During Swerve Strickland's electrifying entrance, a dance performance has taken the social media world by storm, inspiring countless attempts to recreate the spectacle. However, none have quite captured the essence of the dance like its originator, Prince Nana.
Appearing on the popular podcast "Talk is Jericho," Prince Nana delved into the genesis of the dance and its remarkable journey to becoming a sensation that had fans dancing along at AEW's most significant event to date.
He revealed that the inspiration for the dance struck him while he was in his room, following a trip to Canada that had left everyone exhausted. In a moment of inspiration, he decided to play Swerve's song on Instagram and spontaneously began dancing to it.
This impromptu performance was recorded, setting the stage for what would become a viral sensation. Two weeks later, while accompanying Strickland to the ring, Nana revisited the video and made a decision that would change the course of wrestling history.
He decided to incorporate the dance into Strickland's entrance, and the rest, as they say, is history. The dance became an instant hit, with fans requesting it week after week. Nana even performed it in front of a massive crowd of 80,000 in London, further solidifying its place in wrestling lore.
Memes and dance challenges soon followed, catapulting the dance to greater heights.
Prince Nana's ROH Legacy
But who exactly is Prince Nana? He rose to prominence in Ring of Honor (ROH), joining the promotion during its early days.
He became known as the leader of The Embassy, a faction that included original members Jimmy Rave and John Walters. After a brief departure in 2006, Nana returned to ROH in 2008, where he continued to manage The Embassy, which featured notable names such as Tommaso Ciampa and Claudio Castagnoli at various points.
In 2022, following Tony Khan's purchase and relaunch of Ring of Honor, Prince Nana made a triumphant return to the promotion at Death Before Dishonor. This time, he formed The Mogul Embassy, a faction that boasts talents like Brian Cage and The Gates of Agony.
In sum, Prince Nana's dance has not only become a viral sensation but has also added a unique and entertaining element to Swerve Strickland's entrances, making it a memorable part of the wrestling world's landscape. As fans continue to embrace the dance, it's clear that Prince Nana's creative spark has left an indelible mark on the industry.