10 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Double Or Nothing 2021
6. Anthony Ogogo Brings It
The lede will be buried because it really is an indictment that this crowd was brought down, but Anthony Ogogo entered a very promising performance in a loss justified by his level of experience. The presentation sought to give the people of 'Murica a moment and to get Ogogo over in defeat as a future key player. One strategy was realised, and in the long-term, that's enough.
Ogogo possesses the explosive timing of a man that has emerged from a legit combat sports background; when he avoided Cody at the last second, sending the American Dream throat-first into the second rope, his footwork was incredible. It was a far more lowkey spot than his dazzling frog splash, but a stronger indication of what he is really capable of in there.
He sold with the mindful bent of a man who knows real pain. This is why high-end athletes make the transition so seamlessly, and underneath the red, white, and blue weirdness, we were afforded more than enough glimpses of Ogogo's potential. This was the man's third professional wrestling match.
Imagine how great his 50th will be.