Swerve Strickland will challenge Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship at tonight’s AEW Dynasty 2024 pay-per-view event in St. Louis, Missouri.
On a recent edition of the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, Strickland discussed the possibility of becoming the first black AEW World Champion.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On what it would mean for him to become the first black AEW World Champion: “It means a lot. In this day and age, in the year of 2024, it’s hard to accomplish something new. It’s industry-wide no matter what. Box office records are being broken like every month now it feels like across the industry, so it’s just trying to find your place of where you belong in the business and try to make a stamp on it, own something.”
On creating your own path: “It’s a little bit easier to just follow in another path that somebody has already carved. It’s a lot more challenging, a lot more risky, and a lot more damaging to try to create your own. It’s a lot of risk involved with that too.”
On the sacrifices he’s made in his career: “Having to take time away from my children to make sure I can move forward, to make sure [my wrestling career] takes off later on. It’s a lot of birthdays missed, a lot of weddings, missed a lot of funerals. I lost my grandmother early this year and I wasn’t able to be there for the funeral. So that was something that sticks in my mind all the time. So pushing forward, it makes me want to pay that back. Like I didn’t miss that for nothing.”
Swerve Strickland, one of the rising stars in the world of professional wrestling, is set to challenge Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship at tonight’s AEW Dynasty 2024 pay-per-view event in St. Louis, Missouri. This highly anticipated match has garnered significant attention, not only for the in-ring action it promises but also for the potential historic significance it holds.
In a recent episode of the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, Strickland opened up about what it would mean for him to become the first black AEW World Champion. He expressed his belief that achieving such a milestone in the year 2024 is no easy feat, considering how difficult it is to accomplish something new in any industry. Strickland acknowledged the record-breaking box office performances happening across various entertainment sectors and emphasized the importance of finding one’s place in the business and leaving a lasting impact.
Strickland also spoke about the challenges of creating his own path rather than following in the footsteps of others. He acknowledged that while it may be easier to follow a pre-established path, carving out one’s own way is more challenging, risky, and potentially damaging. Despite the risks involved, Strickland has chosen to take this path and is determined to make a mark on the wrestling industry.
The conversation took a more personal turn when Strickland discussed the sacrifices he has made throughout his career. He revealed that he had to spend time away from his children in order to pursue his wrestling dreams and ensure a successful future. Strickland admitted to missing numerous birthdays, weddings, and even his grandmother’s funeral earlier this year. These sacrifices weigh heavily on his mind, but they also serve as a driving force for him to push forward and make it all worthwhile.
As Swerve Strickland prepares to step into the ring against Samoa Joe, both competitors are aware of the significance of this match. If Strickland emerges victorious, he will not only become the AEW World Champion but also make history as the first black wrestler to hold that title. The outcome of this match will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the wrestling industry and inspire future generations of wrestlers from diverse backgrounds.
Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating tonight’s AEW Dynasty 2024 pay-per-view event, where Swerve Strickland and Samoa Joe will clash for the AEW World Championship. The match represents more than just a battle for gold; it symbolizes the ongoing progress and inclusivity within the wrestling world. Regardless of the outcome, both Strickland and Joe have already made their mark in the industry, and their match will be remembered as a significant moment in wrestling history.