There can be no denying that Orange Cassidy is one of the most popular members of the AEW roster. But despite the fans' love for him, there is a clear feeling that there's a glass ceiling on this current gimmick.
Orange Cassidy Is Without A Doubt A Popular Star
From the moment that Orange Cassidy debuted in AEW, he was very popular with the fans. A big reason for that is because of the core fanbase that AEW has, which comes from independent wrestling, where Orange Cassidy had previously made his name.
Fans were aware of his unique, laid-back gimmick that helped to get him noticed in the first place, and that helped to take his career to a new level. Everybody is always looking for something new when it comes to professional wrestling, and that's what this gimmick provided.
Having a character that was totally different from anything else in the industry was a game-changer for him, and it allowed Cassidy to be someone who fans looked forward to seeing.
Seeing him run around with his hands in his pockets yet still being able to hit athletic moves is something that always gets a reaction, and rightfully so. Mixing that in with an attitude that is very relaxed with the half thumbs up and the weak kicks helped to push in some comedy as well.
Orange Cassidy became an instant hit with audiences, and as more fans became exposed to him, more people began to enjoy him. The main reason for that is because he's not as serious as everyone else in the company, bringing the entertainment style that fans have become used to with WWE.
There's Problems With The Comedic Gimmick
It's clear that the gimmick itself is popular, and it certainly has the legs to last quite a while in AEW as a mainstream act. However, the issue comes when considering whether or not the gimmick can kick on to the next level.
Orange Cassidy was able to compete for the AEW World Title at Double Or Nothing, and fans legitimately got behind him and wanted him to win. However, he was also the only babyface within the match and had been pushed as a major underdog throughout it, while also getting screwed by Don Callis to hype the sympathy.
The issue with taking the gimmick to the next level is that its one that is tough to buy into. It's unclear what Orange Cassidy truly cares about, and even when he's fired up, he still does the ridiculous things that stop him from being seen in the same light as Kenny Omega or Miro.
It's difficult to imagine someone who wrestles and behaves the way Orange Cassidy does truly being able to defeat Kenny Omega in singles action. Because of those limitations, there is clearly an issue with the gimmick in terms of being seen seriously.
Why He Has A Glass Ceiling
It's clear that this gimmick has a true glass ceiling, and that is pretty much where the character is at now. Orange Cassidy can be involved in high-profile feuds, and he will always entertain fans, but without some tweaks, it's not a championship-winning character.
AEW has always pushed the idea that it is a very sports-orientated company, trying to make things as legitimate as possible. That has worked so far, and while there's always room for funny moments or supernatural characters, in AEW it doesn't fit as well as in WWE.
Comedy characters are very rarely seen as World Champions, no matter how popular they become. As an example, Daniel Bryan can be funny, but when he was pushing the comedy he did so in a tag team with Kane.
You'd never have expected to see Santino Marella or R-Truth as a World Champion, and that's the same issue that Orange is going to face. It's a gimmick that is all about being relaxed, which doesn't scream World Champion.
Fans want to see a wrestler who is passionate and screaming it over the top, whether as a heel or a babyface hold those titles, as it's simply more compelling.
Plus, with AEW's roster being so stacked with amazing talents, it's hard to legitimately say Orange Cassidy deserves to hold the top prize over stars like Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, or Hangman Page.
The gimmick works, and it will provide Orange Cassidy with an amazing career, but a World Champion doing tap kicks that clearly have no effect just feels wrong, and that's why this gimmick has a ceiling upon it.