All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to make history once again. Swerve Strickland, the first Black AEW World Champion, will headline All In London at Wembley Stadium on August 25. This event marks a significant milestone for both Strickland and AEW.
Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the show. Strickland will defend his title against Bryan Danielson in a high-stakes main event. The match is billed as a title vs. career showdown, adding extra drama to an already momentous occasion.
Historic Reign and Meteoric Rise
Strickland’s journey to the top of AEW has been nothing short of spectacular. He clinched the AEW World Championship in April, becoming the first Black wrestler to hold this prestigious title.
His reign has been marked by impressive victories over top talents. Strickland has defeated Adam Page, Samoa Joe, Christian Cage, and Will Ospreay. Accompanied by his charismatic manager Prince Nana, Strickland has quickly become a fan favorite.
Celebrating Black Excellence in Wrestling
AEW is not just showcasing diversity in its main event. The company recently released a music album titled “WHO WE ARE: A Celebration of Excellence, Vol. 2”. This project features over two dozen artists and producers.
The album honors Black wrestling stars, including Strickland himself. The AEW World Champion even contributed his rapping skills to one of the tracks. This initiative highlights AEW’s commitment to celebrating diversity in professional wrestling.
Mercedes Moné: Another Trailblazer on the Card
While Strickland headlines, another groundbreaking star will also feature at All In London. Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks, will defend her TBS Championship against Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
Moné made waves earlier this year by becoming the highest-paid woman in wrestling history. She’s a 7-time world champion and has main-evented pay-per-views across multiple promotions. Moné is also the first Black woman to achieve this feat in AEW, WWE, and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
All In London: Building on Past Success
Last year’s inaugural All In London event set a new benchmark. It broke the record for most tickets sold for any wrestling show in history, with 81,050 attendees.
This year’s event aims to build on that success. The Zero Hour pre-show will feature exciting matchups, including CMLL World Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale teaming up with Tomohiro Ishii against Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway.
Looking Ahead: AEW’s Stadium Show Plans
AEW is already planning for the future. The company recently announced that next year’s All In event will take place in Arlington, Texas. Set for July 12, 2025, at Globe Life Field, it will be AEW’s first stadium show in the United States.
Swerve Strickland, Mercedes Moné, and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena were present for this exciting announcement. It’s clear that AEW is committed to growing its brand and showcasing diverse talent on the biggest stages possible.
