8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (26 Jan)

7. Very Nice, Very Evil

Jarring positioning aside, the Danhausen debut got over huge in Cleveland, with the audience dropping a big-time pop as he was pulled out attached to a steel chair, then chanting his name as he made his exit.

This is a good sign for his AEW fortunes. That first big building appearance was always going to be key, as while Danhausen has done a tremendous job of getting over everywhere he works, what pops small rooms doesn't always transcend to cavernous basketball arenas. It doesn't look like this will be an issue in his case.

Which isn't surprising. Danhausen's success is a product of his hard work and creativity. Having used the internet and his own off-kilter ideas to penetrate the indie zeitgeist over the past few years, he has built himself more buzz than almost anyone else on the circuit. Signing him was a smart move for this exact reason and while there's no guarantee this will pay off in the long run, he has earned the opportunity.

The downer to this is that he won't be wrestling anytime soon, having broken his leg in late October. Regardless, Danhausen can 100% get over without stepping through the ropes. Not to discredit his skills in any department, but he's a character-first guy - and AEW is about to get very nice, very evil.