Swerve Strickland has never shied away from violence in the ring, but his now-infamous syringe spot during an AEW steel cage match with Hangman Adam Page took things to a whole new leveland now hes revealing exactly why he did it.
During his appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Strickland opened up about the sickening moment in which a syringe was shoved through his cheek during the unsanctioned cage match. The graphic visual set social media on fire, and it wasnt lost on Swerve why fans reacted the way they did.
The visual of the needle piercing his face was meant to make viewers uncomfortableand thats exactly what he wanted.
And for those wondering if it was just for show? Strickland made it clear this wasnt a gimmick or trick prop.
The moment came late in the match after Strickland had already been powerbombed onto a cinder block. He explained that by that point, they had already gone to extreme lengthsand the syringe was just the next escalation in their war.
In Stricklands mind, it made sense for Hangman to unleash that level of violence.
The entire feud between Strickland and Hangman has been defined by psychological warfare and physical brutalityfrom home invasions to flaming revenge. But the syringe moment instantly became one of the most talked-about images AEW has produced in years.
Was the syringe spot too faror exactly the kind of shocking moment pro wrestling needs once in a while? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
