Swerve Strickland facing down MVP and Shelton Benjamin is a big deal

Days later, fans are still talking about AEW WrestleDream. There’s a lot to talk about from that show, starting with Bryan Danielson’s sendoff. There was another important moment on the card as well. MVP and Shelton Benjamin confronted Swerve Strickland. It’s the interaction that many knew was coming, and it is easy to see where it is heading. But that doesn’t take away from the point that this is an important interaction simply because who was involved in the moment.

Strickland and Prince Nana faced down MVP and Shelton Benjamin for minutes during the PPV. They talked about the history that Strickland and MVP had back in DEFY and Benjamin’s importance as a Black wrestler in the industry. Words that were needed to be said as there’s a growing discourse about the use of Black wrestlers across the business. Everything about this moment felt like a main event-level feud from start to finish. And it’s not over yet.

Bobby Lashley is coming. Multiple outlets have reported that Lashley is signed with All Elite Wrestling, with Fightful Select reporting on October 13 that “Bobby Lashley is still headed to AEW.” Lashley versus Strickland is the feud to work toward. That’s the big match that fans would want to see, and one that could easily be a part of a major PPV. Strickland versus Benjamin is also going to create a strong buzz as well. After the show, MVP, and Benjamin even confronted Lio Rush, another individual who has a strong history with Lashley in WWE.

There are a lot of different ways this could go. Sure, Lashley and Strickland will battle – but what if they join forces at some point? What if Strickland must find some allies of his own to deal with the Hurt Syndicate or whatever the stable will be called?

And you can’t ignore the fact that this is a major angle involving important Black men in the industry. There may be some disingenuous conversations around the topic, but it is still important to note how many fans look for diversity in their professional wrestling. Seeing promotions book people of various backgrounds is important to cultivate a fanbase that includes people of many different identities. This proves that a main event feud featuring Black talent can be booked, even if the promoter “Doesn’t see color.”

Swerve Strickland is heading for a showdown with Bobby Lashley. Fans are ready to tune in for the build and the battle. This will be a fun one for sure.