Sad Wet Beasts | AEWeekly #180

Welcome to the #AEWeekly review discussion where PWM contributors reflect on the highlights of the last week in AEW. The eligibility week always includes the most recent episode of Dynamite and Collision, plus any social-media exclusives up until publication.

This week’s contributors are Lauren [@sithwitch.bsky.social] exploring a key Story Beat, Emiliana [@emilianartb.bsky.social] with the Moment of the Week, and Sergei [@sergeialderman.bsky.social] editing and organizing it all.

 A page of links to prior installments may be found here: #AEWeekly

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Max Caster and Anthony Bowens

"Let's go Max, you're the best wrestler alive..."

by Lauren.

Since the break-up of the Acclaimed several months ago, Max Caster has not been having the best of times. He's made a big show of putting on a cocky front, parading around his “Best Wrestler Alive” trademark and daring other wrestlers to “survive” five minutes in the ring with him. He's yet to win a single one, and has only once lasted longer than about a minute.

Despite this – or, more probably because of it – he's managed to claw his way back into the good graces of the crowd. His Chuck Taylor inspired cheer of “Let's Go Max, you're the best wrestler alive” has picked up steam, and there's something undeniably charming about watching him try, fail, and seem to avoid learning a damn thing. It's along the same vein as watching a video of a cat falling into a bathtub, flailing around to escape, and then pretending that absolutely nothing happened despite all evidence to the contrary.

But cracks have begun to show. After a couple of matches, Max evaded a camera crew asking how he was doing, even hitching a ride with a stranger to escape rather than confront reality. He keeps returning, gamely leading his own chant, and then criticizing the audience for not doing it just right.

This week, his former tag partner Anthony Bowens challenged him for the second time. The first time was fun: a catharsis after how badly the audience saw Max treat Anthony in the last days of the Acclaimed. This time, however, was anything but. Instead of his usual comedic “oh, come on!” response to recognizing his opponent's music, Max's face fell. He was downright subdued as Anthony made his way to the ring, and once the bell rang, he barely fought back at all. There was no fun in it, just an uncomfortable beatdown that continued past the end of the match itself.

Bowens defended his actions on social media, claiming that the abuse he'd suffered from Caster during their tagging justified everything. But at what point does justice become vengeance? When does a joke become bullying? And at what point has a bully suffered enough for their victim's taste?

Wheeler Yuta

"Who Are You?"

by Emiliana.

Wheeler Yuta, my baby boy. My darling son. What is going on in that head of yours? As you loyally work for a man that only gives you affection when you’ve successfully helped to bait a cowboy into a rematch, what goes on in your mind?

As the Hangman wrapped that chain around your throat, could you hear what he said? Did you wish for someone to save you? Or were you willing to die for your cause? I wonder if you even know what that is anymore.

They’re not coming for you.

Did you know they wouldn’t?

I think about when he let you go, how he pulled away, the chain in his hands unraveling to its full length, and it looked like a leash. Is that what you are, Wheeler Yuta? A pet? A dog with a job?

I guess you wouldn’t know anyway, the blood in your eyes sticking to the strands of dark hair that constantly hide your face.

Do you hide your eyes because we’d see the truth in them? Would we see the hurt and pain? Or would it be worse? Would we see nothing? 

I have questions, Wheeler Yuta. It’s high time we got some answers.