Swerve Strickland believes AEW Full Gear match 'pushed boundaries'

At AEW Full Gear 2023, Swerve Strickland defeated Hangman Adam Page in a Texas Death Match. This bout has been lauded as one of the most violent and bloody matches in the history of the company.
Various moments have been the topic of conversation in the wrestling world, none more memorable than when Hangman let Swerve’s blood from his head drip into his mouth.

In a new interview with Mojo Rawley of TMZ Sports, Swerve Strickland was asked about the spot. He answered:
“That’s pretty much why we’re here having this conversation in the first place. If you are going to go all out in a match like that, you have to release all the chains, all the handcuffs,” 
“Understand that there is going to be criticism because we are going to shake the foundation a little bit.”

Strickland continued on to explain why in 2023 it is so difficult to have a match that stands out, saying:
“I feel like that was one of those moments where it’s like ‘that was theater, that was cinematic’ just like, ‘Oh my god, you have to go out of your way to see this because I can’t even believe it.'”
“We push boundaries, that’s what AEW was built on. Pushing boundaries, doing things that other places just couldn’t do, or are not able to do, or you’re not able to see that anywhere else.”

Swerve continued on to say that the match at AEW Full Gear has made him one of the top performers in the industry, saying:
“I feel like I catapulted myself as one of the top guys in the industry.”
“And like I said, I said this before earlier this year and it made a lot of noise then, I really feel I can be the first African American AEW World Champion.”
“And I have no problems saying and stating that I’m in a league of my own when it comes to that.”