Swerve Strickland faced harsh criticism after a contentious incident during AEW’s Double or Nothing event, with negativity fueled by wrestling veteran Jim Cornette’s scathing remarks. The discussion about Swerve Strickland criticized for controversial AEW spot has stirred debate within the wrestling community, raising concerns about the extremes some athletes reach in the ring.
Incident at Double or Nothing Sparks Concern
During the recent Anarchy In The Arena match, Swerve Strickland, known as one of AEW’s most audacious competitors, became embroiled in one of his most contentious moments yet. The match featured frenzied action as Strickland, Kenny Omega, and their allies battled the Death Riders and Young Bucks in a chaotic clash. Notably, Marina Shafir performed a shocking act by stapling Swerve Strickland’s tongue mid-match, a move that stunned spectators and immediately divided fan and expert opinion.
The unsettling stunt prompted public condemnation from renowned wrestling analyst Jim Cornette on his Drive Thru program, where he did not hold back his thoughts regarding the former AEW World Champion’s decision-making.
“He’s a f***ing moron. He is a stupid, stupid individual. ‘Cause he’s always doing some s*** like this. He’s in a blood-drinking spot where he’s letting somebody here staple his tongue with a real staple gun and a real staple. And there are some weird individuals who go, ‘Oh yeah, that’s cool’. No, what that is, is a stupid, stupid individual. And if you look up to people who staple their own tongues with a staple gun, you are a stupid, stupid person, looking up at a stupid, stupid individual,” he said. (12:26 – 13:05) —Jim Cornette, Wrestling Veteran
Feud Intensifies Between Strickland and Ospreay
Outside the ring, tension continues to mount between Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, another standout in AEW. Ospreay had recently urged Strickland to unify their efforts with Hangman Page but was rebuffed, escalating hostilities between the two stars. Their rivalry took a personal turn after an aggressive confrontation following a recent Dynamite episode.
Following this encounter, Swerve Strickland responded by publicly mocking Ospreay’s appearance with a pointed three-word message, further intensifying their animosity. This ongoing dispute has caught the attention of fans, who now speculate whether these two will eventually face off directly to resolve their issues inside the ring.
Ongoing Fallout and Industry Impact
The backlash following the stapling incident highlights a growing concern about escalating risks in modern wrestling matches. The reactions, particularly from established voices such as Jim Cornette, emphasize the tension between entertainment value and athlete safety. As debate lingers, Swerve Strickland’s actions at Double or Nothing could prompt further discussion within AEW and the wrestling world at large about the boundaries performers should observe in pursuit of dramatic moments. With unresolved rivalries and ongoing criticism, the fallout from this controversial spot is likely to influence AEW’s approach and fan conversations for some time.
