10 Creepiest Gimmicks In Wrestling Right Now
6. Mr. Brodie Lee (AEW)
The Dark Order, a Scientology inspired cult, consists of AEW talent and masked underlings known as Creepers. Little is known about the inner workings of the Dark Order, other than its dictatorial hierarchical structure and its aim to recruit the lonely, unwanted, and disrespected. It had the potential to be sinister, and the mystery around the identity of ‘The Exalted One’ was one of AEW’s most intriguing storylines. However, the revelation of Mr. Brodie Lee as the group’s leader made the Dark Order a credible threat.
‘The Exalted One’ persona is a cross between charismatic yet creepy cult leaders, such as Jim Jones, and Brodie’s former boss Vince McMahon. Brodie carries himself with a self-assurance, steely beady-eyed intensity, and the ability to flip from eloquent charm to ranting egomania.
The references to McMahon are obvious to today’s savvy fans hungry for backstage snippets, from his refusal to allow his co-diners to start eating before he’s finished, to his rage at people yawning in his presence, believing tiredness shows weakness. These allusions could be hammy, and while funny, they are given a creepy edge by Brodie’s skilled delivery.