9 Match Star Ratings For AEW Full Gear 2020

7. Orange Cassidy Vs. John Silver

Young Bucks
AEW

There are two mainstream North American pro wrestling promotions.

Both are fantasy booking-proof.

WWE is fantasy booking-proof because there is no point. They will punish you, and they will exhaust almost every single match combination either before or after it is meant to matter.

AEW is fantasy booking-proof because they do sh*t you can't think of. They encourage their performers to get over on their own watch, and when they do, they get f*cking over.

John Silver - who absolutely would have eaten sh*t, had he gotten over in WWE - ate Orange Cassidy's pockets so that Cassidy couldn't put his hands in them. Because Johnny is Hungiee. It was a tremendous sight gag - the perfect means of illustrating their dynamic - and this was a tremendous match for the slot.

An effervescent mini-banger, Silver absolutely stepped up and proved he belonged on the fairest and most competitive playing field seen in decades. He has this incredible knack of unleashing stiff-as-sh*t, warp-speed combinations to swarm his opponent in the heat of the action, and that's where Cassidy also excels. This was a breathless pop-generator when it peaked. An inspired dynamic built and executed beautifully, there was also a poetic, long-term flair to the finish.

Silver is too explosive and entertaining - the man pulled off a one-handed gorilla press slam! - to not be a breakout babyface. He hinted at his future by failing to execute Mr. Brodie Lee's discus lariat in a magnificent spot of world-building.

Star Rating: ★★★¾

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!