Respect to Cody
The reason what Cody has done since winning the TNT Championship at Double or Nothing is so commendable is because he is deliberately making an effort to work on the one aspect of himself as a wrestler that has been criticized at times. This proves that Cody has listened to his critics, taking a hard look at himself in the mirror, and come to the conclusion that the critics have been right to a certain degree. The American Nightmare has therefore taken those remarks to heart and responded by diligently working on the in-ring part of his game. That has to be respected because almost no one would have the integrity to cross-examine themselves honestly like that.
Another thing Cody is doing which is very admirable is that he has recognized that he has such a positive reputation in the professional wrestling business that he has the ability to essentially put over rising talents like Eddie Kingston and elevate them without actually losing his TNT Championship. Not only is he recognizing that but he’s doing it and in the process helping to raise his own stock as well as a young talent.
It’s amazing to watch Matt and Nick Jackson Work
Another reason why many wrestling fans appreciate AEW so much is that the company is willing to do more rugged, workmen-style schemes and include them in the production of Dynamite. That was on display on July 22 when The Butcher and The Blade began their Falls Count Anywhere match with The Young Bucks in a kitchen resembling a butcher shop. If every member of the creative team is talking about an idea and they think it sounds cool, they are willing to try it out. The worst-case scenario is that it doesn’t work – and if that is the case, the idea it is thrown away and the company never has to use it again. But if it does work, the idea is kept for future reference – and sometimes it’s even a home run unexpectedly.