Swerve Strickland Says This AEW Match Involving Sting ‘Cemented’ Him As A Top Talent

As a former AEW World Champion, Swerve Strickland is considered one of the leading names in the promotion, and still consistently competes in some of AEW’s biggest rivalries. Looking back on the past few years, Strickland identified his feud with old rival Darby Allin and the legendary Sting, which culminated at AEW All in: London 2023, as a foundational moment.

“That’s one of the biggest highlights of my career, if not my life,” Strickland said during an interview with “WhatCulture Wrestling.” He recalled how surreal it was to step into Wembley Stadium in London and to have the crowd all react to his “Whose House?” chant. “That’s where things really cemented me, as far as [becoming] one of the perennial talents that was going to be up and coming in AEW.”

At the following year’s AEW All In, Strickland wrestled in the main event, putting the AEW World Championship on the line against Bryan Danielson. He wound up losing to the “American Dragon” and providing the veteran with his final major title run. 

“2024? Such a huge year for me. I just wanted to capitalize on as much as I could, so facing off against Bryan Danielson at Wembley is like one of the most highest peaks you can possibly reach in the wrestling world,” he stated, noting that he believes he made history as a black man in pro wrestling, and specifically in AEW, where he became the first black wrestler to main event a wrestling show at Wembley.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “WhatCulture Wrestling” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Ricochet Addresses Backlash And Social Media Warnings After Controversial Tweet

Ricochet Addresses Backlash And Social Media Warnings After Controversial Tweet

Ricochet’s controversial social media activity continues to generate discussion, especially following the backlash tied to his comment aimed at a fan with multiple sclerosis. The situation previously led to him deleting the post and issuing an apology, with those close to him stepping in behind the scenes to offer guidance.

It was later revealed that longtime friend Chris Hero was among those who privately reached out, urging Ricochet to be more mindful of how he engages online as criticism began to build.

During a recent appearance on the Unlikely podcast with Adrian Hernandez, Ricochet addressed whether people have spoken to him about adjusting his approach on social media. He confirmed those conversations have happened but made it clear that his mindset around online interaction has not drastically changed.

“Yeah, I’ve had people talk to me a lot. Look, you got to watch out for this. But, um, yeah, you just, you know, you just do what you think is again, especially cuz most people online are just tweeting whatever they want. So, I’m going to tweet back, too. But, um, yeah, it’s all it’s all in fun. It’s all in do fun. It’s uh especially it’s it’s online. It’s really not a real place. Um so why not just have fun, you know what I mean?”

Michael Cole Reflects On WrestleMania 37 Mistake And Apology To Bianca Belair And Sasha Banks

Michael Cole Reflects On WrestleMania 37 Mistake And Apology To Bianca Belair And Sasha Banks

Michael Cole has opened up about a mistake he made during the closing moments of night one of WrestleMania 37.

The main event saw Bianca Belair defeat Sasha Banks with the KOD, but Cole incorrectly called the finish by saying Banks had kicked out. Corey Graves quickly stepped in to correct the call.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Sal Licata show, Cole reflected on the moment, admitting he was embarrassed and revealed that he personally apologized to both competitors afterward. He also noted that fans still remind him of the error to this day.

Cole said:

“I had a massive screw up in the WrestleMania where Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair headlined WrestleMania. The first time two African-American women had headlined the main event at WrestleMania. I screwed up at the finish. I was embarrassed by it. I apologized to both of the women afterward. They understand that things happen.

The fans have never to this day let me forget about it. But it is something I regretted. I’d love to have it back if I could, but it’s just one of those moments you’re in the heat of the moment.

It’s just like calling any sporting event. Sometimes there’s going to be a mistake. That’s why when the fans go off on a Joe Buck or all the issues with Tony Romo this year, I feel for those guys because Romo and Buck are the best in the business. There’s nobody in the world better than them. Yet they’re constantly being berated by people who believe they can be better, that believe they know better.”

“I’ve said before, put on these headsets, sit at ringside for two hours one night, and let’s see what you can do.”

New Match Confirmed For Monday’s WWE Raw

New Match Confirmed For Monday's WWE Raw

WWE has added another match element to the lineup for this week’s Raw, as Intercontinental Champion Penta is set to put himself to the test.The Usos vs Austin Theory and Logan PaulLash Legend and Nia Jax vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria

IYO SKY vs Raquel Rodriguez

Brock Lesnar appearance

CM Punk and Roman Reigns under the same roof

Intercontinental Champion Penta open challenge

Brock Lesnar Tattoo Was The Result Of ‘Half A Gallon Of Vodka & Maybe A Few Vicodin’

WWE star Brock Lesnar, the “Beast Incarnate,” has long had a striking tattoo in the shape of a stylized skull on his back. However, shortly after leaving WWE in the wake of WrestleMania XX, Lesnar got a more infamous tattoo that has long divided fans: a massive knife on his chest, with a handle reminiscent of brass knuckles.

During an appearance on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, Lesnar recalled what went into getting his most-panned tattoo. “[When] I got that tattoo, I was s**t-faced drunk in Scottsdale, Arizona,” he admitted, further explaining that he was in Scottsdale for NFL training and had just been in a motorcycle accident when he decided to blow off some steam. “There was a tattoo shop across the street from the biker bar, and that’s not a good place to have a tattoo shop.”

“I got this tattoo – I didn’t even know I got the damn thing. I wake up the next day: what … is this thing?” he recalled. Lesnar then expressed that the tattoo isn’t meaningless, but instead was an interpretation of the veteran wrestler feeling like he had his back up against the wall with a sword or knife at his throat. “I walked over there and said: ‘Yeah! Let’s put a big ass, ugly sword on my chest.’ … No planning whatsoever. It was a half a gallon of vodka and maybe a few Vicodin.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Spittin’ Chiclets” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.