Every time I watch Wardlow, I just think there’s something missing. Like all the parts are there for the guy to be one of wrestling very tippy top stars but I never feel watching him like he’s there yet. Maybe he’ll never get there. But one thing I can tell you – dude can do some crazy beatdowns, and today’s encounter is definitely worthy of a SQUASH of the Week presentation.
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow0.gif)
His foe for today is young Vinny Pacifico, making his AEW debut. No doubt bouyed by hopes of becoming a household name he emerges from the tunnel wearing a shirt reading THA KID, a reference I don’t get. For sure I feel like I should totally know who this guy is, but I don’t. Feel free to tell me I’m an idiot below in the comments section.
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow0b.gif)
So Wardlow comes out and I should note this is VERY early in his AEW run, with a record at this point of just 7-1. Pretty sure he lost his debut to Cody then went on a tear from there.
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow1.gif)
Knowing he’s going to have to do something major against his much larger opponent, Vinny comes in with a drop kick as soon as the bell rings. Unfortunately for Mr. Pacifico, Wardlow shrugs it off as if someone hit him with a paper wad.
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow2.gif)
Undeterred, Pacifico goes for a leg take down…which unfortunately means he’s in perfect position to be powerbombed nearly through the mat. You’d think this would be the set up for the symphony but…
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow3.gif)
…Wardlow instead lifts him up for a suplex and lays his feet on the top rope. He gives a big thumbs down, releases him, and sends a vicious knee right upside the guy’s head. Ref Audrey Edwards checks him…and calls for the bell. I do not remember that being his finisher at all, but he should really bring it back as at least a signature move as it looked absolutely BRUTAL.
![](https://www.wrestlecrap.com/app/uploads/2023/06/wardlow4.gif)
Winning by ref stoppage wasn’t quite enough for Wardlow so he decides to hand out some more punishment, throwing him on his shoulder and spinning him around like a top before throwing him to the mat like a pile of garbage. Now see, I watch this and I totally remember why so many folks felt he should be pushed to the moon. Maybe he should just go on a reign of terror clobbering geeks every week for the next six months? This is truly what he’s best at and everyone loves a good ol’ fashioned SQUASH right?