One Big Thing
Swerve Strickland’s win at AEW Dynasty 2024, becoming the first African American AEW World Champion, has been met with high praise, particularly from WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.
Key Takeaways
- Swerve Strickland secured the AEW World Championship, making history as the promotion’s first African American World Champion.
- Booker T expressed his admiration on The Hall of Fame podcast, noting Swerve’s deserving nature due to his hard work and skill within the ring.
- Booker T addressed the broader issue of diversity and representation in wrestling, emphasizing the importance of merit over tokenism.
Why It Matters
The significance of Strickland’s victory extends beyond the confines of AEW. It represents a step forward in diversity and representation within professional wrestling—a sport historically dominated by non-black champions at its highest levels. Booker T’s comments reflect not just personal pride but also a wider recognition of achievement that challenges the industry to continue evolving.
Booker T’s Words
“It’s awesome, man. Swerve’s a hell of a worker. He deserves it…Now, he don’t have to think about that at all. He’s crossed that threshold,” said Booker T. He later added, “I don’t think we want that championship just handed to us because we’re Black. I think we want that championship because we’re just as good as anybody in the locker room.”
Bottom Line
Swerve Strickland’s championship win is not just a victory for him but a landmark moment for AEW and the wrestling industry at large. It’s a testament to hard work, talent, and the slowly shifting tides of representation in sports entertainment. Booker T’s reaction underscores the importance of these victories, not only for the individuals who achieve them but for what they signify about progress in the broader wrestling world.
What’s your take on Swerve Strickland’s historic win and its impact on wrestling diversity?
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