Swerve Strickland Addresses Attack on Bandido at ROH Supercard of Honor: ‘I’m at the Stage of Any Means Necessary’

During last night’s ROH Supercard of Honor 2026 event, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland attacked ROH World Champion Bandido after Bandido successfully defended his title against Blake Christian. He also hit Bandido with a Vertebreaker on a steel chair. AEW later released a backstage digital exclusive video showing Swerve commenting on his attack.

The cameraman called Swerve’s attack disgusting and asked if it was necessary. Below are some highlights of Swerve’s comments:

Swerve Strickland on Why His Attack Was Necessary

“You want to talk about necessary? At this stage of my career, at this point in 2026, you want to talk about what’s necessary? I’m at the stage of any means necessary right now. The Owen is right around the corner. Bandido’s my very first opponent. Do I care if he gets back or makes it to the first round? No, I don’t! By any means necessary, I’m gonna get through this Owen. I still want my power in AEW, but now it’s a little bit bigger than that. Now it’s about power within the industry because every time I seem to speak, people want to click. People want to talk. People want to comment. People want to voice their own narratives about me, about Nana, about what we’re doing here!”

On How His Voice Will Be Heard

“I don’t care if it’s in Dynamite, Collision, or even Ring of Honor! My actions will be seen, and my voice will be heard. Any means necessary. We will get the job done, and we will get what’s ours. 2026, power and a championship. I don’t care if we have friends in the next round. I don’t care if it’s enemies. I don’t care if it’s former Mogul Embassy people. I don’t care if it’s family. This is necessary. This is necessary.”

Bandido and Swerve Strickland will face off in the quarterfinals of the men’s Owen Hart Tournament at AEW Double or Nothing 2026. The event takes place on Sunday, May 24 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. It will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.

"My actions will be seen and my voice will be heard."

EXCLUSIVE: After brutally attacking his Owen Hart Tournament opponent @Bandidowrestler at #ROHSupercard, @SwerveConfident clarifies his goals: power & the AEW World Championship. pic.twitter.com/u0HH13tKEu

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 16, 2026

If using any of the above quotes, please credit AEW, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.