3 reasons why Swerve Strickland should retain his AEW World Championship at Forbidden Door and 2 reasons why he should not
Swerve Strickland will be in action at Forbidden Door 2024, defending his AEW World Championship against Will Ospreay. Following a couple of successful title defenses, Killshot will face his toughest challenge yet when he puts his title on the line against the Aerial Assassin.
While many expected the two stars to square off at AEW's All In pay-per-view in August, Tony Khan has decided to book the program for AEW's annual crossover event.
With the AEW International Championship already in his grasp, Will Ospreay will hope to add another title to his collection at Forbidden Door 2024. However, Swerve Strickland will do everything in his power to deny Ospreay his first AEW World Championship.
In this article, let's look at three reasons why Swerve Strickland should retain his title at Forbidden Door and two reasons why he should not.
#5. Why Swerve should retain: Fans may turn on Will Ospreay if he dethrones Swerve Strickland
Will Ospreay is a beloved figure among the AEW audience. Fans admire the work ethic of the Aerial Assassin, who is known to deliver exceptional performances on a weekly basis.
If Ospreay were to cut short Strickland's World Title reign, he may lose his connection with the audience. The Killshot has seen a huge surge in his popularity over the last year, courtesy of his excellent character work.
As the AEW International Champion, Ospreay may not need another title right now. Will Ospreay's probable win at Forbidden Door may put him at risk of losing the goodwill of the AEW fans, who may accuse Tony Khan of shoving the high flyer down their throats.
#4. Why Swerve should lose: Feel-good factor for the English audience if Will Ospreay walks into All In as World Champion
After last year's historic success, Tony Khan will be adamant about putting out another excellent All In pay-per-view this year at the Wembley Stadium. Will Ospreay, who was not yet contracted with AEW, took on Chris Jericho at last year's All In event.
With Ospreay now being a full-time AEW Superstar, he is primed to have a top spot on the card at the 2024 edition of AEW's annual London pay-per-view.
Considering his huge popularity in the English wrestling market, Tony Khan may hand the Aerial Assassin the World title before he heads to All In in August. It will be a feel-good moment for the UK audience, who have closely witnessed Ospreay's growth as a performer.
#3. Why Swerve should retain: He has only been champion for about a month
Swerve Strickland dethroned Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty to become the AEW World Champion. It has been just over a month since that encounter, meaning Swerve still has a lot to accomplish in his title reign.
If Strickland drops his title to the AEW International Champion at Forbidden Door, his year-long hard work will seem worthless. It will also be one of the shortest AEW World Title reigns, which may not sit well with the loyal fans of All Elite Wrestling.
#2. Why Swerve should lose: To break the trend of long World Title reigns
AEW's World Championship reigns are known to last a long time. The trend was started by the inaugural holder of the prestigious title, Chris Jericho, who remained champion for over six months. The Le Champion was succeeded by Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, and MJF who also held the AEW World title for at least nine months each.
While long title reigns make up for compelling storytelling, they should be few and far between. The obsession with having the same titleholder for longer periods makes it difficult to reward other deserving contenders.
Although Strickland's loss at Forbidden Door will be a shocking move, it will help break the ongoing trend of long world championship reigns. Moreover, it will generate more sympathy for the leader of The Mogul Embassy, who will have to work his way to the top again.
#1. Why Swerve should retain: Swerve Strickland deserves to defend his title at All In London
Swerve Strickland has been exceptional over the last two years. Previously considered a mid-card talent, The Killshot's consistent performances helped him break into the main event scene.
The rivalry against Hangman Adam Page helped open fans' eyes to Strickland's potential as a future World Champion. The former Hit Row member had the world by his side when he dethroned the King of Television at AEW Dynasty. His victory was one of the most emotional moments in AEW history.
![Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay will be the perfect main event for AEW All In London. [Image credits: Swerve Strickland's Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/06/888cd-17183347018683-1920.jpg?w=500)
Tony Khan may have booked himself in a corner by pitting Will Ospreay against Swerve Strickland this early into the latter's reign. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars' owner must keep the title on The Killshot, if compelled to choose between the two.
After his contributions to Tony Khan’s promotion over the last year, Swerve must walk into London as the AEW World Champion.