7 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Anniversary Edition (Oct 14)

3. Cassidy Pushes Cody To The Limit

The time-limit draw has been utilised extremely well in AEW thus far. When Darby Allin wrestled Cody, it was used to establish the up-and-comer's ability to compete at an elite level, while last year's PAC vs. Jon Moxley bout was called this way to establish that "television time remaining" is a thing, and amplify Mox's frustration for his Kenny Omega feud. Here, AEW did it again, with the limit expiring as the referee counted three on an Orange Cassidy pinfall.

'Freshly Squeezed' was on the brink of besting the TNT Champion, Cody, in a match typical of 'The American Nightmare.' His first run brought a delightful array of rich, varied television bouts every week, and this was no different, with Cody putting his new muscle to good use throughout and Cassidy only using schtick to frustrated and the champion and take him off his game. Again, Orange continues to thrive within the accepted rules and psychology of professional wrestling.

Both wrestlers fired up in the final minute, amplifying the urgency. Cassidy's knee gave out before he could hit the Orange Punch but he did catch Cody in a Mouse Trap, getting a two-count before the clock hit zero, his victory snatched away.