WATCH: Tony Khan’s Top AEW Wrestler Pays Homage to Former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston on Collision 02/03

Tony Khan’s AEW has cemented itself as WWE’s fiercest rival in the pro wrestling realm. However, despite the rivalry between the companies, its wrestlers enjoy a harmonious relationship. The latest iteration of this cross-brand bonding was seen on AEW’s 02/03 Collision episode when former WWE champ Kofi Kingston got a big shout-out.

Shining AEW sensation, Swerve Strickland addressed the in-house spectators while discussing Black History Month. Interestingly, a social media post showcased the 33-year-old giving shout-outs to several great black wrestlers. In fact, he even took the liberty of saying that Kofi Kingston is one reason he’s in pro wrestling.

Swerve Strickland hails Kofi Kingston as the AEW crowd cheers

A new tweet on X uploaded a video clip of Swerve Strickland’s speech as he appreciated the black pro wrestlers. The video showed him saying, “I’m noble enough to really show appreciation and recognize all the people that paved the way for me to have the opportunity to stand here right now and talk to you.” This was followed by naming influential figures, and Strickland had Kofi Kingston on the list.

He continued, “People you may know”….. He then went on saying, “You know what, how about I even shout out my friends that made black history, you know, like a Kofi Kingston? What up, Kofi?”

Kofi Kingston has been one of the most hardworking underdogs who propelled himself to greater heights in WWE. He mostly got tag team stints and a shot or two at the Intercontinental title at best. However, The New Day Member ensured to capitalize on every chance he got.

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Interestingly, Swerve Strickland has had somewhat of a similar journey himself.

The ‘swerving’ similarity between Strickland and former WWE Champ

Kofi Kingston and Swerve Strickland have a very similar fighting style and somewhat of a similar journey. While The New Day member started his training and pro wrestling career in 2005, Strickland started walking this path in 2008. Both these wrestlers provided high-flying entertainment to the crowd but had to fight very hard for the spotlight.

Kofi Kingston spent several years featuring as a bottom-feeder or mid-carder, while frequently adding a comical element to his acts. Strickland, on the other hand, also had a hard time acquiring mass attention, but he kept switching companies, unlike Kingston.

Today, both wrestlers are part of a stable and are recognized more as tag stars instead of individual competitors. Even a former WWE praised Kingston last year after a splendid match at RAW. Kingston also capitalized on his career-high moment as he acquired the WWE Championship at WrestleMania during the peak of KofiMania. Strickland has also slowly but surely elevated himself to the title scene and will get his due in the near future.

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Moreover, both stars have also acquired a lot of loyal fans for themselves now. Many fans even got saddened by the elimination of Kofi Kingston in the Rumble, when a lot of people were in the camps of either CM Punk or Cody Rhodes. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure. Both stars have laid the foundations for black wrestlers to clinch glory as they continue to excel and inspire. What did you make of Strickland’s words of praise for Kingston? Let them flow in the comments.