AEW Trio Spotted at ‘Naked Gun’ Event
Professional wrestling met Hollywood glamor this week as three of AEW’s fan-favorite talents stepped away from the ring and onto the red carpet. Orange Cassidy, HOOK, and Chuck Taylor were all spotted at the premiere of the upcoming comedy reboot “Naked Gun,” which held its star-studded debut in Los Angeles ahead of its theatrical release on August 1.
The movie, a fresh take on the classic slapstick detective franchise, stars Liam Neeson in the lead role and features appearances from several familiar faces for wrestling and pop culture fans alike. Among those present at the event were actor and part-time wrestler Paul Walter Hauser and the legendary “Weird Al” Yankovic, both of whom interacted with the AEW trio during the event.
Orange Cassidy, known for his laid-back demeanor and signature sunglasses, kept things casual on the red carpet, in keeping with his on-screen persona. Currently out of in-ring action due to injury, Cassidy has been on hiatus from AEW television but remains one of the company’s most recognizable stars. Despite his physical absence from weekly programming, his presence at high-profile events like this one continues to solidify his mainstream appeal.
HOOK, another popular AEW figure, also drew attention at the premiere. While the son of wrestling legend Taz has not appeared on AEW programming since the Double or Nothing pay-per-view, his laid-back charisma and fan following have kept his name circulating within the wrestling community. His appearance in Hollywood may have been brief, but it certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
Chuck Taylor, the third member of the trio, is currently working behind the scenes at AEW in a production role. Once a regular in the tag team division, Taylor has transitioned to helping shape the company’s product from a backstage perspective. His presence at the premiere hints at his continued connection to both wrestling and entertainment, showcasing the increasingly blurred lines between the two worlds.
The red carpet event was a convergence of wrestling, comedy, and celebrity culture. While none of the AEW stars are involved in the film itself, another familiar wrestling name is. Cody Rhodes, former AEW EVP and current WWE Superstar, has a role in “Naked Gun,” adding another layer of crossover appeal for wrestling fans. Though Rhodes wasn’t present alongside his former AEW colleagues, his name was still a topic of conversation during the premiere.
“Naked Gun” aims to recapture the absurd, slapstick energy of the original 1988 classic that starred Leslie Nielsen. With Liam Neeson stepping into the lead role and a mix of veteran and new talent in the cast, the film is being positioned as both a tribute and a reintroduction of the franchise for modern audiences.
The premiere’s atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. For AEW fans, seeing familiar faces like Cassidy, HOOK, and Taylor outside the ring serves as a reminder of how wrestling’s biggest personalities are increasingly finding a place in pop culture outside the squared circle.