At his introduction in the Fairy Tail anime, Black Steel Gajeel was a detestable character. A member of Fairy Tail's rival guild, Phantom Lord, the Iron Dragon Slayer was known for being cruel and deplorable. However, after joining the guild that he once despised, Gajeel has become not only a heavy hitter for Fairy Tail but also a fan favorite.
Over the course of the series, Gajeel has encountered many challenges and battles that have helped him grow not only as an individual but also as a wizard.
10 Gajeel Defeats Team Shadow Gear
This battle, although not a fan favorite, is an important one. Gajeel defeating Levy, Jet, and Droy was the last straw inciting a war between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. Gajeel, a member of Phantom Lord at the time, took pride in being able to defeat and humiliate three fairies so easily. It is only later in the series that this victory earns a different meaning to Gajeel; he no longer takes pride in this battle but is mortified by it.
Gajeel no longer takes pleasure in cruelly defeating others but rather fights to protect his friends. This battle is an important victory because it becomes a reminder and showcases Gajeel's maturation into a kinder and stronger wizard.
9 Gajeel Vs Edolas Soldiers
While finding himself in a strange world filled with familiar faces and no magic, Gajeel has to do whatever he can to save his friends. So when he finds out that his friends have been turned into a giant Lacrima by the kingdom of Edolas, it's Black Steel Gajeel versus an entire kingdom.
In order to save the Fairy Tail wizards from becoming pure magic power, Gajeel had to attack the soldiers guarding the Lacrima. Although greatly outnumbered, Gajeel was able to singlehandedly defeat the guards and release Gray and Erza from the Lacrima.
8 Gajeel Finally Gets A Cat
As the battle against the Kingdom of Edolas ensues, Gajeel finds himself face to face against a powerful Exceed named Panther Lily. The two of them engage in a heated battle, Panther Lily with his size-changing sword and Gajeel with his Dragon Slayer Magic.
As the two continue to exchange blows, Gajeel comes to the realization that Panther Lily is suited to become his cat, while Panther Lily is battling for his kingdom. Granted their battle was interrupted by the Dragon Chain Dragon Cannon, awarding no clear victor. However, Gajeel was able to make Panther Lily his partner, which makes it a win in his book.
7 Gajeel vs An Infinity Clock Guardian
While working together to uncover another piece of the Infinity Clock, Gajeel and Team Shadow Gear accidentally awaken a giant rock guardian. Team Shadow Gear immediately jump into the fray, however, they struggled to defeat the giant jellyfish-looking guardian.
The battle was filled with the usual silly Fairy Tail highjinks, with Jet unable to use his High Speed and Droy tiring himself out. Even Gajeel attempts to eat the clock face to replenish his magic as a joke amidst being attacked. Thankfully, the Dragon Slayer is able to completely demolish the guardian with his Karmic Demon Iron God Sword.
6 Gajeel Battles Guttman
When the Fairy Tail guild split up to reclaim the stolen Infinity Clock pieces, Gajeel and Juvia come across Guttman Kubrick, a member of Zentopia's Legion Corps. Gajeel learns that he's against a magic-resistant foe. Paired with Gutman's Rupture Magic, allowing him to expand the magic in a person's body and make it explode, makes him an intimidating foe.
Despite taking blow after blow, Gajeel refuses to give up because he's a Fairy Tail wizard. With Juvia's help to immobilize Guttman, Gajeel is able to deal the finishing blow, ultimately defeating the wizard.
5 Gajeel Closes Gemini's Gate
In order to save the Zodiac Spirits from themselves, the Fairy Tail guild and Yukino must work together to close their gates. Gajeel and Lily are tasked with closing Gemini's gate. However, that task isn't as easy as they thought. Gemi and Mini managed to get the upper hand on the Dragon Slayer and Exceed by turning them into squirrels.
Gajeel managed to escape from the twins' grasp, despite being turned into multiple different animals. The Dragon Slayer, even as a cat, was able to defeat the Celestial Spirits by using their own attacks against them. In doing so, he was able to close their gate and return to normal.
4 Gajeel Defeats Two Grimoire Heart Members
Partnered with Levy during the S-Class trials on Tenrou Island, the two encounter some dark guild trespassers. Two members of Grimoire Heart, Kawazu and Yomazu have invaded Tenrou Island as a precursor to the rest of the dark guild. Almost immediately after encountering the Fairy Tail wizards, Kawazu and Yomazu attack Levy and Gajeel.
In order to ensure that Levy can get back to the camp, Gajeel takes on both wizards despite being injured. With the help of Levy's iron, Gajeel is able to surpass his limits and defeat them, protecting his guild in the process.
3 Gajeel Vs Shadow Rogue In The Grand Magic Games
As Shadow Rogue possesses Rogue's body during the Grand Magic Games, it's up to Gajeel to save his sworn brother. Unfortunately, Shadow Rogue is more powerful than Gajeel expected. The wizard sent Gajeel flying with a single attack.
However, Fairy Tail's Black Steel Gajeel does not back down from a fight. He even takes a page out of Natsu's book and eats Shadow Rogue's shadow. Gajeel becomes an Iron Shadow Dragon Slayer. With this new power-up, he is able to defeat Shadow Rogue and save Rogue.
2 Gajeel Vs Torafuzar
When Torafuzar submerges Gajeel, Natsu, Lucy, and Juvia in poisonous water, it's up to Gajeel to save the day. While relying on his shadow form to outmatch Torafuzar's speed, Gajeel is able to land a handful of attacks. However, that is not enough to defeat the reptilian demon. By absorbing the carbon in the water, Gajeel is able to turn his body into steel and attack Torafuzar.
The now Steel Dragon Slayer is able to defeat the demon with a Steel Sword and diffuse the Tenchi Kamei. Earning himself a complete victory against one of the Nine Demon Gates and in doing so save his friends.
1 Gajeel Defeats Bloodman & Protects His Future
Gajeel comes face to face with Bloodman, one of the Spriggan Twelve, with a body made out of Bane Particles and a wielder of curses. With his iron lungs, Gajeel is the best match against Bloodman. However, this battle was not easily won. Bloodman easily gained the upper hand against Gajeel with his curse power. Thankfully, Gajeel never gives up.
In his determination to protect Levy and his future, he unlocks his Dragon Force by ingesting the Bane Particles. In a last-ditch effort, Bloodman attempts to take Gajeel to the underworld with him. Thankfully, Black Steel Gajeel survives to protect his future for another day.