Will Ospreay secured the Owen Hart Cup final at AEW Forbidden Door 2026, defeating Swerve Strickland in a brutal showdown that left fans buzzing. Hours after the match, Strickland broke character on Instagram, posting a personal salute that praised Ospreay’s skill and hinted at future respect between the two competitors.
What happened at Forbidden Door?
On the AEW pay‑per‑view, Ospreay and Strickland collided in the tournament’s climax. The bout featured hard‑hitting strikes, rapid counters and near‑falls that kept the crowd on edge. In the end, Ospreay emerged victorious, clinching the Owen Hart Cup and earning a title opportunity at the upcoming All In event. Strickland, visibly battered, left the ring with a loss that still felt like a showcase of his own resilience.
Why did Swerve Strickland break character?
Following the match, Strickland posted an Instagram story that read, “There will never be another you and I. When we come together we truly HIT DIFFERENT. Never been more proud of you @willospreay.” The former AEW World Champion used the platform to step out of his on‑screen persona, offering genuine admiration for Ospreay’s performance. This rare breach of kayfabe underscores how the two athletes view each other as peers rather than mere rivals.
How does this affect Ospreay’s momentum?
Ospreay’s win not only handed him the Owen Hart Cup but also secured a spot at All In, where a world championship match awaits. The public endorsement from Strickland adds a layer of credibility, suggesting that Ospreay’s rise is being noted by top talent across both AEW and NJPW. Fans now anticipate a possible future clash, with Strickland’s comment hinting at mutual respect that could translate into another high‑stakes encounter.
What’s next for Swerve Strickland?
In the wake of his defeat, Strickland turned to X (formerly Twitter) with a bold claim: “I have now changed the course of professional wrestling.” He attached a photo of himself with fans, positioning his loss as a catalyst for broader influence. While his exact plans remain unclear, the statement signals an intent to stay relevant in AEW’s main storylines, perhaps by pursuing a redemption arc that could intersect with Ospreay’s upcoming All In run.
The interaction between Ospreay and Strickland illustrates how modern wrestling blends in‑ring competition with social‑media narratives. As Ospreay prepares for All In, the respect shown by a former champion may prove as valuable as any championship belt.