Bobby Lashley made an emphatic statement in his AEW pay-per-view debut at Full Gear, defeating Swerve Strickland in a brutal clash. While Strickland wasn’t pinned or forced to tap out, Lashley’s devastating Hurt Lock rendered him unconscious, securing the win for “The All Mighty.”
A Match Filled with Interference and Chaos
The match began explosively, with Lashley bodyslamming Strickland right as the bell rang. The Hurt Syndicate, stationed ringside, wasted no time in involving themselves, with Shelton Benjamin grabbing Strickland’s leg at one point. However, referee Stefon Smith wasn’t having it and promptly ejected Benjamin from ringside, much to Benjamin’s and MVP’s displeasure.
Strickland, as always, brought innovative offense, turning the tide by sending Lashley into the ring steps and following up with a DDT off the apron. With Prince Nana barking orders, Swerve landed a punishing Swerve Stomp through the announce table and later delivered a House Call and another Swerve Stomp back in the ring. Despite the assault, Lashley stunned the crowd by kicking out.
The Final Moments
On the outside, a heated Strickland confronted MVP, giving Lashley the opening he needed. Lashley speared Swerve through the barricade before dragging him back into the ring for another spear. From there, the Hurt Lock was inevitable. Strickland fought valiantly but eventually succumbed, passing out in the hold.
After the match, the Hurt Syndicate celebrated Lashley’s win with a touch of cruelty, shoving Prince Nana into the ring for Lashley to apply the Hurt Lock, leaving the AEW crowd in stunned silence—or riotous cheers, depending on their loyalty.