Swerve Strickland Addresses Rumor on WWE Response to His New AEW Contract

– During a recent interview with Vlad TV, AEW star Swerve Strickland expanded on the story that emerged in August 2024 after he re-upped with AEW. According to a report by The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while WWE sought to acquire Strickland and Prince Nana, WWE officials reportedly viewed Strickland’s new AEW as “bad for pro wrestling” because it went far over what WWE would consider market value for the promotion.

While speaking to Vlad TV, Strickland shared additional thoughts on the story. Below are some highlights (via Fightful):

Swerve Strickland on WWE’s view on his market value: “I don’t think their value is fair. I don’t think they market anybody’s value as fair, really.”

Strickland on Booker T saying he was treated fairly in WWE: “That’s not what happened when Vince said the N-word in front of you. That’s not being treated fair, my opinion. To that statement, it’s not what even what I’m saying. I’m saying what people are saying. I’m saying what your audience is saying. So it’s not just me just talking out of my ass out of nowhere. It’s what your audience has been complaining about for the better part of two, three years from not seeing Black talent even getting singles matches on PLEs and stuff like that. Now, those guys are on socials more, they talk back and forth with the fans a little bit more. So you can’t ignore that anymore.”

On Triple H’s comments about “not seeing color” at a WWE press conference: “Since that quote, you’re hearing quotes from Triple H saying he doesn’t see color in press conference so after someone actually calling them out at their press conference, saying, ‘Oh, why is there no African-American talent? You put the Black celebrities in the audience.’ Those Black celebrities, who I know and I’m friends with, they want to see the same people that represent them perform at these shows, and they’re not seeing that. I’m not saying anything brutal or mean or disrespectful to the company. I’m just regurgitating what your fanbase is telling you, that you’re not hearing and giving what they’re giving. So it’s not just me like, ‘Oh, woe is me, I’m bitter.’ I moved on, and I got my money, and I created my own values.”

Swerve Strickland is looking to regain the AEW World Championship. He challenges Jon Moxley for the title on Sunday, April 6 at AEW Dynasty 2025. The pay-per-view event will be held at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and will be broadcast live on PPV.