3 Key Points
- Swerve Strickland aims to become the first African American AEW World Champion.
- Strickland expresses confidence in surpassing MJF as a champion.
- A potential path to gold could emerge with the AEW Continental Classic tournament.
Swerve Strickland’s Championship Ambitions
Swerve Strickland, the athletic luminary of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is steadfast in his pursuit of the AEW World Championship, a title currently held by MJF. In a revealing conversation on the Going Ringside podcast, Strickland voiced his conviction that, given similar opportunities to Hangman Adam Page, he could have already claimed the prestigious role of the first African American AEW World Champion. “Not just any type of gold,” Strickland emphasizes, revealing his exclusive focus on the top prize in AEW.
Confidence in Surpassing MJF
Swerve’s track record includes a reign as AEW World Tag Team Champion, yet the solo prize remains untouched. In spite of this, Strickland harbors no doubt regarding his potential impact as the figurehead of the promotion, suggesting he could outperform MJF as the face of AEW. “Without a doubt,” Strickland asserts, his statement underscoring a firm belief in his abilities.
Road to AEW Gold
Though Strickland and MJF have not crossed paths within AEW’s squared circle, history recalls their encounter at a Wrestling Revolver event in 2017. MJF, at the apex of his tenure with a record-smashing championship streak nearing 400 days, remains a formidable force since dethroning Jon Moxley. Strickland, meanwhile, eyes the AEW Continental Classic tournament, a crucible that could propel him to championship contention. The tournament’s Gold League finale, potentially featuring Strickland, Moxley, and Jay White in a triple threat confrontation, lies on the horizon — the victor ultimately vying for the AEW Continental Championship at AEW World’s End.
