Swerve Strickland to Face Ninja Mack at Heelmatic
The independent Fourth Rope event pits the AEW star against Ninja Mack in New York City nine days before AEW Full Gear.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wrestling
Swerve Strickland, an AEW wrestler and former AEW World Champion, is scheduled to face Ninja Mack at Fourth Rope's Heelmatic event on Thursday, November 12, at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City. The show is a collaboration between the independent promotion founded by Westside Gunn and record label Mass Appeal.
Why it matters
The bout gives fans a rare chance to see Strickland outside AEW, where he is advertised for the Full Gear pay-per-view on Saturday, November 14. Strickland's last match outside AEW came in July 2024 against Amazing Red, and this booking marks a return to independent-style competition.
Strickland's last match outside AEW took place about two years before this booking, against Amazing Red in a bout lasting more than 20 minutes at House of Glory's High Intensity event. The Heelmatic event is scheduled nine days before AEW Full Gear, and the outcome of the Ninja Mack match is not yet known.
The players
Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland is an AEW wrestler and former AEW World Champion known for his high-profile matches within the company.
Ninja Mack
Ninja Mack is a professional wrestler who has competed for Pro Wrestling NOAH, NJPW, and Ring of Honor.
Fourth Rope
Fourth Rope is an independent wrestling promotion founded by rapper and wrestling fan Westside Gunn.
The details
Ninja Mack has competed for Pro Wrestling NOAH and NJPW and made several ROH appearances between 2022 and 2023. Fourth Rope is teaming with Mass Appeal for the Heelmatic event at the Melrose Ballroom, while Strickland is advertised to team with Austin Creed and Kofi against Hangman Page, Brody King, and Bandido for the AEW Trios Championship at Full Gear.
Timeline
July 2024: Strickland's last match outside AEW, against Amazing Red at House of Glory's High Intensity event.
Thursday, November 12: Fourth Rope's Heelmatic event at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City.
Saturday, November 14: AEW Full Gear pay-per-view, where Strickland is advertised.
Season Trajectory
Strickland's return to independent competition ahead of Full Gear places a major AEW star on a non-company card just days before the promotion's marquee fall pay-per-view. The booking reflects the growing practice of top talent appearing on outside shows during the lead-up to major company events.
Fans following Strickland can catch a live match on Thursday, November 12, before his scheduled Full Gear appearance two days later. The Heelmatic card gives a chance to see him in a non-AEW setting at the Melrose Ballroom.
The takeaway
Strickland's appearance on an independent card just before Full Gear shows how AEW stars are increasingly working outside the company during major event weeks. Fans interested in both promotions can track the two events on consecutive days.
What happens next
Strickland is advertised for AEW Full Gear on Saturday, November 14, where he will team with Austin Creed and Kofi against Hangman Page, Brody King, and Bandido for the AEW Trios Championship.
Further reading
For more on the wrestling scene, see our Wrestling coverage.
