Yo.
Listen.
Everybody loves the Acclaimed. That’s old news by now, isn’t it? Early on, I admit I was one who silently questioned the schtick, but a few weeks after being put together as a team, Max Caster and Anthony Bowens had me eating out of the palms of their hands. Armed with verses and passion galore, these two young guns have consistently put the AEW tag team division on notice, and while their position thus far has been putting over babyfaces on the road to gold, before long that same gold will be strapped to their waists. I have no doubt.
The rise of the Acclaimed was lightning quick. Extracting hate from passionate AEW crowds as easily as their own good dentist does teeth in her Florida office, big moments were inevitably presented early and often for the two Create A Pro alums. Some people crumble under that type of pressure, but not Bowens and Caster. In fact, they seemed to welcome it, only proving to get better with each passing test. Instead of losing themselves in those moments – the ones you better never let go – I’d argue that’s where they may have found themselves instead. They haven’t looked back since.
I know that it has been said before that Bowens and Caster had never teamed prior to being placed together in AEW – that Tony Khan saw something in the two of them and had an idea for the Acclaimed locked and loaded. It’s almost baffling at how perfect a match they truly are, both in the ring and out of it. With chemistry off the charts and talent to match, the Acclaimed can match up well against any team on what is the best roster for tag team wrestling in the world today – maybe of all time. That’s high praise, but it’s well-deserved and more than earned.
When that familiar music hits – music that both Caster and genius AEW maestro, Mikey Rukus, have committed to NEVER release (classic heel move) – we are all too familiar with what comes next. With Bowens bopping about and giving the fans hell, Max springs forth with mic in hand ready and willing to absolutely bury whoever waits in the ring. Armed with bars dragging cities, pop culture, stature, news, moms, and more, Caster rocks his peers – puttin’ suckers in fear – and reminds everyone watching who the stars of the show are.
While Caster’s raps are a highlight of any show the Acclaimed have a spot on, one thing may trump even that. After the bell rings, when Anthony Bowens steps through the ropes, magic happens. Whether working enhancement talent or the top grapplers AEW has to offer, Bowens dances in the ring as if Julliard bred. Perhaps more than any wrestling hill I will choose to die on – and there are many – one stands above the rest. Anthony Bowens is a future world champion. Everything needed to ascend to the top of that exclusive mountain already lives inside of him.
It’s apparent that even separately, Max Caster and Anthony Bowens would be stars. It seems inevitable that we’ll get to see that play out in the future. For now though, I’m happy to bounce to their beats and cheer as they beat (down the competition). They represent something within All Elite Wrestling that the company has done very well – young talent allowed to be what and who they are. With these two, alike in many aspects, the ways in which they compliment each other cannot be overstated.
The journey to being elite hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. Being passed over for opportunities can define a person, for better or worse. It can lead to darkness and surround us permanently if we allow it. Or, if we find it within us to keep a sliver of light in a dark world, it can build character. It can reinforce what we already know – that we know very well who we are. Max Caster and Anthony Bowens continue to reach for the stars, even well after being draped in that beautiful elite black and gold. Whatever their goals are, only they know. But I expect it’s only a matter of time before they reach them. That’s just who they are.
The true beauty of what they do might not be with the beats, the insults, or even the ringwork. What leaves the most lasting impression is that with every appearance, seeds are carefully planted for feuds not even considered yet. Not only that, if and when this act is ready to sweep the babyface nation, the crowd is waiting with open arms. If his concerts are any indication, Caster is as natural a crowd pleaser as he is a heel, and Anthony Bowens? Armed with what might be the sweetest smile in professional wrestling and the ring work of a top veteran already – we await the day he’s showcased as the pay-per-view headliner we know him to be.
Until that day though, the Acclaimed will continue to do what they always have – GET OVER. As long as they continue to do that, there is no limit on their potential in a tag division led by some of the most highly touted teams in wrestling. Even with the stacked company around them, the Acclaimed never find themselves too far removed from the rankings, which make them constant threats to the titles and constant headaches for our favorites.
It’s a great place to live. They can continue their schtick, which is now among my favorites in wrestling. They can keep the pressure on the veterans around them, making them a little more uncomfortable each passing day. To be honest, for the teams tired of having to look over their shoulders at the commotion behind them, they won’t have to do it for long. Line them up. Whether it’s lyrics or lariats, the Acclaimed have arrived.
I’m not sure who might be next. Maybe it’s the champs, maybe it’s a couple of unlucky chumps. One thing is clear.
Max Caster and Anthony Bowens are ready to make an entrance, so back on up. ‘Cause you know they’re ‘bout to rip shit up.
And that’s a mic drop.
