Swerve Strickland makes history becoming the first AEW African American world champion

It was a long journey for the 33-year-old Swerve Strickland but it finally happened! At last night’s Dynasty pay-per-view, Strickland defeated Samoa Joe to win the AEW World title, his first-ever world championship in his 13-year wrestling career.

Strickland pinned Joe clean after hitting the Swerve Stomp finisher and the new champion celebrated in style with the fans and Price Nana as pyro went off and streamers filled the ring. A very emotional Strickland closed the show with tears in his eyes and his AEW World title held high.

In the post-show press conference, Strickland said that Kofi Kingston winning the WWE title at WrestleMania 35 was for him one of the most inspiring things ever and motivated him to do the same.

Just a couple of years ago, Strickland was wrestling as Isiah “Swerve” Scott as part of Hit Row in WWE but getting released from the company was the best thing that could ever happen to the Tacoma native.

Strickland, who joined AEW in 2022, quickly rose to fame and made a name for himself by being involved in some classic matches and it all paid off after yesterday he also made history for AEW by becoming the first African American World champion for the promotion.

Samoa Joe ends his title reign after 113 days, having won it at Worlds End last year from MJF.