Swerve Strickland is prepared to enter the ring with Cage, defending his AEW World Championship title at the highly anticipated Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event on Sunday, May 26.
In a candid discussion with TMZ Sports, the prominent AEW figure delved deeper into their past, dating back to the previous year. He remarked,
“Our historical ties trace back to the time of August 2023 at the Wembley Stadium, when we were tag team partners. I was the unfortunate man who was shoved into the coffin by Sting & Darby Allin. That’s a defeat he hasn’t overlooked, nor has he forgiven me for. I had hoped we could simply part ways and maintain peace. However, he’s still nurturing a grudge over what happened with Nick Wayne, of whom I’m hardly proud. I trespassed into his father’s wrestling academy, assaulted him until he was soaked in his own blood. Christian’s followers, The Patriarchy, were essentially cultivated by me. The negative actions I took in 2023 have now forged the adversaries I face.”
Pushing the conversation further, Swerve elucidated,
“That’s how the specters of my history have started to haunt me. You don’t want to underestimate Christian. He’s a legend, a former world champion. Do not be misled by his age. He maintains peak physical shape looking immaculate. He possesses a sharp intellect, is a superb orator, people trust his words. He has headlined AEW pay-per-view matches before. So, he’s someone from whom I’m gaining a wealth of knowledge. Still, I must outsmart him, and be more careful. He’s an experienced, multiple times world champion. On the flip side, I am a rookie in comparison. I’m at a knowledge-based disadvantage. Nonetheless, I am physically stronger than ever. In the last eight months alone, I have put on 30 pounds. My audacity knows no bounds; I have the ability to inflict severe pain. I am reminded of my victory against Samoa Joe, and I am confident in repeating it against Christian. I still have numerous tactics up my sleeve.”
For a deeper insight into Swerve’s journey and his preparation, you can watch the entire interview here:
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