Shibata Vs. Orange Cassidy Is The Kind Of Match That Can Save AEW Rampage
Shibata #Shibata
It’s been several months since a match on AEW Rampage actually felt like a big deal, but Shibata Vs. Orange Cassidy could help shift that perception. One bout isn’t going to undo all the damage that’s been done to All Elite Wrestling’s Friday night broadcast, but it could indicate that Tony Khan is now taking the brand more seriously again. Earlier in the summer, Khan spoke frankly about wanting to get Rampage back to where it was during CM Punk’s heyday. The show might never return to those numbers, but they don’t have to continue tanking as they have been.
The reason that AEW has struggled to maintain viewership for Rampage is two-fold. There’s no denying that it’s clearly been All Elite Wrestling’s B-show. Due to how All Elite Wrestling typically broadcasts and films programming, Khan is forced to set up significant matches for Rampage during rushed segments on Dynamite. AEW usually airs Dynamite live and then tapes Rampage to be broadcast a few days later. That means the live crowd in attendance needs to know what is going on for Rampage, even if the at-home audience could be clued in to story developments on Friday when they tune in. That’s created a wealth of challenges for Khan, but quick setups for major matches like this one between Cassidy and Shibata could be the way to go moving forward. Especially when considering Tony Khan’s belief that not all matches need a build of some kind to make sense.
Realted: There’s No Chance Logan Paul Beats Roman Reigns At Crown Jewel… Right?
The live crowd on Wednesday didn’t give Shibata a particularly rousing ovation, but he’s still a remarkably talented wrestler coming over from NJPW. The bout with Orange Cassidy seems very much in line with the goal of the All-Atlantic Championship, bringing the best performers from across the globe together for fantastic matches. PAC did a masterful job while he took the title on a World tour, and now AEW has Shibata coming in for a Friday night fight. It’ll be interesting to see if his name generates interest in All Elite Wrestling outside North America.
NJPW and AEW are familiar with one another. Forbidden Door was a success, and both companies are interested in doing another show along those same lines. However, this match is the first time since the build towards that pay-per-view that a marquee name like Shibata has gotten involved in an ongoing All Elite Wrestling storyline. It may or may not signal that fans will see more talent-swapping companies from time to time. For now, though, Orange Cassidy vs. Shibata is the kind of attraction that will slowly but surely drive audiences back to AEW Rampage every week. For too long, it’s felt like an afterthought. A card with those two, plus Mike Tyson, FTR, The Acclaimed, and Swerve In Our Glory, goes a long way toward changing that.
Next: Jeff Jarrett Brings A Few Badly Needed Skills To AEW