10 Match Star Ratings For AEW All Out 2023
1. Orange Cassidy Vs. Jon Moxley - International Title Match
The debate surrounding Orange Cassidy was settled in good faith years ago.
The question now is how good he is, and if they say the man makes the title, remember how the All-Atlantic belt was introduced and compare that to last night. His headlining an incredible All Out PPV in a worthy main event, in which he defended a title that was also "levelled up" via dire corporate synergy, is one of the biggest achievements in AEW history.
His match with Jon Moxley was excellent in a way that was distinct from his superb string of TV defences. The story was told that bit more patiently. He, in a great character choice, didn't play too many chess games because this wasn't a game. It was the match of his life, and he performed as such.
Great at virtually everything, he was also a great bleeder. He didn't just get a nice flow of claret going: he was wobbly, vulnerable, defiant. It was a consummate babyface performance. He registered everything brilliantly and sold fans on the despair of imminent defeat and the hope of beating the invincible Moxley character alike. The pacing was masterful, as was the "when" of the action. You see a piledriver every week. Here, the Gotch-style version was executed when Orange was at his most weakened for maximum effect.
Then, when Cassidy drew on the last reserve of stamina and fight to catch Mox out with a crucifix, he generated gasps and hope from an audience over which he held total control.
If you knew nothing of the Cassidy character, and just watched this match, with no discursive context, you'd think he was one of the best babyfaces of the 21st century.
Because he is.
Star Rating: ★★★★½