Chicago, Illinois — The tension escalated significantly on AEW Collision as Swerve Strickland found himself at the center of a brewing feud with the Young Bucks when the show kicked off on April 26, 2025. What was intended to be a showcase for Swerve’s words quickly morphed into an unexpected wrestling match, thanks to the influence of the company’s executive vice presidents, Matt and Nick Jackson.
In a surprising twist, the Young Bucks interrupted Swerve before he could deliver his opening promo, using their authority to shift the evening’s agenda. Instead of speaking, Swerve was thrust into the ring to face Blake Christian, all while still dressed in casual attire—leather pants and clunky boots—rather than his usual wrestling gear. Despite the setbacks, including a delayed response due to his outfit, Swerve managed to find his footing, showcasing his resilience in an unplanned circumstance.
Christian, accompanied by Lee Johnson, initially seized the momentum, pushing Swerve to adapt his style under pressure. As the match progressed, however, Swerve capitalized on a crucial mistake by Christian, executing a signature jumping House Call kick before quickly sealing the victory with his Big Pressure driver.
The post-match scene was anything but peaceful. Swerve, visibly agitated, directed his frustrations toward the Young Bucks, who then orchestrated a surprise attack. Johnson’s interference set the stage for the duo’s assault, culminating in a devastating EVP Trigger that left Swerve reeling. In a moment of mockery, Nick Jackson duplicated Swerve’s dance moves, intensifying the stakes of their rivalry.
Just when it seemed the odds were stacked against him, help arrived from an unexpected source. Prince Nana intervened by grabbing Nick’s foot, disrupting the Bucks’ plans for a Meltzer Driver. This distraction allowed Kenny Omega to burst onto the scene, dazzling the crowd with a series of dragon suplexes aimed at Nick Jackson. In a strategic retreat, Matt pulled his brother from the ring, narrowly saving them from further harm as Omega stood tall.
The match showcased not only Swerve’s physical prowess but also the underlying narrative of rivalry dominating AEW’s current storyline framework. As fans witnessed the chaotic exchange, it became clear that Swerve may have just found a potential ally in Omega, setting the stage for an explosive future showdown against the Young Bucks.
While the night may not have delivered extensive storytelling moments, the escalating drama between Swerve Strickland and the Young Bucks certainly captivated audiences, heightening anticipation for the inevitable confrontation.