MJF's Scarf and the Most Iconic Props in WWE and AEW Today

Paul Bearer carrying The Undertaker's urn containing The Phenom's essence and power. Jimmy Hart's megaphone echoing through the arena. Mick Foley reaching into his pants to pull out Mr. Socko.

The best props in pro wrestling can be just as iconic as the performers they're associated with.

Ideally, they help showcase an aspect of that character in an easy-to-understand visual and can even have entire storylines revolve around them.

Props aren't as commonplace these days as they were in previous eras, but a handful of All Elite Wrestling and WWE names still utilize them to great success.

Let's take a look at some of the best props on those two rosters today and examine what makes them so important and interesting.

Drew McIntyre's Sword

Drew McIntyre isn't the type of performer who necessarily has a character beyond just being a passionate wrestler. The only thing to latch onto for a visual, outside of his impressive physique, is his Scottish background.

His kilt is part of the package, but it isn't as bad ass as carrying around a giant sword.

Named after his late mother, Angela, this sword has all the elements working for it.

It is great for merchandise options and makes him look more intimidating as he wields it during his entrance, particularly when it's used to prompt pyro.

It's been used in storylines with Sheamus stealing it and Happy Corbin (and others) running away from it. McIntyre has even sliced a table and the ring ropes with it to show he means business.

The Claymore finishing maneuver might be the Scot's best tool to win matches, but his sword lets you know The Scottish Warrior is about to do battle.

MJF's Scarf and Dynamite Diamond Ring

Credit: AEW

MJF is better than you, and you know it. Two of the ways he shows that off are trademark pieces of his apparel: his Burberry scarf and Dynamite Diamond Ring.

The former is strictly visual. People have taken jabs at him, saying it makes him look ridiculous, but he continues to wear it no matter the scenario. It has no functionality and is there just to remind you he can afford the more expensive things in life.

IIt's become so synonymous with his character that if you were to picture MJF, he's assuredly wearing it around his neck.

Around his finger, though, is the Dynamite Diamond Ring he's won three years in a row.

This one is much more versatile, as he's used it to knock out opponents on multiple occasions.

It would be hard to imagine someone else winning it since that ring has only been in MJF's possession and should arguably retire as solely his gimmick.

Austin Theory's Money in the Bank Briefcase

Easily the longest-tenured item on this list, the Money in the Bank briefcase has been around since 2005.

Over the years, it's had lots of designs, which means lots of options for WWE Shop to sell.

Nearly every Money in the Bank winner has also used this to strike someone at some point, making it an effective weapon. It can even be a legitimate carry-on wrestlers use to store their luggage when they're flying.

With one quick glance, whoever is holding it instantly stands out. This is an easy way to convey to the audience that this Superstar is a potential future world champion.

It has also become a piece of pop culture stretching beyond WWE, as it has been used in memes where someone can swoop in and steal something, from becoming President of the United States to Bill Belichick making the Super Bowl a Triple Threat match.

Darby Allin's Skateboard

Credit: AEW

When Darby Allin first arrived in AEW, the two immediate trademarks to separate him from the others were his face paint and skateboard.

While he hasn't been using it as much whenever he comes out with Sting, the latter is still something he can pull out at any time, whether it's just to roll down the ramp or use as a weapon.

That has been amplified considerably when he's added tacks to it, but he's also used it to perform tricks during matches and show how carefree he can be with regards to his safety.

This is not just a means of transportation or a gimmick for the sake of selling merchandise. It is a form of expression for Allin, just like his short videos used in his promos, which have frequently featured his skateboarding tricks.

One way to tell if a prop is a valuable piece of storytelling is to ask whether that person's action figure would need, and the skateboard is needed with Allin's figure.

The Street Profits' Cups

When The Street Profits first started holding cups in their promos, it was a simple and effective way of showing that they are party guys.

Over the years, this has become the team symbol for Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, the latter of whom even wears a necklace with two cup pendants on it. During their entrance, mini cups fall from the ceiling and the Titantron video screens.

In the video above, their use of the cups was played off for laughs with a misdirect as Kurt Angle opted to go for his own trademark drink of choice as they all chugged bottles of milk.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin catches cans of beer, while The Street Profits hold up their cups as they announce they want the smoke. It's just how it goes.

Orange Cassidy's Sunglasses

Credit: AEW

Throw on a pair of Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, a denim jacket, a white t-shirt with a picture of yourself on it and put one hand in your jeans pocket while the other is barely giving a thumbs up, and you've got yourself an Orange Cassidy costume.

Outside of how he wrestles with his hands in his pockets, arguably the next biggest piece of that puzzle are the sunglasses, which people have used to get under his skin by stealing or even breaking from time to time.

Wrestling in those instantly conveys his personality. He can't even be bothered to take them off, as he's too chill to drop that vibe.

Bret Hart used to give his glasses to kids during his entrance. Cassidy keeps them on so long that when they come off, it's almost a way to say the gloves are off.

Like MJF's scarf, if you were to draw a caricature of Cassidy, he would be wearing his shades or it just wouldn't be the same Freshly Squeezed.

Honorable Mentions

We haven't seen Rick Boogs or his guitar since he suffered a torn quadriceps injury at WrestleMania 38 in April. Prior to that, his use of the instrument helped get him over with SmackDown audiences.

NXT has some interesting props with Tony D'Angelo's go-to crowbar weapon, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter's party guns that shoot smoke during their entrance and all of Wendy Choo's pillows and such.

Chase University has an easily identifiable section of the crowd and a flag to wave to show off their spirit.

The Viking Raiders have also made good use of their shields in WWE if only to batter The New Day during their Viking Rules match.

Props are an underutilized means to showcase someone's character that AEW and WWE should explore more, particularly with the performers who are struggling to be more than just "a wrestler" on the screen.

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Anthony Mango is the owner of the wrestling website Smark Out Moment and the host of the podcast show Smack Talk on YouTube, Spotify and everywhere you find podcasts. You can follow him on Facebook and elsewhere for more.