Swerve Strickland created history at AEW Dynasty 2024 when he captured the AEW World Championship by defeating Samoa Joe. He became the first black wrestler to do so in the All-Elite Wrestling. The fans are behind the new AEW World Champion, and the pairing of Swerve with Prince Nana has been equally praised. Swerve Strickland’s Journey has been a roller-coaster ride throughout his career. Look at the AEW World Champion Swerve Strrickkland’s Journey to the Top.
Career Highlights
Swerve Strickland started his professional wrestling journey in 2008. He made a name for himself in several independent wrestling promotions like MLW, CZW, and Lucha Underground. In 2019, Swerve joined WWE under a developmental contract. Swerve was a part of the NXT brand as Isiah “Swerve” Scott, and he was the leader of the Hit Row stable.
His NXT run was nothing to be ashamed of, as he captured the NXT North American Title in the process. Swerve’s reign lasted over 100 days (about three and a half months). In the 2021 WWE Draft, Hit Row had a call-up to SmackDown. However, later in November, Swerve was released alongside Hit Row. The other members were later rehired by Triple H, but Strickland had found his path at another place until then.
After his release from WWE, Swerve appeared for DEFY Wrestling and New-Japan Pro Wrestling. In March 2022, Swerve debuted for AEW at AEW Revolution PPV. He formed a tag team with Kieth Lee and won the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Later, Swerve had some shortcomings in his matches at pay-per-views.
His rise began when he had an acclaimed feud with Hangman Adam Page. At AEW Full Gear, the Texas Deathmatch between Swerve and Page received a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. Swerve got the best of Hangman in a couple of matchups.
Swerve battled Page and Samoa Joe in a triple-threat match at AEW Revolution. Later, Strickland beat Konosuke Takeshita on AEW Dynamite to earn a singles opportunity against Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty 2024 for the AEW World Championship. This was Swerve’s moment as he defeated Joe at Dynasty and captured the AEW World Title.
Swerve Strickland’s Title reign so far
On the April 27th episode of AEW Dynamite, Strickland had his first successful Title defense against Claudio Castagnoli. Now, Swerve has his primary opponent in front of him as Christian Cage will challenge for the AEW World Title at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25.
New Era in AEW
Swerve Strickland’s Journey to the championship victory looks like the start of a new era in AEW. He is a fresh face at the Top of AEW. Regardless of the criticism online about AEW’s booking decisions, Swerve’s journey has been booked wisely. He has become an absolute star in AEW, as his previous work was less acknowledged. We will witness several new faces getting opportunities at the AEW World Title weekly. Prince Nana adds significantly to Swerve Strickland’s overall character and presence on AEW Programming. AEW is really “Swerve’s House” now.
The Impact of the Champion Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland’s journey is an accurate display of hard work and dedication. He is an inspiration for many young talents out there. He is a proud champion for many people, and his fan base has grown to a higher level in the past couple of years. Strickland is also a picture of the diversity of the wrestling business as he became the first-ever African American to hold the AEW World Title.
Possible Future Opponents for Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland’s journey demands a lengthy title reign. He can do so many exciting things as the World Champion. Top names like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay can test themselves against the new AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland.
One part of Swerve Strickland’s Journey is over, but the other has just begun. He must prove himself as one of the Greatest Champions. With his talent and charisma, Swerve Strickland can surely redefine the legacy of the AEW World Championship and show what it means to be a champion in professional wrestling. Several other superstars have made an impact in AEW in 2023. Check out the Top 5 AEW Debuts in 2023.
