In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and respect, Kofi Kingston, former WWE Champion, has expressed his joy and admiration for Swerve Strickland, the newly crowned AEW World Champion. Strickland made history by becoming the first black man to win the coveted title at AEW Dynasty on April 21, defeating Samoa Joe in a thrilling match.
Kingston, who has been an inspiration to Strickland, took to social media to congratulate his fellow wrestler on this monumental achievement. The New Day member has been vocal about the importance of representation in wrestling and has been a trailblazer for people of color in the sport. Kingston’s own historic WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35 inspired a generation of wrestlers, including Strickland, who has often spoken about the impact of “KofiMania” on his own career.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Kingston praised Strickland’s achievement, acknowledging the significance of his win for the wrestling community. He expressed his admiration for Strickland’s determination and perseverance, saying that he is “happy to be part of the journey” towards a future where people of color are normalized as champions. Kingston also namedropped other wrestlers of color, including Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and Oba Femi, highlighting the growing presence of diverse talent in the sport.
Strickland, who has wasted no time in establishing himself as a fighting champion, has already defended his title against Kyle Fletcher and Claudio Castagnoli, respectively. His next challenge will come at AEW Double or Nothing, where he will face off against the villainous Christian Cage on May 26.
The outpouring of support from wrestlers across the WWE and AEW divides is a testament to the sense of community and camaraderie that exists among professional wrestlers. As Strickland prepares to face his next challenge, he can take comfort in knowing that he has the support of his peers and idols, including Kofi Kingston, who is proud to have played a role in inspiring the next generation of wrestling talent.
