Wrestling Matches That Broke The Scale

A single journalist’s rating system has become the gold standard for professional wrestling prestige. While five stars was once the absolute limit for perfection, some matches are now so exceptional they exceed that threshold entirely.

Since the 1980s, Dave Meltzer has evaluated wrestling matches through his influential newsletter, turning a subjective opinion into a career-defining benchmark for athletes. Over the years, the quality of performances reached such heights that he began awarding ratings well beyond the original five-star ceiling. Today, these rare high-scoring bouts are celebrated by fans and performers alike as legendary moments in sports history. It is a unique example of how one critic's personal opinion evolved into a globally recognized industry accolade.