At AEW All In: London 2024, a landmark event unfolded at the Wembley Stadium where Swerve Strickland defended the AEW World Championship against Bryan Danielson. This match was notable not only for its high stakes but also because Strickland became the first Black World Champion to headline a main event at this renowned venue. Ultimately, Bryan Danielson emerged as the new AEW World Champion by the end of the contest.
Swerve Strickland Reflects on the Significance of the Moment
In a revealing conversation with Jamal Niaz of Monopoly Events, Swerve Strickland discussed his feelings surrounding the historic match. He admitted that the weight of the occasion didn’t fully register until after the match concluded. Strickland highlighted how both he and Bryan Danielson had been underestimated in their careers, yet together they created a memorable and groundbreaking moment in wrestling history.
“So honestly, the first emotion I felt was after the submission, I roll out, the confetti falls. I walk up the ramp and I’m with Nana. And I was like, ‘We did it.’ Because it was like, I was trying to do justice for him, because Nana was somebody who’s not supposed to be in this position. Nana was written off so many years ago when Ring of Honor was kind of like, getting bought out. So people weren’t necessarily like, clamoring for him. But then us coming together built such a historic moment — and not just in AEW, but in professional wrestling history. I was one of the guys that was just like, I was written off after being let go from WWE. People weren’t expecting much of me. Nana was written off, people weren’t expecting much of him. And we came together and made such an impactful moment, that we’re making history in Wembley Stadium as the first Black World Champions in wrestling history to main event Wembley Stadium.
”
– Swerve Strickland
Strickland emphasized that although they lost the match, walking into Wembley as champions was a moment he deeply treasures. He celebrated the authenticity and teamwork between himself and Nana that contributed to this historic success.
The Growth of Confidence in Swerve’s Career
Swerve also discussed how his confidence evolved over time, comparing it to a muscle that strengthens with exercise. Early in his career, he felt only moderately confident, but through consistent effort and growth in his skills and creativity, that confidence blossomed. This self-assurance has helped him overcome challenges and has prepared him to face future obstacles in the wrestling world.
“And then once I got to that point, it was just like, ‘Okay, I’m unstoppable. I’m undeniable. Put something in front of me that you think I can’t accomplish, I will conquer it.’ And especially when people aren’t checking for you, when you’re so off the radar, that’s where you become the deadliest because people are not checking for you. And then now it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m so in the forefront of it now.’”
” – Swerve Strickland
He now approaches his career with a strong sense of certainty, casting aside previous nerves or pressure to focus on delivering his authentic self in the ring.
Mickie James Returns to TNA Amid Rising Tensions
TNA No Surrender 2026 marked the return of Hall of Famer Mickie James, reigniting tensions with Ash By Elegance. James appeared during a TNA+ special following Ash’s key role in helping her stablemates retain the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships against Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside. Immediately after the match, James entered the ring and cleared The Elegance Brand, sparking an intense rivalry.
Mickie James Shares Thoughts on Returning to TNA and Her Connections
In a recent episode of the Gabby AF podcast, Mickie James reflected on her experience backstage at TNA No Surrender and iMPACT!. She expressed excitement about the company’s growth, particularly praising their efforts to expand the Knockouts division by introducing fresh talent and providing them with valuable television experience.
“So it’s nice to see guys and girls win when they get an opportunity, right? And it’s just cool to see. And it’s also cool to see TNA expanding, I think, their Knockouts division and really trying to grow it. And like, get some young and upcoming talent that really needs an opportunity, and needs to learn how to wrestle on television, and with AMC and all these cool things that are happening now. I just think it’s really exciting. It’s exciting for the company, and it’s exciting for everybody involved that’s there, and that’s getting opportunity because of it.”
” – Mickie James
James also addressed recent comments made by Ash By Elegance on the show, clarifying that she has no interest in starting public conflicts but is prepared to confront Ash face to face if necessary.
“I’m happy to show up next week. I will be there with bells on, and boots for sure. The best boots. Because I do have a lot to say. And I wasn’t even trying to be — I was just going to let them know that she pushed the foot off the rope, and to restart the match. And like, it escalated quickly. Tensions were high.”
” – Mickie James
Complexities of Mickie James and Ash By Elegance’s Past
The relationship between James and Ash runs deeper than the recent rivalry suggests. Mickie revealed that she supported Ash during challenging times, even advocating for her with TNA producer Tommy, emphasizing the personal investment she made.
“And not for nothing but just it’s like, once you give someone your validation or your credit or something like that, you would hope that they would then do right by that and not make you look like a fool. And so — I love Ash, I think she’s extremely talented. I just don’t know where her — as a friend, and I haven’t talked to her in a while. As a friend, I don’t know where her head’s at or like where this turn happened. Because it’s really frustrating when you put your word on somebody, and then you’re made to look like a fool. And she’s out here not being the Ash that I know, and not being the Ash that I called Tommy, asked him to give her a chance.”
” – Mickie James
James expressed disappointment at Ash’s behavior in TNA, especially after seeing her rise and connect with fans, only to feel betrayed by the change. She also condemned Ash’s social media conduct, which she views as disrespectful to former Knockouts champions and the wider locker room community.
“So then for her to turn to the internet like a fan like in a chat room — dating myself here, but for real, like where are we at? Are we Twitter beefing now with former Knockouts? Former Knockouts champions who — also, Teryn [Terrell] was injured in the ring. So to make light of that, it’s not only disrespecting me, our personal whatever, okay? So that’s personal, that’s me. It’s also disrespecting an entire locker room who has been injured with and for that title, and still kept fighting through or could no longer compete… I don’t like that, it’s not cool. It’s not cool. And I was happy to address that with her, and I would have been happy. And I’m certainly happy to address that with her next week. Face to face, woman to woman.”
” – Mickie James
Bryan Danielson’s Wrestling Legacy
Bryan Danielson, known for his technical skill and resilience, has held multiple prestigious wrestling titles during his career, including four WWE Championships, one WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and one United States Championship. His recent victory at AEW All In: London 2024 adds another significant accomplishment to his storied career and highlights his continued impact on the professional wrestling scene.
Swerve Strickland Commends Bryan Danielson Following Their Clash
Despite losing the AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland praised Bryan Danielson’s performance and dedication throughout their rivalry. Their match at Wembley Stadium not only elevated both wrestlers’ profiles but also underscored the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, with new figures making history and setting fresh standards.
Looking Ahead: The Future Impact of This Rivalry
The rivalry between Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland has delivered historic moments and intense emotional narratives, reflecting the broader growth and diversity within wrestling organizations like AEW and TNA. Mickie James’s return and her complex interactions with Ash By Elegance further emphasize ongoing personal and professional conflicts shaping the industry.
As the wrestling world watches closely, these storylines are likely to develop further, impacting championship trajectories and wrestler dynamics. Bryan Danielson’s resurgence as AEW World Champion signals a promising chapter for his career, while the continued spotlight on rising talents and veteran performers alike suggests a vibrant future for professional wrestling.
