AEW is gearing up for a massive few weeks, folks, with event after event hitting like a barrage of steel chair shots. From the upcoming Grand Slam special to Title Tuesday, and ultimately leading up to the big one—WrestleDream on October 12 in Tacoma, Washington. But here’s the kicker: Tacoma’s own Swerve Strickland, the man you’d expect to headline his hometown show, might not even show up!
Yes, according to wrestling’s Nostradamus, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former AEW World Champion is currently enjoying some well-deserved downtime after his brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match against “Hangman” Adam Page at All Out. Swerve’s been off TV, selling those injuries like a pro, and, well, he may just take a little extra PTO to skip his hometown’s biggest wrestling night of the year.
The word on the street is that Strickland “might not” appear at WrestleDream, and let’s face it, that’s the kind of uncertainty that could make Tacoma fans as nervous as a wrestler in a ladder match. Imagine going to your hometown pay-per-view and not seeing the local hero! It’s like going to a birthday party and the birthday kid stays home—awkward.
On the bright side, Meltzer did mention that Swerve is slated to return for the Thanksgiving Eve edition of Dynamite on November 27 in Chicago. So, while Tacoma might be left Swerve-less, Chicago fans can expect him to be back, probably bringing a new level of swagger to the fallout from Full Gear. Oh, and for those keeping track at home, that same episode is rumored to feature matches from the returning Continental Classic tournament. So, you know, something for everyone to be thankful for.
Meanwhile, MJF, who’s been off TV for similar reasons (rest and recovery, AKA wrestling’s version of “mental health days”), is also booked for the same Chicago show. Looks like Thanksgiving’s coming early for Chicago, while Tacoma might be stuck eating dream pie without its biggest star.
Will Swerve Strickland make a surprise appearance at WrestleDream, or will Tacoma fans have to dream on? Only time will tell, but we’ll all be on the edge of our seats—unless, of course, Swerve’s still kicking back in his.