Swerve Strickland responds to the report that WWE believed that AEW paid above market value with his new contract.
WWE released Strickland in a wave of cuts in 2021. He then signed with AEW and debuted at AEW Revolution 2022. Strickland’s career reached new heights in 2024, as he won the AEW World Championship.
At AEW All In, All Elite Wrestling announced that Swerve Strickland had signed a new contract with the company. Fightful Select then reported that it was a multi-year deal, and it was considered one of the biggest contracts in AEW history. The Wrestling Observer subsequently reported that those in WWE felt that the deal was “so far over what WWE perceived as market value.”
Swerve Strickland recently appeared on the Breakfast Club, and in one highlight, he was asked to comment on the report. (H/t Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription)
“They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that,” Swerve Strickland said. “We shake the foundation of things like that. ‘Oh snap, wait. That’s not what we would pay.’ Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me? If I’m not your concern then don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about my pockets and our money.
“We’re good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago. No hard feelings from me. I keep it moving and I’m going to figure my way out and I’m going to build myself up.”
Swerve Strickland has been absent from AEW programming since he lost to Hangman Page at AEW All Out. At AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, Prince Nana announced that Strickland was not cleared to compete.
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