Swerve Strickland vs Will Ospreay at AEW Forbidden By: The Inside Scoop

One big thing: Will Ospreay has requested Swerve Strickland over

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland successfully defended his title against Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door on Sunday. The match surprised many fans who expected this match to take place at All In in London next month.

Why it matters

The decision underscores Ospreay’s commitment to AEW and his willingness to be a team player, dispelling the notions of ego and entitlement often associated with top stars.

The details

• Ospreay contacted AEW executives and indicated that he wanted to hire Strickland.
• He wanted to counter the perception that Strickland’s reign was a “temporary replacement” until Ospreay could win at All In.
• Ospreay wanted to set a good example: no one is too proud to lose to the world champion.
• An AEW insider noted that this decision “proved a point.”

Behind the scenes

• Ospreay and Strickland have been friends for a long time.
• The match at All In was never the original plan.
• Ospreay has big creative plans for the rest of 2024.

What’s next

• Strickland will defend his title against the winner of the men’s Owen Hart Cup tournament.
• The Owen Hart Cup semifinals begin tomorrow on “AEW Dynamite: Beach Break.”
• Ospreay’s opponent for All In has not yet been announced.

This move by Ospreay shows a level of professionalism and respect for the business that is refreshing to see in modern wrestling. What do you think of Ospreay’s decision to let Strickland prevail? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!