On a night anticipated to draw a significant audience with Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat as a lead-in, “AEW Collision” began with Swerve Strickland’s inaugural promo as AEW World Champion and concluded with his maiden title defense against Claudio Castagnoli of Blackpool Combat Club, resulting in Strickland retaining the championship.
Strickland’s opening promo resonated with traditional heroism, proclaiming the start of “the Dynasty Era” in honor of his title victory at the inaugural AEW Dynasty PPV.
He pledged to defend his reign vigorously, emphasizing the sacrifices made to attain it. The champion concluded by issuing an impromptu title defense challenge for that evening in Jacksonville, promptly accepted by Castagnoli, setting the stage for a 21-minute main event showdown.
The match’s narrative revolved around Strickland’s signature move, the Swerve Stomp, which he used to secure the championship at Dynasty.
Although he executed the first Stomp on Castagnoli midway through the match, the resilient Castagnoli countered with a Giant Swing after evading a House Call attempt.
Later, Strickland attempted another Stomp, only for Castagnoli to catch him mid-air and deliver a European uppercut. Undeterred, Strickland was kicked out.
In the climactic sequence, Castagnoli attempted to execute another uppercut after launching Strickland into the air, but Strickland countered with a Stomp from an unexpected angle, swiftly followed by the House Call for the decisive victory.
Celebrating in the ring with Prince Nana, Strickland closed the show as “Collision” concluded its broadcast.
