Swerve Strickland was a masterful AEW World Champion

Bryan Danielson left AEW All In with the World Championship over his shoulder. It was the career accolade that he fought against, but one that was undeniable as his time in the ring ends. But he had to take the title from a strong champion, and that is what he faced in Swerve Strickland. Strickland’s title run came to an end in Wembley Stadium and it is a bona fide fact that he was a masterful champion from start to finish.

Fans wanted to see AEW crown its first Black male champion to sit at the top of the card. Five years into the promotion’s run, many felt that it was time, and if Tony Khan delayed any longer that concern would turn into an even louder form of criticism. AEW made the right call to put that championship around Strickland’s waist, because he took steps to elevate that title in so many different ways, both in and out of the ring.

First, Strickland’s character work during this championship reign was perfect. While he played the heel role to get this moment, particularly against “Hangman” Adam Page, as champion he tip-toed the line between beloved champion and evil mastermind. At the end of the day, he was a competitor who was willing to do or say whatever was necessary to remain in the top spot. No matter how much the fans cheered him, Strickland did more than enough to get them to cheer his most important opponents instead. Along the way, making the championship even more important. That’s what a champion is supposed to do as he embodies the idea that “the man makes the title.”

Then there was his in-ring work. Strickland was already known as a technical marvel between the ropes, but he picked things up during this championship run in a way that few expected. One night it would be the brutality he’d display during a match. The next would be the crispiness of his offense, everything hitting with a snap that made it look even more violent. Strickland was determined to remind everyone that he is one of the best bell-to-bell performers in wrestling today, and he did that.

Did Strickland’s title run get off to a rocky start? Sure. Tony Khan had a plan in place and fans quickly let him know that it wasn’t the right way to kick things off. But adjustments were made. And those adjustments led to what was a fantastic championship run for Swerve Strickland. This won’t be the last one either. AEW All In started with the announcement that he’s signed a new deal with AEW, making him a made man in that company. At some point, that championship will go around his waist but he’s etched his name among the greats with or without it.