Swerve Strickland booked for rare indie bout

Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland is scheduled to compete in a rare independent wrestling match this month. He will face Ninja Mack at the Heelmatic event promoted by Fourth Rope in partnership with Mass Appeal. The show is set for November 12 at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City.

Ninja Mack has gained international experience through appearances in Japan for promotions including NOAH and NJPW. He also competed several times for ROH between 2022 and 2023. This matchup marks Strickland's first bout outside of AEW since facing Amazing Red at a House of Glory event earlier in 2024.

AEW's Full Gear pay-per-view is scheduled for November 14 in Phoenix, Arizona, shortly after the indie date. Strickland is set to challenge for the AEW Trios titles alongside Austin Creed and Kofi against Hangman Page, Brody King and Bandido.

Strickland has pursued music alongside his wrestling career, releasing hip-hop tracks and appearing on On The Radar Radio. He has described wrestling as his primary passion and stated that even a Grammy would not surpass the significance of his AEW World Championship reign.

Strickland has also spoken positively about Westside Gunn and Fourth Rope for their efforts in connecting wrestling and hip-hop cultures.