14 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (20 Nov)

8. Realism?

Billy Gunn Orange Cassidy
AEW

AEW's implementation of Orange Cassidy has been great so far, and last night saw 'Freshly Squeezed' throw his lazy kicks at Billy Gunn before MJF lobbed him over the top rope, drawing mega heat.

Nothing about the way this guy has been presented so far violates the accepted realism of professional wrestling. This is a universe in which the inherently ridiculous Irish Whip is considered fair game, where a performer can absorb dozens and dozens of unprotected strikes without going down. Of course Billy Gunn would rip OC apart in a real fight, but it's not a real fight, and most complaints levied at the guy are totally invalid because his offence is mostly ineffective. Cassidy's strikes had no impact on Gunn whatsoever and he got dumped out of the match seconds later. That's realistic.

Plus, he's over as hell. When he shows up, it's one of the biggest pops of the night. This not only justifies his place on the show but makes him invaluable in getting heelish antics over, as anyone who lays hands on him gets treated like the biggest jerk in the building.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.