Orange Cassidy Says He Doesn’t See Himself As An “AEW Pillar”

AEW star Orange Cassidy, who recently returned to the ring after a serious shoulder injury, has pushed back against the idea of being considered one of the “pillars” of All Elite Wrestling. The term, often used to describe the “homegrown” talents that the company is built around, has been applied to Cassidy by some fans due to his immense popularity and his unique, laid-back persona. However, in a new interview with The Sportster, Cassidy humbly stated that he does not see himself in that light and instead credited the fans for his success in the company. His comments offer a refreshing and authentic perspective from one of AEW’s most unconventional and beloved stars.

When asked if he views himself as a “pillar” of the company, Cassidy was direct in his response.

“I don’t see myself as a pillar or whatever. That’s like… I think MJF used that term pillar, and I don’t think he really understood what it meant.”

He then explained how he believes the organic reaction from the fans, even before AEW President Tony Khan fully understood his character, was what truly led to his success in the company.

“I think it’s really the fans’ fault because they were very open and receptive before AEW, before Tony Khan really knew who I was, and they were reacting. I think it allowed them to be like, ‘All right, well, if they’re reacting, he must know something that we don’t.’ I was very lucky that the fans were reacting to what I was doing.”

Cassidy, who has often been praised for his creative freedom, also expressed his gratitude for working with Tony Khan.

“He still works very close to me about what I’m doing. It’s nice to have your boss understand what you’re doing and facilitate it. I could have got pigeonholed somewhere else. It could have been the same thing we see all the other times, but I think he allowed me to do this stuff because he also knew that I wanted to wrestle, too. That was nice. I’m just very grateful to be a part of AEW and to be a part of the history. I do like that when you think of AEW, you have to at least think of me, and that feels very special.”