Former champion to make blockbuster AEW return earlier than expected - Reports

A former AEW World Champion is set to return to the company soon according to recent reports. The name in question is none other than Swerve Strickland.

Strickland has been absent from AEW ever since he lost the brutal Unsanctioned Cage Match to Hangman Adam Page at the All Out Pay-Per-View. Swerve was rumored to take a long hiatus but recent reports have provided an interesting update on his future.

In a recent report by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was revealed that Swerve Strickland is set to return to All Elite Wrestling soon and will likely be a part of the WrestleDream PPV.

"Swerve Strickland will be back in AEW sooner than originally expected, likely working the WrestleDream Tacoma Dome show." [H/T: WON]

AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson recently spoke about Swerve Strickland's WWE release

Swerve Strickland lost his AEW World Championship to Bryan Danielson at All In. Recently, The American Dragon spoke highly of his former rival in an interview with Undisputed's Justin Barrasso.

Strickland was released by WWE in 2021 shortly after his main roster call-up. Swerve seemed to have had a promising career ahead on the main roster after having a great run in NXT. He even capturing the NXT North American Championship. However, things did not work out and the star parted ways with the promotion.

"You watch him and ask, 'Who would ever let go of this guy?' He just wasn’t given the opportunity to be his best self. That goes both ways–I don’t want it to sound like, 'Oh, evil WWE, they don’t let their talent be their best selves.' Some people will thrive there, some will thrive here, [some] will thrive in both places, [some] who will be underutilized. That’s the benefit of having two major companies in the United States. If someone doesn’t see value in you, you can try elsewhere," Bryan Danielson said.

Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland are currently out of action since the All Out 2024 PPV. It will be interesting to see when both men will make their individual returns to television.