How Sweeney Todd Inspires Swerve Strickland’s Wrestling Persona

How Sweeney Todd Inspires Swerve Strickland’s Wrestling PersonaHow Sweeney Todd Inspires Swerve Strickland’s Wrestling Persona

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for wrestling and horror films, I can wholeheartedly say that Swerve Strickland’s latest AEW storyline has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The intensity and brutality of his feud with “Hangman” Adam Page have made their steel cage match one of the most memorable in recent memory.


There’s no denying that professional wrestler Swerve Strickland, a star in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is deeply passionate about pop culture. He frequently incorporates these influences into his wrestling attire and promos, notably DC and Marvel themes. Lately, though, he’s shifted towards a more somber tone in his on-screen performances, particularly in his feud with “Hangman” Adam Page. This transformation is evident in their highly acclaimed steel cage match, where the intense violence between them was just enough to make it one of AEW’s top matches due to their bitter blood feud.

The match was filled with elements that could have made a chilling horror movie, and surprisingly, Strickland drew inspiration from this genre for his character development. In an interview with the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Strickland shared how films such as “Candyman” and “Sweeney Todd” influenced the suspenseful elements portrayed in his on-screen performances.

In simpler terms, Strickland stated that while he isn’t a character from a horror movie, his character possesses aspects reminiscent of horror, similar to the character Candyman. These horror elements are intertwined with reality, such as exploring Cabrini-Green and the stories associated with Candyman. This creates a horror-like atmosphere surrounding real events and settings.

[RELATED: AEW’s Swerve Strickland: Academy Award-Nominated Filmmakers Directing Documentary Based on Himself, Flash Garments]

In his ongoing conflict with Hangman, experienced horror movie enthusiasts would find numerous elements appealing. These range from the vampire-like blood consumption to setting Swerve’s house ablaze, breaking into Hangman’s residence, using cinder blocks, chair shots without protection, and much more. Strickland explains that these are all devices he uses to enhance his character.

As a gamer, I find myself once again drawn to those seemingly insignificant trinkets, much like a sharp razor blade in a barber’s hand. They may not be instruments of pain, but they hold the potential, don’t they? The purpose isn’t to inflict harm, but they can if needed.

Swerve has just agreed to a new long-term contract with AEW, one of the biggest deals in their five-year timeline. After a brief break following his third bout with Page, he’s back and engaged in a rivalry with The Hurt Syndicate duo, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin.

H/T: WrestleZone

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2024-11-01 05:10