So, it finally happened. Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland had a one-on-one match. The February 18, 2026, episode of AEW Dynamite saw the two main events in Sacramento, California, in a heated contest that had been building for weeks. Strickland won outright and seemingly turned heel in the post-match, when he assaulted Omega after his victory. He “needed this,” a line repeated from the show’s cold open.
Oh, they went to war with one another. Omega threw all that he had, all of the reliable tools that seen him to greatness many times over. Strickland was to be just another name. Not tonight. No. Strickland’s years in AEW thus far have seen him achieve stardom in pro wrestling. He’s sunk to levels that most would not dare, and coupled with his athleticism, he embodied something Omega wasn’t quite prepared for.
Sure, they teamed up at 2025’s Double or Nothing in an Anarchy in the Arena Match, opposing the Death Riders. But things changed. Omega took time after time off to heal and work on extracurricular activities. Strickland? He’s been in AEW consistently, taking time only for other commitments and injuries, far more sporadically. To topple one of wrestling’s biggest active names? He needed this.
In my opinion, there’s more left to be done between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland.
The (First) Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland Match
Starting hot and heavy, these opponents exploited any weakness they could find in each other. Omega’s diverticulitis saw Strickland focusing on the midsection. Strickland was susceptible to Omega’s freakish agility, falling victim to multiple Snapdragon Suplexes and V-Triggers. Eventually, he caught up with Omega, dodging them as they came. Using Referee Aubrey Edwards as a shield, he evaded a V-Trigger.
Strickland wasn’t above using the environment to his advantage; he propelled Omega into the exposed turnbuckle and spammed finishers like the Swerve Stomp, House Call, and Big Pressure. This earned him the pinfall.
Unsatisfied with this, unquenched by victory, Strickland dismantled the already-defeated Omega. While the fallen competitor lay in the debris of a destroyed announce desk before three concerned commentators, Strickland turned his gaze to the camera. “I needed this, I needed this,” he said behind somber, regretful eyes. Whatever pain and anguish he felt, however vindictive, is his alone to bear and comprehend.
They’re not done, however. While Omega will be working on prior commitments following the bout, there’s a lot left to be explored between these two.
What’s Next for Their Feud?
As I followed the match, I came to a silent understanding. These two aren’t done, not by a long shot. Of course, that’s evident with many great matches with follow-ups not too far behind. But here’s a hot take: I feel they were holding back. I can’t help but watch and rewatch without sensing that there’s more they want to explore with one another. They’re incredible storytellers through and through with approaches unique unto them.
When Kenny Omega has a match with mountains of hype behind it with an equally gifted dance partner, he goes for the story. In ways, he’s an artistic genius. The 2017-18 matches with Kazuchika Okada in NJPW are proof of that, as is the duology he had in NJPW and AEW against Will Ospreay. Every match in each series was different from the others. Strickland’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries will undoubtedly mesh with Omega’s methods.
His matches are smart, cold, and calculated. The feud he had with Hangman Page from 2023 to 2024 exhibited as much. He pushes the envelope with what’s acceptable and what’s not, putting his body through turmoil to do so.
The best part about this is that their matches will undoubtedly be spaced out. Given the work rate, passion, charisma, and spirit these two share, that’s what’s needed. Their bodies and the fans won’t get as burned out, allowing for the space to engage in mind-blowing bombast and spectacle. Moreover, combining their imagination, Omega and Strickland are capable of surpassing boundaries and paving the way for future wrestlers to achieve.
How Far Will They Go?
I foresee an epic saga between Kenny and Swerve. The latter has already crossed a line with no love or respect existing in their relationship. It’s going to get nasty and gritty. Art is often meant to cause discomfort, and these two won’t shy away from it. Where could they take this? A Lights Out Death Match? Dog Collar Match? “I Quit” Match?
Considering Omega’s complicated health, it’s for the best that this rivalry remains at the safest pace possible. Fans will salivate for more, and the build to each revisit will increase that until the final beat. Furthermore, the Elite and even the AEW Men’s World Championship picture could well be in the crosshairs.
On social media, Swerve posted what seemed to be either a hit list or a list of all members he’s defeated, as though to taunt Kenny. That can only intensify the quarrel, with Swerve the heel and Kenny the babyface. They may be ready, but will we be?
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content is available on their YouTube channel.
