Which Steel Cage matches rank as the best, according to Dave Meltzer and the ‘Wrestling Observer Newsletter?

There is nothing quite like the excitement, drama, and intensity of a well-executed Steel Cage match-up. Often utilized in grudge matches which require further violence and brutality than a regular meeting, the Steel Cage has made its mark in the world of professional wrestling with numerous classic matches taking place inside the structure over the years.

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Since WWE's first cage match at WrestleMania 2 between Hulk Hogan and King Kong Bundy, there have been countless excellent matches across numerous promotions. Which Steel Cage matches rank as the best, according to Dave Meltzer and the ‘Wrestling Observer Newsletter?’

This was still a great, if not moderately underwhelming, Steel Cage meeting on NXT television between Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano. Given their classic match at NXT TakeOver: War Games, this felt largely lacking in the same level of execution in terms of intensity and drama. Regardless, the in-ring work was great although lacking the crowd investment necessary to elevate it.

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Unfortunately, a nonsensical finish with Tommaso Ciampa helping his former blood rival of that year Gargano to victory, proceeding to beat down Black together post-match. A very good, if not flawed, Steel Cage match here.

A great clash between Edge and Kurt Angle on this May 2002 edition of SmackDown during their rivalry, with this being one of their best together inside a Steel Cage. Great back and forth in-ring work throughout with excellent drama in the final third, as Hulk Hogan interferes sending Angle back into the cage for Edge to overcome with a top rope spear. While not a Steel Cage classic, a very strong bout from Angle and Edge in this third meeting of theirs in May 2002.

A stellar clash for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship as Kurt Angle defended against the one and only Samoa Joe in one of many great TNA meetings between the two. Integrating an MMA-style thanks to the cage stipulation, this was one of the rare cases where this style is used in professional wrestling to perfection.

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Enhancing the big fight feel, the two traded technical offense incorporating mat wrestling, submissions, and counters in a superb display of psychology and urgency. Joe would finally conquer Angle to become TNA World Champion in a great Steel Cage bout.

This was a fantastic Steel Cage match in the heated rivalry between Edge and Matt Hardy back in 2005. Taking place at 2005s Unforgiven PPV, these two tore the house down with a superb blend of exciting action and effective storytelling. Hardy was the ultimate babyface hero in a spectacular performance, opposite Edge playing his role expertly as the despicable heel. The spots throughout were splendidly brutal, with a red-hot crowd on fire for the action as Hardy hit a breathtaking leg drop from the top of the cage for the win. Great bout overall.

A fantastic main event at TNA’s Lockdown PPV back in 2005, with AJ Styles and Abyss facing off for an opportunity at the NWA Heavyweight Championship. The dynamic here was superb with the monster Abyss opposite the explosive babyface Styles, as the match started quickly with the two brawling through the crowd. Once Styles was busted open, this kicked into another gear of brutality with the crowd roaring.

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Fantastic use of the cage and numerous weapons with Styles selling Abyss’ powerful offense superbly and fighting back valiantly with spectacular counters. The Styles Clash onto thumbtacks was unbelievable, as was the sunset flip back into the ring from Styles to secure the victory in a great contest.

This was a splendid old-school WWE World Heavyweight Title bout with ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage defending against rival Ted DiBiase in a hotly contested Steel Cage match at Madison Square Garden. The storytelling and character work was impeccable with Savage overcoming the odds (including Virgil at ringside) in epic fashion to the crowd’s adoration, as they roared in approval. A great brawl-style match possessing an intensity that was so enamoring about Savage’s matches at the time, with a red-hot finish as Savage fought off both DiBiase and Virgil to retain triumphantly.

Here's another excellent match between Kurt Angle and Mr. Anderson at TNA’s Lockdown PPV in 2010, with a heated rivalry culminating in spectacular fashion inside the Steel Cage structure. The intensity and storytelling were top-notch with Angle out for blood opposite Anderson who did everything to taunt Angle further, with the blood itself enhancing the match further here. The moonsault from Angle from atop the cage, despite already having the match won, was utterly epic in a brutal spot. The crowd were hot throughout, as Angle emerged victorious in a fantastic end to the two’s rivalry.

This was a spectacular match for the fantastic Japanese women's STARDOM promotion last month, with Tam Nakano and Natsupoi clashing inside a Steel Cage in a brutal grudge match. The intensity and brutality were off the charts with incredibly exciting, violent offense from both women. While a different style of match due to the stipulation of having to pin your opponent before escaping, this added to the drama although did suffer the trope of easier pinfalls than usual. Regardless, the two threw everything at one another in stiff fashion conveying tremendous emotion throughout, with Nakano choking out Nastupoi from atop the structure. Awesome bout top to bottom.

This is an all-time classic in the legendary rivalry between brothers Bret and Owen Hart in this epic SummerSlam meeting. After a sensational WrestleMania 10 clash, the two met once again inside a Steel Cage, and they did not disappoint with a masterclass of storytelling, drama, and intensity with the use of the stipulation expertly done. The attempts to escape weren’t contrived but fit into the story of the two brothers doing everything they can to defeat one another. Of course, the in-ring work was spectacular with the crowd hot throughout as the drama peaked, with Bret retaining his championship after hanging out Owen to dry to finish an epic Steel Cage match.

This was an instant classic between the Young Bucks and Lucha Brothers in this 2 on 2 Steel Cage match at AEW’s All Out PPV last September. Vying for the AEW Tag Team Championship, this was an utterly incredible display of tag team wrestling as always when these two teams clash. The sequences were breathtaking, the intensity off the charts with the blood fueling the story further, and superb creativity and athleticism on display throughout. Jaw-dropping spots as well, particularly Rey Fenix’s dive from atop the cage as the drama intensified in the final stretch with the Lucha Brothers emerging victorious as champions in a spectacular moment to finish an epic bout.

David French is a journalist of professional wrestling who is highly knowledgeable of the WWE, AEW and NJPW promotions and their products.