In a shocking turn of events, AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland made a surprise appearance at DEFY’s Here and Now event on May 10, bringing his championship title along with him. The event, which took place at Washington Hall in Seattle, saw fans erupt in cheers as Swerve stepped into the ring, prompting chants of “Whose house? Swerve’s house.”
The reigning AEW World Champion took the opportunity to address the crowd, sharing his heartfelt gratitude towards the promotion that helped launch his career. Strickland reminisced about his time in DEFY, recalling his standout match against Cody Rhodes at the inaugural DEFY event, DEFY 1. He praised the promotion for providing a platform that allowed him to hone his craft and eventually make a name for himself in the wrestling industry.
Swerve’s appearance at DEFY’s Here and Now event was a testament to his humble beginnings and a nod to the people who supported him along the way. The AEW World Champion expressed his appreciation for the fans, who have been instrumental in his journey to the top. He also took a moment to hype up the new generation of stars, encouraging them to follow in his footsteps and make a name for themselves in the industry.
In a generous gesture, Strickland announced a free meet-and-greet after the show, giving fans an opportunity to meet their hero and take photos with the AEW World Championship title.
This surprise appearance holds special significance, given Swerve’s recent historic achievement of becoming the first African American to win the AEW World Championship at Dynasty. In the post-media scrum, Strickland credited Kofi Kingston, a WWE Hall of Famer, as his biggest inspiration. Kingston, who made history by becoming the first African-born WWE Champion in history at WrestleMania 35, has been a beacon of hope for many black wrestlers in the industry.
Swerve’s rise to the top is an inspiration to many, and his gratitude towards DEFY and its fans is a testament to the power of community and support in the wrestling world. As he continues to make waves in AEW, it’s clear that Swerve Strickland will always stay true to his roots and the people who helped him get to where he is today.