Swerve Strickland sends a bold message before AEW Summer Blockbuster, as anticipation peaks for his highly anticipated rematch against Will Ospreay at All Elite Wrestling’s upcoming television special this Wednesday. With stakes rising and personal tensions flaring after their previous encounters, both stars are preparing for what many fans expect to be a defining match of the event.
All Eyes on the Rematch: Strickland vs. Ospreay
After Swerve Strickland triumphed over Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door 2024, the rivalry between the two intensified when Ospreay was seen aligning with Hangman Adam Page—Strickland’s longtime adversary—following Double or Nothing 2025. The fallout triggered a heated confrontation backstage, in which frustrations and competitive spirit boiled over, ultimately leading Ospreay to challenge Strickland to another high-profile showdown at Summer Blockbuster.
In the lead-up to their anticipated match, Strickland has kept fans and rivals engaged through his presence on social media. Earlier today, he posted a succinct but pointed five-word statement on Instagram, amplifying the hype and adding a personal edge to the upcoming battle. He characterized the match as a collision between two dynamic forces in AEW, making it clear where he sees himself in this showdown:
“The feeling vs. the franchise,” he wrote. —Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
This message reflects Strickland’s confidence and frames the rematch as a decisive moment for both competitors as they jockey for dominance within the company.
Rising Tensions Across AEW’s Top Talent
Beyond his conflict with Ospreay, Strickland’s tense relationship with Hangman Page has continued to fuel storylines in AEW. Recently, Hangman Page publicly declared that he neither wants nor needs assistance from The Realest, underscoring the friction between the former AEW World Champion and Strickland. Strickland’s response to Page’s blunt dismissal was similarly direct, further underscoring the frustration simmering between them.
During AEW Fyter Fest, Page made it clear that he intended to challenge Jon Moxley for the top spot at All In: Texas without any outside support. After intervening in a chaotic encounter involving Will Ospreay, CRU, Jon Moxley, and The Death Riders, Page asserted his independence with, “I am my own man.” Strickland, maintaining his brash persona, simply replied:
“Good, b**ch.” —Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
This exchange highlighted the ongoing hostility between Strickland and Page, complicating any chance of truce or partnership, even in the face of mutual rivals. Although Will Ospreay suggested a temporary alliance to counter Jon Moxley and The Death Riders, both Strickland and Page quickly dismissed the notion, revealing how deep their antagonism runs.
What’s at Stake at AEW Summer Blockbuster
The upcoming Summer Blockbuster event has positioned the rematch between Strickland and Ospreay as a must-watch contest, particularly given the involvement of high-profile personalities like Hangman Page, Jon Moxley, and The Death Riders. The friction between these stars and their refusal to join forces could shift alliances and shape AEW’s competitive landscape well beyond this event.
As Strickland enters the match with unwavering confidence, his five-word message adds fuel to the growing excitement. Fans will be watching to see whether “the franchise” can defend his status or if “the feeling”—embodied by Ospreay—will claim victory in what has become one of AEW’s most anticipated rivalries of the year.
