STARRCAST 2 SPOTLIGHT: An evening with Cody and The Bucks

Ongoing coverage, reviews, grades, and analysis of this weekend’s Starrcast 2 shows and events from Las Vegas, Nevada.

AN EVENING WITH CODY AND THE BUCKS
MAY 23, 2019
PRO WRESTLING TEES THEATRE
STREAMED ON FITE TV

Host: Alex Marvez

So, Cody, The Young Bucks, and AEW really aren’t trying to compete with the WWE? Says who?

An evening with Cody and The Bucks, Starrcast 2’s night one main event panel, brought fans into the minds of an abundantly confident trio ahead of the biggest weekend in their careers. Cody, Matt, and Nick Jackson walked the AEW company line well, but at times revealed their cards in ways that spoke to their unspeakable broader mission. Owning the wrestling world.

Alex Marvez welcomed the fans to the panel and thanked them via a first-time story about AEW’s inaugural Las Vegas pool party appearance in February. Soon after, “Elite” chants broke out as Cody and The Bucks made their way to the stage. Matt and Nick Jackson dressed casual while Cody sauntered out in a gray three piece suit. Once the cheering subsided, the trio elaborated on what the road to Double Or Nothing entailed. Both Cody and The Young Bucks were humble and modest in the retelling of their story and put the true praise on the fans that made their journey possible. In his first of many scud missile shots at the WWE, Cody said, “Wrestling needs this.”

From there the conversation shifted to AEW owner, Tony Khan. Matt Jackson painted the road map to how working with Khan came to be and all three Executive Vice Presidents spoke highly of him and appeared to be genuinely proud to work on his team. Cody continued his WWE slaying while referencing his “old boss” as domineering.

Cody and The Bucks’ WWE body blows didn’t stop there. In addition to saying that his bridges were burned there, Cody ripped George Barrios while Matt and Nick massacred the newly created WWE 24-7 Championship. They said that championships in AEW would mean something and that every championship whether it was the women’s, tag, or otherwise would be eligible to main event a show like the world championship would. In another not so subtle dig at the WWE, they promised that their titles would look the best as well.

Lost in the shuffle of their company officially starting this weekend is the fact that both Cody and The Bucks are wrestling a match for the first time in a long time. Cody, Nick, and Matt teased each other and their ring rust, but the overwhelming emotion surrounding their words was excitement with some nerves mixed in.

Cody and The Young Bucks would never admit it openly, but in watching an event like this, the chip on their shoulder is displayed prominently. And not in a negative way. This trio is grateful to their fans and all the opportunities they’ve been afforded. Still, there’s a sense of urgency and swagger in their voices that screams they want more. Including beating the WWE.

Cody summed it up perfectly in saying, “wrestling fans and the wrestler need to take the industry back.” Starting with AEW of course.

GRADE – B+

NOW CHECK OUT OTHER STARRCAST 2 COVERAGE: STARRCAST 2 SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Owen