Swerve Strickland heel turn in AEW storyline appears increasingly likely as recent events surrounding Hangman Page’s ascent have placed Strickland at a crossroads, leaving fans speculating about his next move. With shifting allegiances and high-stakes matches shaking up the All Elite Wrestling landscape, changes in Strickland’s persona seem imminent.
Shifting Alliances and Career Milestones
Swerve Strickland’s trajectory in All Elite Wrestling has drawn considerable attention. Initially introduced as a popular fan favorite in AEW, Strickland’s persona quickly evolved into one of the most reviled villains under Tony Khan’s leadership. After a heated rivalry with Hangman Page, Strickland managed to regain the appreciation of the crowd by adopting a more heroic role, eventually securing the AEW World Title.
Known as The New Flavor, Strickland’s championship stint showcased a dynamic mix of charisma and tenacity, making him a centerpiece in AEW’s narrative. However, this role shifted once he lost the world title to Bryan Danielson at All In 2024, marking a new phase in his career. Over the previous year, Strickland had demonstrated strong opposition to infamous groups such as The Elite and The Death Riders, reflecting his commitment to the promotion’s values and cementing his status among AEW’s most respected babyfaces.
Rivalry and Redemption: Hangman Page’s Impact on Strickland’s Path
The intertwined careers of Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page continue to shape AEW’s main event scene. Their unforgettable feud pushed Hangman—often referred to as The Cowboy—toward more aggressive tactics, setting both men down parallel but opposing paths. Strickland’s intent to eclipse Hangman Page in the AEW hierarchy has been evident since their rivalry began, with Strickland’s ambition largely coming to fruition through pivotal victories.
Despite struggling for nearly two years in the midcard, Hangman Page experienced a resurgence, highlighted by his victory in the 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Should he reclaim the AEW World Title at the All In: Texas event, Page would reaffirm his position as the leading figure—the main babyface—within the organization. This scenario threatens Strickland’s claim to the spotlight, creating a volatile dynamic that could trigger a return to his villainous roots.
On a recent edition of Dynamite, Will Ospreay signaled a changing tide by publicly declaring Hangman Page as the company’s true central figure, further stoking Strickland’s frustrations. As Hangman inches closer to another possible world title reign, the backdrop is set for Strickland’s character to embrace his darker impulses once more—potentially assuming the role of the primary antagonist for Page’s reign.
The Need for a New Antagonist in AEW
AEW’s current landscape suggests the need for a formidable new heel, especially if Jon Moxley—known as The One True King and current AEW World Champion—were to drop his title to Hangman Page at All In Texas. Moxley’s anticipated showdown with Page on July 12 has become a focal point for fans, as The Anxious Millennial Cowboy carries significant momentum into the encounter. Should Page emerge victorious, The Death Riders’ grip on the promotion would weaken, leaving a void in the villain role.
Swerve Strickland, with his proven ability to thrive as AEW’s central threat, is poised to reclaim his heel persona in this transitional moment. His familiarity with the darker aspects of wrestling storytelling positions him perfectly to fill the gap left by a dethroned Moxley. AEW would then have a ready-made antagonist, one whose history with Hangman Page promises further explosive confrontations.
The possibility of Strickland’s return as a villain also taps into deeper narrative threads, notably his resentment at Hangman Page’s return to the top of the card. Such developments could see Strickland launch a destructive path through AEW’s beloved heroes, building anticipation for a climactic showdown with The Cowboy.
Will Ospreay’s Role and New Challenges on the Horizon
Will Ospreay’s ongoing involvement adds another layer to the potential heel turn of Swerve Strickland. Recently, Ospreay and Hangman Page battled in a dramatic final for the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament at Double or Nothing 2025, an encounter that showcased both men’s strengths as top-tier competitors. Page’s Buckshot Lariat secured his victory, preventing Ospreay from headlining All In: Texas, and leaving the British star without a confirmed opponent.
Within the most recent episode of Dynamite, Ospreay attempted to persuade Strickland to collaborate with Hangman Page—a move that Strickland promptly rejected. The intense backstage exchange escalated into a physical altercation, underscoring the mounting tension between the two athletes. This altercation leaves open the possibility of a high-profile match at All In, with Ospreay facing a newly turned heel Swerve Strickland.
Strickland’s prior victory over Ospreay at Forbidden Door 2024 further fuels the stakes for a rematch, especially given Ospreay’s reputation as The Commonwealth Kingpin and one of AEW’s most important global talents. For Tony Khan, positioning Strickland as Ospreay’s adversary at All In would provide the event with a marquee attraction and capitalize on the current friction between established stars.
A Full-Circle Moment for Strickland, Hangman, and AEW
The chance for Swerve Strickland to return as AEW’s dominant villain ties together several ongoing storylines. The conclusion of Hangman Page’s redemption arc would serve as the catalyst for Strickland’s heel turn, a transformation that recalls their brutal and personal history over the last two years.
Fans eager for new drama in AEW could witness Strickland dismantle rival babyfaces en route to challenging Hangman Page for the company’s most coveted prize, the AEW World Title. The narrative would see The Killshot, Strickland’s moniker, overshadowing previous misdeeds perpetrated by The Death Riders, firmly cementing his status as the ultimate antagonist under Tony Khan’s leadership.
If AEW’s direction follows these signs, Strickland’s heel resurgence would not only reignite his rivalry with Hangman Page but also position him as a central force in reshaping the promotion’s future as it moves beyond the era of The Death Riders and The Purveyor of Violence.
