8 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (March 20 - Results & Review)

5. A Passable Night For Swerve Strickland

It was a passable night for Swerve Strickland. He still isn't as hot as Will Ospreay, which is less than ideal. The World title picture continues to feel like an obligation and not the hottest, most worthy part of the show. Swerve defeated the Butcher in an open challenge (there was, at least, enough time for Tony Khan to approve it).

It was only a backdrop to the post-match promo, but the choice of opponent was questionable. It's always a joy to see the Butcher, but it was a bit on-the-nose, insulting even.

You see, by beating a large man, Swerve showed that he'd be quite a challenge to Samoa Joe!

Swerve's promo was a bit shaky - he has a habit of stumbling over his lines - but mostly good. The chain he carries to the ring is both a cool prop and a clever reminder of his best ever night at Full Gear '23. In promising to choke Joe out - but sarcastically worrying that the chain wasn't long enough to wrap around that big neck - he delivered a great threat and a great insult at the same time. Joe borrowed CM Punk's borrowed line from the title of Vinnette Carroll's play by saying Swerve has deluded himself into thinking the impossible is possible and that he can box with a God. Joe also said he'd smash Swerve in the face.

This was a welcome and necessary means of establishing a true grudge between Swerve and Joe, where previously the real heat was between Swerve and Hangman Page. To close the segment, Don Callis, who received a great heel reaction, entered the fray and informed Swerve that he has the same number of wins as Konosuke Takeshita in 2024. They will wrestle next week to determine who the #1 contender is. That match has incredible potential.

Part of the "feeling" is that Holy Sh*t match graphic announcement, and there are two bouts set for next week's show that capture it.