Swerve Strickland Reveals How Jim Jones’ Appearance at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Came Together

Swerve Strickland’s ascent in AEW has been remarkable, highlighting his outstanding in-ring skills and captivating charisma. As the current AEW World Champion, he had a formidable opponent in Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door. Jim Jones was also part of Strickland’s entrance and now Strickland has revealed how that came together.

At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, Jim Jones made a special appearance to introduce Swerve Strickland before his AEW World Title match against Will Ospreay. Jones, known for his unique style and charisma, stated that he “swerves when he drives” and reminded fans that “we fly high, no lie, you know this.” His presence added an extra touch of excitement and flair to the main event.

Jim Jones’ presence certainly helped out Swerve Strickland in a big way as he and Will Ospreay had a tremendous match for the AEW World Championship. Strickland would ultimately pick up the win when all was said and done.

While speaking on the post-AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door media scrum, Swerve Strickland was asked how Jim Jones’ appearance came together. Swerve Strickland credited Albert Gentily for the appearance and added how he played a crucial role in his evolution into a prominent figure in the industry, making connections like Kevin Gates’ tag Championship celebration and visits from artists such as Rick Ross and Fabulous. He highlighted Gentily’s impact on media engagements like Hot 97, giving importance to meticulous attention to presentation—from attire to speech—to ensure authenticity.

“Jim Jones came through because of my man, Albert Gentily over there. He’s been a huge part of the transition to becoming a true mogul in this industry. He was responsible for Kevin Gates with the tag Championship celebration, Rick Ross coming through, and Fabulous coming through. He’s been responsible for so many other things, even outside of just the interviews I’ve been doing, like media on Hot 97 and all these other things. There’s a lot of motion with that guy, Flash Garments, once again responsible for a lot of these connections and how it’s being presented on stage. How I’m going to look, what I’m going to wear, how I’m going to say it, what’s going to be the selling point of things—it’s all very meticulous, and everything’s pointed in the right direction.”

Strickland credited his team, including choreographers and trainers, for sharpening his skills and enhancing his performance. He expressed pride in Swerve as a collective effort, involving everyone who contributes to his persona. Reflecting on Jim Jones’ appearance at a sold-out 11,000-seat event in Long Island, he stressed the importance of maintaining authenticity and avoiding pandering to fans.

”My man G training my choreography, fight choreography, and my reflexes, getting my skills sharper than they’ve ever been before at my age. It’s just like a team of guys always working together to present what Swerve is. Swerve is more than just me; it’s everybody. Nana over here, part of Swerve, Heck over there, part of Swerve, Fitted over here, part of Swerve—all my guys, all my people, it’s all Swerve. Jim Jones came out, and it was like that. That’s the culture in the main event of 11,000 seats, sold out in Long Island. It’s always about presenting the culture in a way that’s authentic to myself and authentic to the fans. It’s not pandering.”

We will have to wait and see what’s next in store for Swerve Strickland as it has been made abundantly clear the AEW World Champion will not be losing the title anytime soon. With All In on the horizon, fans are excited for what’s in store for Strickland at the event.

Were you happy to see Jim Jones at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view? Let us know in the comments section below!

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