How AEW’s Secret Weapon Must Return

PAC Orange Cassidy
AEW

Even in what still might as well be the empty arena environment, for how hushed those few hundred Daily's Place fans are, PAC Vs. Fénix is a Match of the Year contender. It's also a first time ever singles meeting that pits the two most gifted aerialists of the 21st century against one another.

It promises mind-blowing, state-of-the-art action with a real emotional undercurrent; PAC is so incredible at getting his cruelty over, and Fénix's work is awe-inspiring enough as it is, not least when it arrives on the crest of a defiant comeback. This is one of professional wrestling's biggest dream matches.

Two: it dovetails with existing tensions within the Family. Brothers Fénix and Penta El Zero Miedo are in simmering conflict, which AEW revisited when re-booking the World Championship Eliminator. When Kingston made Fénix forfeit his spot, he was delighted about tearing it up with his "best friend" in the event of his winning the AEW title. Penta didn't advance, and it's likely Kingston isn't going to capture the belt, but that doesn't much matter here. Fénix was left to eat sh*t, basically. This residual feeling might well inform a double turn.

Say PAC Vs. Fénix ends, after 15 or so insanely great minutes, with a tentative handshake. This represent a huge gesture of respect, since Fénix refused the same offer from Nick Jackson back in November. After some delay, PAC initially refuses to embrace his old friend. He is a Bastard. The first phase of the mission to end PAC having failed, the Family encroach on the scene to beat him down. Fénix, marginalised by his stable, refuses to put the boots in. He is divided. He now knows what it feels like to be deserted.

CONT'D...(3 of 6)

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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!