During a recent interview with Claibs Online, AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland commented on the fans embracing his character, taking Hangman Page’s spot, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On fans embracing his character: “I think the people just connected, and they understood what I’m fighting for. I think that’s as simple as that. People understood that it’s like, you know what? This guy is fighting for a lot more than just trying to just pad his stats in the accolades of AEW and pro wrestling. This guy really has gotten the wrong end. He’s been dealt a bad hand, and he’s doing whatever he has to do to whoever he has to do it to to get what he feels like he rightfully deserves. He works hard for it. I’ve worked hard for it. I do have the talent. I do have the ability. Everything’s there. I’ve worked hard to earn those type of things and this time, I’m taking my destiny in my own hands. I’m taking what I want, not just waiting around and waiting for my career to just fluster and never get the opportunity. No, I’m gonna go after it and I’m gonna take it and I’ll take it from someone who feels like they don’t deserve it, and that’s where me and Hangman’s story really resonated with people is the fact that Hangman’s been at the top of the mountain and he still could have everything that he wanted to, but he kind of just became very passive and content.”
On taking Hangman Page’s spot: That’s what you prey on. That’s what guys like me who are still starving and eating and trying to get up there prey on I want to take advantage of the fact that you feel passive. I’m going to take your spot from you and I think people have felt like that in their life. They see that story and then then the fact you added me and prince Nana, it just became entertaining in itself. People truly enjoy getting into my matches. But I feel like the story is really engaging and connected with a lot of people for the fact that they’ve been in that situation in life and they’ve had to do some bad things to get what they felt like they deserved because they were wrongfully taken away from them.”
On how no one was actually harmed when he broke into Hangman’s home: “Yeah, I think another reason that people kind of turned and went with that is because it was something unique and something they’ve never really seen done in a way that’s…. Is it wrong? Nobody was harmed in the making of that film. I think there’s a little sentiment of people being like, you know what? Was anybody really hurt? Was any harm really done? If not, that was pretty cool. We’ll give them a pass. It’s long-term storytelling.”
Swerve Strickland vs. Samoa Joe for the AEW World Title at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri will headline Sunday night’s AEW Dynasty 2024 pay-per-view event.
During a recent interview Indy Sports Daily, AEW wrestler Willow Nightingale expressed her desire to face off against Mercedes Mone at the AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view event. She said,
“Yeah, I definitely think it’s been a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. She did get hurt in that match, so obviously there’s always the question of, could thing have been different? How could this have played out differently if this didn’t happen? At the end of the day, that’s the fight. You win some, you lose some, sometimes it doesn’t go your way. In a bigger way than just winning or losing, she had to take off for nearly a year. There is that unresolved what if on my shoulder, so I hope that I walk out with the TBS Championship match on Sunday as the champion, one because I wanna be a champion, two because I want to be the person that faces her at Double Or Nothing.”
In a recent interview with Claibs Online, AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland discussed various aspects of his character and the fans’ response to it. He expressed his belief that people have connected with his character because they understand the struggles he faces and the determination he has to achieve his goals.
Strickland emphasized that his character is not solely focused on personal success and accolades in AEW. Instead, he is fighting for what he believes he rightfully deserves, even if it means taking it from someone else. He mentioned that he has worked hard to earn his place and is now taking control of his own destiny, rather than waiting for opportunities to come his way.
One of the key elements of Strickland’s character development is his rivalry with Hangman Page. Strickland explained that he saw an opportunity in Hangman’s passiveness and contentment, and he aimed to take advantage of it. He believes that many people can relate to this aspect of the story, as they may have experienced similar situations in their own lives where they had to do questionable things to attain what they felt was rightfully theirs.
Addressing the controversial incident where Strickland broke into Hangman’s home, he clarified that no harm was done during the incident. He believes that this unique and never-before-seen approach to storytelling resonated with the audience, as they could appreciate the creativity and long-term planning behind it.
Switching gears, AEW wrestler Willow Nightingale expressed her desire to face off against Mercedes Mone at the AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view event in an interview with Indy Sports Daily. Nightingale mentioned that there is a chip on her shoulder due to Mone’s injury during their previous match. She acknowledged that things might have turned out differently if the injury hadn’t occurred, and she hopes to have a chance to prove herself against Mone in the future.
Nightingale emphasized that her goal is not only to become a champion but also to be the one who faces Mone at Double or Nothing. She wants to settle the unresolved question of what could have happened if the injury hadn’t sidelined Mone for nearly a year.
Overall, both Swerve Strickland and Willow Nightingale showcased their determination and drive to succeed in their respective interviews. Their characters and storylines have resonated with fans, creating anticipation for their upcoming matches and adding depth to the AEW wrestling scene.