In a surprising development on AEW Dynamite, former WWE talent Swerve Strickland shockingly turned heel by attacking Kenny Omega immediately following their match. This heel turn came quickly after Strickland secured a significant win over Omega, marking a new chapter in his AEW career.
Swerve Strickland, known for his tenure with WWE’s NXT between 2019 and 2021 where he held the North American Championship, has been a prominent figure in AEW since joining the promotion in 2022. His rising status within AEW culminated in an intense singles match against Kenny Omega, dubbed “The Cleaner,” his first ever meeting face-to-face inside the ring.
Details of the Confrontation and the Aftermath
The match between Strickland and Omega unfolded as a fierce and highly physical contest on Dynamite, ultimately ending with Strickland emerging victorious. However, the real shock came after the final bell when Strickland dramatically shifted to a villainous role. He violently choked Omega using a chain and then smashed him through the announcers’ table, leaving fans stunned by the brutal display.
Responding on social media, Strickland shared a brief but telling reaction to a clip showing the moment he put Omega through the table, describing it simply as a “Car crash.”
“Car crash”
?Swerve Strickland, AEW wrestler
Kenny Omega’s Absence From Upcoming AEW Revolution Event Explained
Following the attack, it has been confirmed that Kenny Omega will not be participating in AEW’s Revolution 2026 pay-per-view next month. A report from Fightful.com revealed that Omega had informed AEW months in advance about scheduling conflicts preventing him from appearing at the event. This situation explains why the high-stakes match between Omega and Strickland was moved to the February 18 episode of Dynamite.
“Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland is in the books, and Kenny Omega has some scheduling conflicts for the future. Omega took on Swerve Strickland on AEW Dynamite, but will not be wrestling at the upcoming Revolution PPV for AEW. We’re told that he informed AEW of the scheduling conflict a number of months ago, which is why the match ended up on the February 18 Dynamite.”
?Fightful.com report
Fans must now wait to see when Omega will return to AEW television and whether he will pursue revenge against Strickland for the vicious assault following their match.
What This Means for AEW Storylines and Fan Anticipation
Swerve Strickland’s heel turn injects fresh tension and unpredictability into AEW’s roster dynamics, especially with Kenny Omega sidelined from a major pay-per-view event. Strickland’s brutal actions and unexpected villainous persona set up a compelling storyline that could dominate AEW programming in the coming months. Meanwhile, Omega’s absence from Revolution 2026 leaves fans anxious about when “The Cleaner” will respond, heightening anticipation for his eventual return.
This development highlights the evolving narratives within AEW and emphasizes Strickland’s role as a top star capable of reshaping the promotion’s landscape through impactful character changes and memorable feuds.
Car crash https://t.co/9rraeNmBeT
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) February 20, 2026
