The surprising return of a former WWE titleholder closed out “AEW Full Gear 2025.” After Samoa Joe scored an upset win over “Hangman” Adam Page to win the AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland returned after being on the shelf due to an injury. Strickland saved Page further punishment at the hands of The Opps and HOOK, who had turned heel to assist in Joe’s title win.
Strickland and Page once had a bitter rivalry on AEW TV. The two were finally able to make peace with their past actions, which led to Strickland helping Page defeat Jon Moxley to become the AEW World Champion at “All In: Texas.” He now appears to be joining Page in the fight against The Opps.
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Swerve’s House
Strickland has emerged as a top main event player and an ex-world champion under the AEW banner. Prior to his AEW run, Strickland was known as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott during his time with WWE. At one point, Strickland captured the NXT North American Championship. He was called up to the main roster as a member of the Hit Row faction before the company released him in 2021.
The following year, AEW signed Strickland to a full-time deal. While many within the professional wrestling industry agreed that Strickland wasn’t used to his full potential in WWE, few expected the rise he’d have in AEW. As Strickland’s popularity grew, AEW made the decision to reward him with its top male prize. Strickland pinned Joe to become the AEW World Champion at “Dynasty 2024.”
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