10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (Apr 28)
Downs...
1. Here We Go Again
Orange Cassidy vs. Penta El Cero Miedo was a fun reminder of Cassidy's excellence as a counter wrestler, revolving largely around Freshly Squeezed taunting the terrifying skeleton ninja with his pockets and shades before it evolved into something more urgent, as OC (largely) dispensed with schtick.
The formula still works. OC is skilled at implementing his gimmick without violating the accepted psychology of professional wrestling, particularly late in his matches, where he drops big bombs like he's pulling rabbits from a hat. He had to endure all kinds of punishment here but still found believable openings.
Unfortunately, all of this was undone by the finish. Alex Abrahantes was instrumental for the second consecutive week, only this time he cost Penta the match. Grabbing the microphone and threatening to drop worse barbs on Cassidy than he said about Sue last week, Alex's interference ended with Trent sliding his microphone to Cassidy, allowing the mic-assisted Orange Punch for the win.
It's impossible to get invested in these Penta matches knowing what the finish is going to involve. When that finish is something the promotion promised to shy away from on day one, it's an even bigger issue. Good wrestling undone by frustrating booking once more.