AEW star Swerve Strickland recently reflected on his intense, year-long feud with current AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page. In a recent interview, Strickland confidently claimed that their rivalry is "opposed to every story in the history of wrestling."
Discussing the dynamic of their feud, Strickland emphasized that it stands apart because it is rooted in a deeply personal narrative, highlighting the "vulnerability" of "two flawed men."
He shared, "We’ve explored every storyline wrestling has ever seen. When Hangman is in the ring, the crowd chants ‘Who’s the house? Swerve’s House,’ while Swerve hears ‘Cowboys s**t’ chants. Our story is about vulnerability."
From late 2023 through to the conclusion of all pay-per-views in September 2024, their rivalry became one of AEW’s most brutal and compelling.
Strickland also delved into the emotional depth of the story, which began during his career interactions with Page. "It started with Hangman winning the Battle Royal in 2023. Many questioned him for winning a charity-themed pre-show Battle Royal, even though the whole company was built around him," Strickland recalled. "He hit rock bottom but bounced back, using negativity as motivation to rise again."
Their rivalry came full circle on July 12th at the Texas pay-per-view event. In a dramatic moment during the main event, Swerve Strickland intervened on Page’s behalf, helping his former adversary defeat Jon Moxley and claim the AEW World Championship.
Fan Take: This feud is a game-changer for AEW fans because it showcases storytelling layered with raw human emotion, making it feel more authentic and gripping. The culmination of this rivalry not only elevates both wrestlers but also pushes AEW storytelling to new heights, promising even more captivating narratives in the future of professional wrestling.
