Swerve Strickland Says Being AEW Champion Is All About Growth

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland recently appeared on Busted Open Radio, and was asked about his presentation as the company's title-holder. The very early stages of his reign were specifically alluded to, as some have felt that AEW haven't booked Strickland as prominently as they should have, especially given that he is now the champion. In response to this, Swerve gave a measured response, explaining:

"Of course, I would have preferred to do something different. [...] You have to constantly grow. We grow and get other opportunities. For me, this championship reign is always going to keep ascending and going up. Next week is always going to be better than before, and the next week will be better than the week before. It's going to keep going up. I'd rather keep going up than going down."

Strickland became AEW World Champion by defeating Samoa Joe at Dynasty in April, before successfully defending the belt against Christian Cage at last month's Double or Nothing.

The cross-promotional Forbidden Door show with New Japan on June 30 will see Swerve defend the title against Will Ospreay - a match many fans assumed would take place as the headliner of All In at Wembley Stadium later this year. Still, it remains to be seen how booking plans develop until the UK show, which takes place on August 25.

H/T to Fightful.