Swerve Strickland AEW milestone has been marked today as the talented wrestler celebrates his 35th birthday, highlighting his significant rise within All Elite Wrestling. Since joining AEW in 2022, Strickland has become one of the promotion’s leading faces by showing resilience and dedication.
Strickland, known as “The Realest,” quickly secured his position as one of Tony Khan’s most valuable performers after moving to the Jacksonville-based wrestling organization. Despite being currently sidelined with injury, fans last saw him compete at Forbidden Door 2025, where he put forth a strong challenge against Kazuchika Okada for the Unified Championship but fell short. Initial reports indicate he will remain out of action until early next year. Meanwhile, AEW acknowledged this milestone by sharing birthday wishes to Strickland on their official social media account.
Strickland’s Journey From WWE NXT to AEW’s Spotlight
Before his success in AEW, Swerve Strickland faced a frustrating chapter during his time in WWE’s NXT. In a revealing discussion with DJ Vlad, he opened up about recognizing early on that WWE was not fully utilizing his abilities. He recalled his experience in the Performance Center, where despite earning praise from major stars like Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Kofi Kingston, and Samoa Joe, he found himself back in training drills that didn’t match his skill set.
“The one day I knew I was getting bullshi**ed around the PC was when I was there for, like, three or four months, and I got called to do 205 Live against Drew Gulak, who had the Cruiserweight championship… Got great praise in the back coming afterward. Charlotte [Flair], Bayley, Kofi [Kingston], Samoa Joe—everybody’s giving me crazy praise… I come back to the PC, and they’re trying to teach you arm drags again. I’m like, ‘Get the f**k out of here with that,” he said. [H/T: Cageside Seats]
Since leaving WWE, Strickland’s career trajectory shifted dramatically after signing with AEW, where he has flourished as a top babyface. His commitment to AEW remains strong, with no current plans to join other wrestling promotions.
Recent Highlights and Current Status in AEW
Strickland achieved one of the highest honors in AEW by capturing the AEW World Championship, a testament to his skill and popularity. Although he is presently on hiatus due to injury setbacks, his presence at major events like Forbidden Door 2025 demonstrates his ongoing relevance and capability within the wrestling world.
AEW’s acknowledgment of his birthday speaks to his value within the company, where fans and management alike celebrate his contributions. His journey from WWE’s developmental system to becoming a central figure in AEW outlines the perseverance required to thrive in professional wrestling.
The Significance of This Milestone and What Lies Ahead
Marking his 35th birthday amid an AEW hiatus frames a turning point for Strickland, reflecting both personal growth and professional accomplishment. His path illustrates overcoming challenges and making a mark on one of wrestling’s fastest-growing promotions. Going forward, fans anticipate his return to the ring with high expectations, especially given his prior championship reign and star power.
As an established face in AEW, Strickland’s ongoing presence promises impact on storylines and title scenes, inspiring emerging talent while maintaining his position among the company’s elite performers. Observers will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and potential comeback timeline.
Happy Birthday! @swerveconfident pic.twitter.com/f3crYtF5JB
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 30, 2025
