AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland has sent a message to current WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes following their respective title wins. Last week, Swerve Strickland made history as he became the first-ever African American AEW World Heavyweight Champion. Strickland defeated Samoa Joe at the AEW Dynasty to capture the world title.
A few weeks prior to AEW Dynasty, at WWE WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes did the unthinkable when he defeated Roman Reigns to win the WWE Undisputed Championship. While both Swerve Strickland and Cody Rhodes hold top positions in their respective promotions, a few years ago, both stars were striving to make a name for themselves on the independent circuit.
During the DEFY1 Legacy show in 2017, Swerve Strickland, previously known as Shane Strickland, competed against Cody Rhodes in the main event. Recently, on Instagram, as he promoted an upcoming DEFY Wrestling event, Strickland encouraged fans to back the independent scene. He also shared a photo of himself and Cody Rhodes from their match.
Both stars are at the top of their game but also face challenges ahead. Cody Rhodes is defending his WWE Undisputed Championship against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash this Saturday in France, while Swerve Strickland’s next opponent was revealed on AEW Dynamite.
Swerve Strickland’s opponent revealed for AEW Double or Nothing
The EVPs, The Young Bucks, took over the latest edition of AEW Dynamite. The Elite had attacked Tony Khan last week, preventing him from overseeing the show this week. AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland opened the show. Furthermore, he addresses The Elite’s attack on Tony Khan, calling it a b*tch move.
This led to The Young Bucks appearing on the big screen. The Bucks informed Strickland that they had selected his next opponent for AEW Double or Nothing. Then, Christian Cage emerges with his faction. Cage was last seen on an episode of AEW Dynamite in Toronto, where he lost his TNT championship to Adam Copeland.
Christian Cage and his faction then launch an attack on Swerve Strickland, leaving him in the ring. It is now confirmed that Swerve Strickland will face Christian Cage for the AEW World Championship. The match will take place at AEW Double or Nothing on May 26.
