Rare insight on how hatred fueled Swerve Strickland’s intense AEW rivalry
Swerve Strickland's ascent to stardom in AEW was undoubtedly boosted significantly by his brutal blood-feud with Hangman Page. The Realest recently opened up on the rivalry in question and shared his thoughts on what made it one of wrestling's most compelling programs of late.
Strickland spoke with Denise Salcedo recently, sharing his insight on why his feud with Adam Page connected with the All Elite fanbase, and how developing their characters and their personal grudges helped deepen the intensity of the rivalry.
"I would rank it definitely, like, top three, ever, for me, and for AEW.. No doubt in my mind it's the best story All Elite Wrestling has told, because it was so unique and so personal, because it wasn't just two wrestlers, it was two human beings.. And crossing the line of men, how far are you willing to go to push those buttons of someone you truly hate, why are you hating them? A lot of people hate just to hate, but no, I hate him for these reasons, and the audiences know and understands why..." said Swerve. [0:15 - 0:50]
Agreeing that his career will always be tied with The Hangman's owing to their at times uncomfortably violent storyline so far, Swerve elaborated on the 'unpredictable' nature of the feud:
"Forever. It's that hatred that actually brings out the best in us and brings out the best in the product of what AEW is, in my opinion. The fact that whenever there's a looming presence of either of us anywhere near each other, people get uncomfortable, because we've pushed the line so far and many times went over it that they know anything is possible.. There's nothing off the table when it comes to me, period, and now Hangman's in that world as well, but when we get together, people get unsettled, they get excited. They also don't know, and I think that unpredictable factor of me and him is what truly drives our story." [1:26 - 2:11]
In their most recent meeting, Page defeated Strickland in a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage Match at All Out 2024.
Swerve Strickland is currently feuding with Bobby Lashley in AEW
Swerve Strickland suffered another major pay-per-view loss last month at Full Gear where he was defeated by Bobby Lashley. However, The New Flavor declared last week on Dynamite that things were not over between him and the former WWE Champion.
The budding rivalry unfolded at the recent Countdown to On Sale event for All In 2025, where the former AEW World Champion confronted The All Mighty. The two exchanged words and had a tense face-off, despite shaking hands on the stage as well.
It remains to be seen if Swerve and Lashley will square off again at Worlds End 2024.
Please credit Swerve Strickland's interview with Denise Salcedo and add an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.