Swerve Strickland Addresses Extreme Spots in AEW All Out Steel Cage Match

One big thing: Swerve Strickland defends violent match against Hangman Page

Swerve Strickland took to Twitter to address the controversial “Lights Out” unsanctioned steel cage match against Hangman Page at AEW All Out on September 7.

• The match featured extreme spots including staple guns, cinder blocks, and medical syringes.
• It ended when the referee called it off after Page stabbed Strickland with a syringe and hit him with a chair shot to the head.
• Strickland shared photos from the match, captioning them: “What did you expect? Go where others won’t go”

Why it matters

The match’s brutality has sparked debate among fans and industry professionals about the limits of violence in professional wrestling.

• Some argue the extreme spots were fitting for the intense rivalry.
• Others contend that certain elements, particularly the syringe and chair shot, crossed a line.

Behind the scenes

Reports suggest Strickland may take time away from AEW following this match, potentially to sell the effects of the extreme violence.

Fan reaction

• The match has split the fanbase, with some praising its intensity and others criticizing it as too violent.
• The debate highlights ongoing discussions about balancing storytelling with wrestler safety in modern professional wrestling.

What’s next

It remains to be seen how AEW will address the fallout from this match and whether it will impact future booking decisions for extreme contests.

What do you think about the level of violence in this match? Was it justified for the storyline, or did it go too far? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.