Jim Cornette Praises Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser’s AAA Performance
Professional wrestling analyst Jim Cornette recently offered a rare endorsement of a modern international wrestling match, highlighting the mask versus mask bout between Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser held under the AAA banner. During a recent episode of his podcast with co-host Brian Last, Cornette moved away from his typical critiques of the current wrestling landscape to praise the contest for its adherence to traditional athletic storytelling.
A Return to Wrestling Fundamentals
Cornette’s analysis focused on the match’s pacing and the performers’ ability to maintain crowd engagement through logical wrestling rather than relying on modern “stunt-heavy” tropes. He noted that the performers avoided the common pitfalls found in both American major-league productions and independent wrestling, specifically avoiding the “video game” style of pacing where moves are performed in rapid succession without adequate selling. “I’m not going to take the piss out of this thing. It was great,” Cornette stated, emphasizing that the match felt like an athletic struggle. He credited the Mexican audience’s investment in the match as a key factor in its success, noting that the crowd remained focused on the narrative of the fight rather than the spectacle.
Breaking Barriers in Lucha Libre
A significant point of discussion was the fact that neither Chad Gable nor Ludwig Kaiser are traditional luchadors. Despite this, Cornette was impressed by how they adapted their styles to the AAA environment, incorporating the high-flying athleticism—such as dives and moonsaults—characteristic of the genre without losing the intensity of the personal rivalry. Cornette also touched upon the post-match rituals, specifically the unmasking process. He explained that this tradition, which requires the unmasked wrestler to formally announce their real name, age, and hometown, serves as a grounded conclusion to a high-stakes lucha libre match, a practice he noted has deep historical roots in the sport.
A Rebuke of Modern American Trends
While the primary focus was on the match itself, Cornette used the performance as a comparative tool to criticize the current state of professional wrestling in the United States. He argued that the AAA bout provided a “logical, sensible” experience that he believes is currently absent in the major American promotions. Brian Last, co-host of the podcast, echoed these sentiments, labeling the match as a highlight of his viewing year. The discussion concluded with a nod to the operational side of the event, with Last specifically crediting the booking efforts behind the scenes at AAA.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Pacing: Cornette praised the match for prioritizing a “struggle” over a “stunt show,” distinguishing it from modern American styles.
- Universal Appeal: The match served as evidence that a compelling personal issue can transcend cultural and stylistic boundaries, even with performers who are not native to the lucha libre tradition.
- Traditional Rituals: The post-match unmasking was highlighted as a respectful adherence to the long-standing traditions of lucha libre.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, the praise for this specific AAA encounter highlights a persistent desire among some observers for matches that emphasize athletic storytelling and psychological depth. Whether this leads to a broader shift in production styles remains to be seen, but for now, the match stands as a notable example of cross-cultural wrestling success.