AEW’spay-per-view premiere of 2022 kicked off with a bang with Revolution’s nearly 5-hour event. The pay-per-view included 4 championship defenses, a ladder match, a dog collar match, and many other memorable bouts, and the show also managed to make two individuals all elite.
Over the past few months,AEWhas had surprising debuts and made major signings, both from the independent circuit and other professional wrestling companies. The talent has come from Impact, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, thenewly acquired Ring of Honor, and of course, WWE. AEW’s two newest signees have a history with a few of these promotions and their talent.
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The debuts occurred following the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match and the violent match between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. Following the ladder match’s destruction, Tony Schiavone left his place at the commentary booth and stood at the top of the rampto deliver an announcement. He introduced “The Realest” Shane “Swerve” Strickland, who spoke about the dream matches he can’t wait to have in AEW. Strickland wouldn’t be the only surprise of the evening, as William Regal would make his AEW debut following Danielson and Moxley’s match when the two continued to wail on each other. Regal entered the ring and forced the two men to shake one another’s hand.
In 2019, Strickland joined the WWE roster where he wrestled under the name Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. He became part ofthe stable known as Hit Rowalongside Top Dolla, Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and B-FAB. In WWE, Strickland also won the NXT North American Championship, his first and only WWE title, which he held for over 100 days. Hit Row was drafted to SmackDown in the WWE Draft, but their main roster tenure was cut short following their stagnant releases in November.
Regal has had a monumental career of his own, which dates back to the early 80s. Throughout the 90s, he wrestled for WCW, WWF, andwhat eventually became WWE. Regal won 15 championships throughout his run in WWF/WWE and also won the coveted title of King of the Ring in 2008. He retired from wrestling in 2017 but has had a consistent presence on screen through his on-screen role as NXT’s General Manager. This title would change over the years, though his impact behind the scenes was always well regarded by talent. He was released from his WWE contract in January 2022, which ended a 22-year commitment with the company.
Regal would not be the firstWWE star to move to AEWand pick up an on-screen managerial role. Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Arn Anderson, and Tully Blanchard often appear on AEW television as coaches for current competitors. Regal may serve a similar role for Danielson and Moxley, who may or may not bring young talent such as Daniel Garcia, Lee Moriarty, and Wheeler Yuta under their wing to form a new faction in AEW. As for Strickland, he may want to let his talent speak for itself before he decides to join any factions in AEW.
