Anthony Bowens has penned an article for The Player’s Tribune centering on The Acclaimed’s rise to babyface status in AEW, the importance of their “Scissor Me” catchphrase, the inclusivity of their fanbase, and more.
You can check out some highlights from Bowens’ article below:
On the group’s evolution into babyfaces: “What you guys have let me and Max and Billy be a part of in the Acclaimed … this ride you’ve gone on with us over the last year … it means everything to me. It’s funny, because when the Acclaimed first started, we were insane levels of hated. Not just as Wrestling Bad Guys. I’m talking, like, mobs of people in AEW’s Twitter mentions when we’d have a segment, begging them to get us off their TV. We just rolled with it, though. It’s a good example honestly of me becoming comfortable in my own skin. Like if I’d seen some of those tweets in the beginning of my career, it would have rattled the hell out of me. But I had a much better sense now of who I was as a person — and who Max and I were trying to be as performers. So I leaned into it. I was brainstorming one day and I thought, We’re playing delusional assholes. What would these guys think about all the hate they get?? Oh, right: they’d be FLATTERED. And they’d think it means that everyone secretly loves them. A few minutes later, we had our catchphrase. Everyone loves the Acclaimed.”
On their catchphrase: “The irony of our catchphrase, of course, is that there ended up being no irony to it at all. Once the COVID era was over and we were wrestling in front of live crowds again, we started to get these unbelievable reactions. It’s like it was somehow gradual and sudden: People went from hating us, to “hating” us, to respecting us, to loving us. Max’s raps became a big deal. Scissoring caught on. We found our third member with Daddy Ass. We lost a heartbreaker in Chicago, but stole the show. Then we won the rematch (and the belts!) in New York. From there we were off and running. A year later — as AEW trios champs — we still are.”
On the group’s inclusivity: “When I scream EVERYONE LOVES THE ACCLAIMED now, though, what I’m most proud of isn’t the LOVES part — it’s the EVERYONE part. It’s how every night we do this, we’re walking out there, we’re being outrageous and debaucherous and f*cking ridiculous, we’re having the best time, the most fun … and EVERYONE is invited. Everyone. That’s what the Acclaimed is truly about to me at the end of the day. So I wanted to put a few words down and say that. Thanks for giving us a chance / sticking with us through the pandemic / going crazy for Max’s bars / scissoring until your fingers bleed / singing “OHHHHHH SCISSOR ME DADDYYYY” / buying foam fingers / hating Billy’s sons so much that he decided he’d rather spend time with us. Thanks for letting a queer Black kid from New Jersey live out his wrestling dream. Thanks for coming to this party just as you are. We’re glad you’re here.”
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The Acclaimed: From Hated Heels to Beloved Babyfaces
Professional wrestling is a unique form of entertainment that thrives on the dynamics between heroes and villains. The Acclaimed, a tag team consisting of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens, has experienced a remarkable transformation from being despised heels to becoming beloved babyfaces in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In an article penned by Bowens for The Player’s Tribune, he sheds light on their journey, the significance of their catchphrase, the inclusivity of their fanbase, and more.
When The Acclaimed first burst onto the scene, they were met with intense hatred from fans. Bowens recalls how they were bombarded with negative tweets and pleas to be taken off television. However, instead of being discouraged, they embraced the hate and used it as fuel for their characters. Bowens explains that they decided to portray themselves as delusional assholes who believed that the hate they received was a sign of everyone secretly loving them. This mindset led to the creation of their now-famous catchphrase: “Everyone loves The Acclaimed.”
Ironically, as live crowds returned after the COVID era, The Acclaimed started receiving overwhelming positive reactions. The hate turned into admiration and respect. Max Caster’s rap skills became a highlight of their performances, and their catchphrase gained genuine meaning. The team’s chemistry grew stronger with the addition of their third member, Daddy Ass. They had memorable matches and eventually won the AEW trios championships. The Acclaimed had successfully transitioned from despised heels to beloved babyfaces.
One aspect that Bowens is particularly proud of is the inclusivity of The Acclaimed’s fanbase. He emphasizes that when he shouts, “Everyone loves The Acclaimed,” it’s not just about the love they receive but also about the inclusivity they promote. The team aims to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and can have a great time. Bowens expresses gratitude to the fans for sticking with them through the pandemic, supporting Max’s rap performances, participating in the “scissoring” gesture, and embracing their unique brand of entertainment. He also acknowledges the significance of being a queer Black wrestler from New Jersey living out his wrestling dream and thanks the fans for accepting him as he is.
The journey of The Acclaimed serves as a testament to the power of character development and storytelling in professional wrestling. Through their commitment to their roles and their ability to adapt to the audience’s reactions, they have managed to win over the fans and establish themselves as fan favorites. Their rise from hated heels to beloved babyfaces is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the connection they have formed with the audience.
In conclusion, The Acclaimed’s evolution in AEW is a remarkable story of perseverance and reinvention. From being despised heels to becoming beloved babyfaces, they have captured the hearts of wrestling fans with their unique personalities and performances. Their catchphrase, “Everyone loves The Acclaimed,” has taken on a genuine meaning as fans from all walks of life have embraced their inclusive brand of entertainment. The Acclaimed’s journey is a reminder that in professional wrestling, characters can evolve, and perceptions can change, leading to unforgettable moments and a loyal fanbase.