5 Stars who could answer Swerve Strickland’s open challenge on AEW Collision this week
At the All In 2024 Pay-Per-View, Swerve Strickland will defend his AEW World Championship against Bryan Danielson, formerly known as Daniel Bryan. Having been a champion for about four months, The Killshot is looking forward to cementing his legacy by slaying The American Dragon at Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Danielson is adamant about ending his full-time career as the AEW World Champion, which has prompted him to put his career on the line in this match. Swerve vs. Danielson is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable matches in All Elite Wrestling history, with fans being confused about who they want to root for.
Days before a historic title defense at All In, Swerve Strickland will host an Open Challenge at Collision this week. The 33-year-old star will face an unannounced opponent in an AEW World Championship Eliminator match. If The Killshot somehow loses this match, the other competitor will receive a guaranteed World Title shot in the future.
In this article, let's look at five AEW stars who could answer Swerve Strickland's Open Challenge this week on Collision.
#5. Wardlow returns to All Elite Wrestling in a dominant fashion
The last two years have dealt a huge blow to Wardlow's AEW career. Once the hottest homegrown talent in the company, Mr. Mayhem currently finds himself struggling in the mid-card without any clear direction.
The 36-year-old star was last seen at Dynamite: Big Business, where he failed to dethrone the then-AEW World Champion, Samoa Joe. Since then, the former TNT Champion has sat on the sidelines, with fans having no update on when he would return.
The Undisputed Kingdom seems to have moved on from the behemoth star, with The Beast Mortos seemingly taking his place in the faction. If Wardlow is indeed out of the Undisputed Kingdom, a return to singles competition would be an ideal route for Mr. Mayhem.
He could return to AEW Collision this week by accepting Swerve Strickland's Open Challenge. The 36-year-old star could engage in an intense bout with Strickland, where he could push the champion to his limits.
While he may not win the match, butting heads with the biggest babyface on the roster could help him regain his lost credibility. It would also serve as a fresh start for Wardlow, who has suffered from inconsistent booking since 2022.
#4. AR Fox could target his former leader
AR Fox has some unfinished business with Swerve Strickland. The two stars have been teammates in AEW in the past, with Fox serving as the trusted ally to a ruthless Strickland. The One Man Army joined the Mogul Embassy for a brief period in 2023, which was supposed to be a turning point for the 36-year-old star.
Unfortunately, a loss against Nick Wayne and Darby Allin on Dynamite caused a rift between Fox and Swerve. The reigning AEW World Champion immediately fired the former CZW star, with Brian Cage putting a painful end to his stay in the group.
AR Fox could return on Collision this week as a ghost of Swerve's past, hoping to earn a future AEW World Title shot against his former stablemate. A match against Fox could be beneficial for The Killshot, as it would help him prepare for the challenge of Bryan Danielson at All In 2024.
#3. Lance Archer sets his sights on the AEW World Champion
Lance Archer has challenged for the AEW World Championship multiple times in the past. Despite his incredible skillset, the AEW World Title has continued to elude The Murderhawk Monster. Considered one of the most gifted in-ring talents on the roster, it is unfortunate that Archer has not captured a singles title in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
The 47-year-old star could restart his quest for the AEW World Championship this week on Collision. The Murderhawk Monster could lock horns with Swerve Strickland in a World Championship Eliminator match. The Killshot would have his back against the wall when he takes on the behemoth star on Collision.
After his recent loss against Will Ospreay on Dynamite, Lance Archer would hope to redeem himself by defeating the reigning AEW World Champion. On the other hand, Swerve Strickland would want to overcome the threat of The Murderhawk Monster to make a statement before his match against Bryan Danielson.
#2. The Beast Mortos could be a solid threat to Swerve Strickland
The Beast Mortos has started to make waves on Collision of late. The Mexican luchador has captivated the audience with his frightening strength and unmatched agility. The 37-year-old has featured in some great matches on Collision recently, hinting that Tony Khan may have some big plans for him.
The Beast Mortos could take a giant leap in his career by answering Swerve Strickland's upcoming Open Challenge. The Minotaur of Wrestling could force the reigning AEW World Champion to bring out his A-game by putting on an impressive display of his abilities.
While Strickland has scored victories over top names like Will Ospreay and Christian Cage, The Beast Mortos could emerge as his toughest opponent yet. An all-round performer like Mortos could help Swerve learn about the weaknesses in his game before he competes in a high-stakes match at All In 2024.
#1. Pac gets a well-deserved shot at redemption against Swerve Strickland
Pac is no longer the menacing entity he once was. The Man that Gravity Forgot has registered a string of disappointing losses of late, which has hurt his legitimacy to a great extent. After failing to win the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Pac's status for All In 2024 seems to be up in the air.
The British star recently laid down a challenge for the AEW International Championship, which sadly did not lead to anything. With The Lucha Brothers seemingly heading to WWE, it is high time Pac starts afresh as a singles star.
The former AEW World Trios Champion could bring his career back on track by entering a program with Swerve Strickland. The 37-year-old star could compete against The Killshot on the upcoming episode of Collision, where he could earn himself a future World Title shot.
Pac vs. Swerve could end up being one of the best in-ring showdowns of 2024. If the plan is for Strickland to lose at All In 2024, he would like to wrap up the final stage of his title reign with a memorable match against Pac.