Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland recently shared his thoughts on transitioning from WWE to AEW, highlighting what kept him from reaching his full potential in WWE. Strickland, who spent three years with AEW and captured the World Championship, reflected in an interview with ‘Insight’ on the limitations he faced during his WWE NXT tenure. He compared his situation to drafting a talented quarterback who isn’t given the chance to lead as a franchise player, explaining that WWE didn’t position him to thrive because they lacked full belief in him, despite recognizing his potential.
Strickland also mentioned that WWE CCO Triple H expected him to demonstrate more leadership and initiative on Raw, but that didn’t come to fruition. After moving to AEW, he adopted a new mindset focused on leadership and establishing himself as a commanding presence, benefiting from the fresh start since AEW fans initially didn’t know him. This change helped him remain a key figure near the AEW World Title scene, where he held the championship for four months.
Fan Take: This revelation is significant for AEW fans as it underscores the creative freedom and opportunities AEW offers to talent, which can lead to greater success and personal growth. It also highlights the importance of belief and support from an organization in shaping a wrestler’s career, potentially influencing how AEW nurtures future stars.
