15 Greatest Angles In Modern Wrestling History
10. Cody Gets Lashed
The MJF Vs. Cody Rhodes feud was expertly plotted. It would be remembered as a classic bit of business, if the blow-off wasn't a mild disappointment. Ultimately, both wrestlers are guilty of overthinking it. The Revolution match was a messy collision of their sensibilities.
It remains the most anticipated match in AEW history. The level of hype orchestrated was phenomenal. Drawing inspiration from the great Taz Vs.Sabu feud in ECW - which was also never likely to live up to the theatre of the mind - MJF committed the ultimate transgression, and tortured the fans into waiting for his comeuppance.
MJF betrayed Cody at Full Gear '19, costing the man whose friendship never meant anything to him the chance to ever compete for the AEW World title. While this was later exposed as a senseless business decision, long-term, in the moment, it heated up the MJF build to an incandescent level rarely felt in the 21st century. MJF then set out three stipulations. Cody could only wrestle MJF if the following conditions were met:
1. Cody was unable to lay his hands on MJF until the bell rang;
2. Cody would have to endure 10 lashes at MJF's hands;
3. Cody would have to defeat Wardlow in a Steel Cage match
Stipulation #3 generated a lot of discussion. Some pundits did not believe it was possible for Cody to emerge from it with his dignity and credibility intact. He did; in a perfectly measured performance, Cody took it. He sold it, but he took it, and he didn't use it as a platform to put over how tough he is; he grimaced and agonised through the ordeal.
The little things elevated the scene - MJF targeting Cody's 'Dream' chest tattoo after initially firing at his back, the dread summoned by Wardlow's subtle "Give me a turn" gesture - which effectively portrayed MJF as a sadistic little bastard.