The Dramatic Return of Swerve Strickland at AEW Full Gear 2025
In a stunning conclusion to “AEW Full Gear 2025,” fans witnessed not only an unexpected championship change but also the triumphant return of one of the promotion’s biggest stars. The event culminated with Samoa Joe securing a surprising victory over “Hangman” Adam Page to claim the AEW World Championship, but what happened next sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Swerve Strickland, who had been sidelined with injury, made his dramatic return to the ring, rushing to save his former rival Page from a brutal post-match assault. As The Opps and the newly-heel HOOK (who had shockingly assisted Joe in winning the title) descended upon the defeated Hangman, Strickland’s music hit and the arena erupted. This moment wasn’t just about a returning star—it represented a fascinating evolution in one of AEW’s most compelling storylines.
What makes this return particularly meaningful is the complex history between Strickland and Page. These two competitors once engaged in one of AEW’s most bitter and personal feuds, a rivalry that captured fans’ attention with its intensity and emotional depth. Their journey from bitter enemies to reluctant allies has been masterfully crafted, with the turning point coming when they finally buried the hatchet prior to “All In: Texas.” At that event, Strickland had helped Page defeat Jon Moxley to become AEW World Champion, signaling a new chapter in their relationship. Now, with Strickland rushing to Page’s aid against The Opps, we’re witnessing the next evolution of this compelling dynamic—former enemies united against a common threat, adding rich layers to AEW’s storytelling approach that rewards long-term viewers.
Swerve Strickland’s rise to prominence in AEW represents one of professional wrestling’s most remarkable success stories in recent years. Before joining Tony Khan’s promotion, Strickland performed in WWE as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, where he captured the NXT North American Championship and later joined the main roster as part of the Hit Row faction. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Strickland’s WWE run ended with his release in 2021, becoming one of many talented performers who found themselves on the outside looking in during that period’s roster cuts. Few could have predicted that this setback would ultimately pave the way for his emergence as one of wrestling’s most compelling main event performers just a few years later.
AEW signed Strickland in 2022, providing him the platform to showcase his unique combination of in-ring excellence, character work, and natural charisma. What followed was a meteoric rise that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. While industry insiders had long recognized Strickland’s untapped potential during his WWE tenure, the heights he’s reached in AEW have been nothing short of remarkable. His authentic connection with audiences grew organically, establishing him as one of the company’s most popular performers. AEW management recognized this momentum and capitalized on it, culminating in Strickland’s defining moment at “Dynasty 2024” when he defeated Samoa Joe to capture the AEW World Championship—the pinnacle achievement for any wrestler in the promotion.
The storyline developing now appears to be setting up a fascinating power struggle for AEW’s future. With Samoa Joe aligning with The Opps and the surprising heel turn of HOOK, a formidable faction has emerged with the company’s top prize. Strickland’s return positions him and Page as the unlikely alliance standing against this rising threat. This narrative carries emotional weight because of the personal history involved—Strickland seeking redemption against the man who took his championship, while Page processes both his loss and the unexpected support from someone he once considered his greatest enemy. These layered character motivations demonstrate AEW’s commitment to nuanced storytelling that respects audience intelligence and rewards investment in ongoing narratives.
As AEW continues to evolve as a promotion, moments like Strickland’s return at Full Gear 2025 highlight what makes the company distinctive in today’s wrestling landscape. The willingness to develop complex, long-term storylines with genuine character growth sets AEW apart from more traditional wrestling programming. Swerve Strickland’s journey from WWE castoff to AEW main event player embodies the promotion’s ability to recognize and develop talent that might have been overlooked elsewhere. As this new chapter unfolds between Strickland, Page, and Joe’s newly-formed alliance, fans can anticipate compelling television that continues to push professional wrestling’s storytelling possibilities. Whatever happens next, Strickland’s surprise return has already accomplished what great wrestling moments should—creating an emotional response that leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.
