The AEW’s Best Friends group has recently been experiencing internal conflicts. This kicked off with Trent Beretta turning against Orange Cassidy and Chuck Taylor. The affiliation of Kris Statlander, particularly with Cassidy, wasn’t immediately acknowledged, but her position is now clear.
On the AEW Dynamite episode aired on June 5, 2024, Beretta had a face-off with Cassidy after his four-man match with Rey Fenix, Kyle O’Reilly and Jay Lethal. Unexpectedly, Statlander intervened just as it seemed like she would reconcile the two compatriots, instead landing a hard punch on Cassidy’s face.
An All Elite Wrestling tweet captured the moment:
“Trent Beretta and Kris Statlander continue to be a thorn in the side of Orange Cassidy! Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!”
This turn of events was not unexpected considering Statlander had recently turned against her companion Willow Nightingale at the AEW Double or Nothing event on May 26th. When Statlander tried to justify her actions, Nightingale stormed off, which resulted in a digital exclusive interview where Statlander explained why she attacked Cassidy:
“EXCLUSIVE: Backstage cameras catch up with @callmekrisstat & @trentylocks as they explain their actions on #AEWDynamite!”
Statlander and Beretta’s explanation is as follows:
Statlander: “In 2021, I had my first significant injury. I returned to the Arcade Anarchy match for Orange after my second severe injury. I even flew internationally to be there for Orange when he clinched his first-ever title here at AEW. When he lost the title, I was there…But when I was experiencing losses, Orange, where were you?”
Beretta: “As expected, he was absent. But I was present. Because I’m a good person.”
Statlander: “All I’ve ever desired, Orange, was to be your best buddy. But you… you were never mine.”
Beretta: “This proves my point. Orange Cassidy is self-absorbed; a sociopath. He manipulates people like us.”
Statlander: “Let’s just leave this place”
Following these sudden betrayals, Cassidy and Nightingale have been seen sharing a discrete fist-bump. Could this hint towards a future match involving Cassidy and Nightingale against Beretta and Statlander? It remains to be seen.
Feel free to comment on how you predict this unfolding storyline down below.