Swerve Strickland, a prominent AEW star and former world champion, directed a pointed message toward current AEW World Champion MJF just hours before the Grand Slam event in Sydney, Australia. Most of AEW’s roster gathered for the major pay-per-view, where tension between the two stars has visibly escalated.
Strickland has consistently remained a key figure in the AEW title scene, recently competing in a Fatal Four Way match at Worlds End 2025, which featured Samoa Joe, Hangman Page, and MJF. Although Friedman ultimately won that match, Strickland has maintained strong pressure on the champion both inside and outside the ring.
This week, Strickland took to Instagram to display a provocative image originally posted by the Lun Figs account, showing an action figure of himself applying a crossface hold on an MJF figure while wielding a steel chain. The figures, produced by Jazwares, symbolize the heated conflict as MJF prepared to defend his title against Brody King at Grand Slam.
MJF Retains AEW World Championship After Challenging Bout at Grand Slam
At AEW Grand Slam in Sydney, MJF successfully defended his AEW World Championship against the physically imposing Brody King. Despite King’s dominance, MJF managed to secure the victory and maintain his reign as champion. Notably, Brody King had pinned MJF just the previous week on Dynamite in under two minutes, adding intensity to their rivalry.
MJF’s win ensures he enters Revolution 2026 as the reigning champion, setting the stage for further high-stakes confrontations. Meanwhile, Hangman Adam Page defeated Andrade during the event, which guarantees him a title shot against MJF at Revolution. This development rekindles their former rivalry, adding additional layers to the upcoming storyline.
What’s Next for AEW’s Top Contenders Ahead of Revolution 2026?
The build-up to Revolution 2026 is taking shape with MJF holding onto the heavyweight title amidst mounting challenges from wrestlers like Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page. The animosity between Strickland and MJF is intensifying, especially with Strickland’s recent public taunts. The outcome at Revolution will likely have significant implications for AEW’s future storylines and character dynamics.
The renewal of rivalries, especially between major figures such as MJF and Hangman Page, promises an intense and dramatic continuation of the AEW championship scene. Fans in Sydney and worldwide will be watching closely to see if the current champion can withstand this growing pressure or if a new champion will emerge at Revolution 2026.
