It is the biggest win of Shane “Swerve” Strickland’s young career. It was supposed to be a night Strickland along with his friends, family and fans would never forget. Tragically, it would be – but for all of the wrong reasons.
Defeating Ricochet by tapout via armbar after a classic 35 minute bout – arguably the most anticipated match of the fall, Strickland instead found himself and his long-time friend Sami Callihan, severely beaten outside Gilt Nightclub.
The altercation, which took place at approximately 10:55pm ET on Thursday October 5th, would result in both men receiving medical attention. Strickland and Callihan were diagnosed with contusions with Callihan severely injured and unlikely to be cleared to compete in MLW until early 2018.
There are many questions stemming from the attack on Strickland and Callihan.
What happened?
Why?
And most importantly: Who was involved?
All good questions and thus far all unanswered.
When doing media this week promoting MLW: One-Shot on VOD, Callihan refused to discuss the altercation. Strickland, meanwhile, told MLW.com, “there will be justice for the cowardly attack. Trust me.”
MLW officials are actively investigating the events surrounding the altercation.
In a big break this morning, MLW.com has learned that officials received video footage captured by fans and media late that evening and are actively reviewing it to identify the assailants and what precisely transpired.
MLW.com hopes to be granted access to the footage soon.
Will the footage shed light on the questions swirling around the assault on Strickland and Callihan? Only time will tell.
