The One Thing Everybody Gets Wrong About Wrestling

Brian Cage
Lee South/AEW

AEW didn't have to tell that specific story, but it was a great one, one that helped sell an improbable smash success of a pay-per-view. Cody emerged as the winner because the story demanded it and he, alongside Jon Moxley and Hangman Page, is the top, most over babyface in an industry driven by and starved of them.

In a similar vein, you might feel anxious about the upcoming prospect of Jon Moxley Vs. Brian Cage at Fyter Fest. Cage has just debuted in imposing, eye-catching fashion. He is a massive brick sh*thouse who can kick your face off at warp speed and drive what's left of it into the canvas with one of the most beautiful and deadly '90s finishers. He can't lose. It would bury him.

Except he can, because Jon Moxley is the Ace of AEW and historically, fans have gravitated towards dominant, believable babyfaces. Dominant, believable babyfaces get over by vanquishing well-built threats. If they beat somebody who's barely worth a damn, it won't mean a damn thing. Besides which, AEW set up Cage's second programme before his first. He was introduced by Tazz who, spurned by Darby Allin, brought Cage in to AEW to prove that his expertise is precisely that. The well thought-out, intricate post-plan will get Cage over as an established upper midcard heel, in theory.

If that reads as predictable, it won't feel like that on the night, with Moxley positioned for the Drill Claw and prone to an unbearable near-fall. That's what committed booking achieves, and long-term booking will ensure that he isn't perceived as a bust not worth caring about in the aftermath.

CONT'D...(3 of 6)

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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!