Swerve Strickland ripped into Will Ospreay on 28 Jun during "Dynamite," escalating their feud ahead of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament final at Forbidden Door, where the victor secures an AEW World Championship match at All In.
What sparked the confrontation?
The tension began when Ospreay, fresh from a promise to finally claim the AEW World Title, confronted Strickland backstage. Ospreay accused Strickland of abandoning him during the chaotic Death Riders assault, demanding an explanation for his perceived silence. Strickland replied that Ospreay had “changed,” hinting at a shift in loyalty that left him questioning Ospreay’s motives.
How did the exchange unfold?
Ospreay opened with a pointed question, "Do we have a problem?" before grabbing the mic and demanding a chat. Strickland reminded Ospreay of their shared history fighting the Death Riders, noting that Ospreay now seemed to align with that faction for personal gain. The dialogue turned heated when Ospreay snatched the mic, dismissed Strickland’s response, and warned that the Forbidden Door sign represented a bigger stage than any personal grievance.
Why does this matter for Swerve Strickland?
The barbs set the tone for a high‑stakes showdown at Forbidden Door on 28 Jun. The tournament final will decide who challenges for the AEW World Championship at All In, a venue that promises a massive Wembley crowd. Strickland’s refusal to back down signals his intent to block Ospreay’s path to that title opportunity, positioning him as a key obstacle in Ospreay’s championship quest.
What’s next for the rivalry?
After the verbal sparring, Ospreay landed a forearm strike that sent Strickland to the mat. In a dramatic twist, the Death Riders appeared, seemingly backing Ospreay, while Strickland seized a chain and whipped it across the ring, shouting, "You're wrong, Will. You really have changed." The exchange promises a heated encounter at Forbidden Door, where both men will fight not just for personal pride but for a shot at the AEW World Title.
How does this affect the broader AEW landscape?
MJF, the current AEW World Champion, used the same episode to taunt potential challengers, including Strickland, Ospreay, and Kenny Omega, before announcing a 12‑man steel‑cage tag match against Mark Briscoe’s team. The layered storylines weave Strickland’s feud into a larger narrative that could reshape the championship picture heading into All In.
The stage is set, the barbs have been exchanged, and fans can expect a brutal clash that may determine who stands on the Wembley stage later this year.