of professional wrestling history. The wrestlers featured in this list represent the pinnacle of in-ring performance, consistently achieving the highest accolades from one of the most influential voices in wrestling journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who has the most five-star matches according to Dave Meltzer?
  Mitsuharu Misawa holds the record with 25 five-star matches.
• What is considered a five-star match?
  A five-star match, according to Dave Meltzer's system, is an exceptionally high-quality professional wrestling bout that demonstrates outstanding in-ring psychology, storytelling, athleticism, and execution.
• Are Dave Meltzer's ratings subjective?
  Yes, like any rating system, Meltzer's ratings are based on his personal judgment and criteria, making them inherently subjective.
• Who was the first wrestler to receive a five-star rating?
  Ric Flair and Butch Reed are credited with the first five-star match in 1982.
• How many five-star matches did Yoko Taue have?
  The provided text does not mention Yoko Taue. It lists Akira Taue with 14 five-star matches.

Comparative Table of Top Wrestlers by 5-Star Matches:

The dedication and skill required to consistently perform at a level that garners such high praise are truly commendable. These athletes have not only entertained millions but have also shaped the very landscape of professional wrestling through their unforgettable performances.