Swerve Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page joined forces to face off against Samoa Joe and The Ops on AEW Dynamite. The backstory involves Joe securing a Steel Cage match victory with Hook’s unexpected help, dethroning Page to claim the AEW World Championship for the second time. Hook had stepped in for Hobbs, who was sidelined due to injury, and although he initially seemed to aid Page, he shockingly struck him with the belt, allowing Joe to execute the Muscle Buster for the win.
Following Joe’s title win celebration, Strickland returned with a fresh entrance and immediately clashed with Joe’s faction, rescuing Page and fleeing the scene. On the next Dynamite episode, Joe gathered his allies—Hobbs, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata—to celebrate again, only for Strickland and Page to confront them at ringside. The duo took a bold stance by bringing chains into the ring, symbolically capturing some of Joe’s allies and making a strong statement to the new AEW World Champion and reigning World Trios Champion.
Fan Take: This intense rivalry adds a fresh and thrilling layer to AEW’s storytelling, showcasing alliances and betrayals that keep fans on the edge of their seats. The bold moves by Strickland and Page signal a new chapter of conflict that could redefine the championship landscape and invigorate AEW’s future events.
