Nearly a year after Swerve Strickland sparked controversy with his provocative comments at AEW Dynasty 2025 in Philadelphia, Booker T has brought the feud back into the spotlight. During the February 17, 2026 episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker directly referenced Strickland while discussing generational influences in wrestling, linking him to ongoing “bad habits” in the industry.
Criticism of Swerve Strickland’s Influence on Younger Wrestlers
Booker T singled out Swerve Strickland’s impact while talking about Je’Von Evans, suggesting that some negative behaviors stem from wrestlers like Strickland. He said,
“I heard Swerve Strickland talk about Je’Von Evans, and Evans probably grew up watching guys like him—and that’s true. So you’ve got to figure out how to get rid of those bad habits.”
This pointed remark drew immediate attention from the podcast co-host, Brad Gilmore, who acknowledged the jab, stating,
“You know what? Swerve deserved that one. He deserved it.”
Booker responded with a knowing smile,
“You just set that up, didn’t you?”
Reflection on Swerve’s AEW Dynasty 2025 Outburst and Its Consequences
Booker T previously addressed Strickland’s use of explicit language against him at the end of AEW Dynasty, criticizing the timing and personal nature of the insult. He advised,
“I’m going to give Swerve Strickland a little bit of advice, just a little bit. That advice would be: don’t be talking about something other than the pay-per-view at the end of the night. That’s the main event and the last thing people are going to remember. The last thing people are going to remember is me—my name being said. I’m sure Tony Khan don’t appreciate the news, the headline not being what happened at Dynasty with all the matches. They’re talking about Booker T. That was a bad move.”
Booker’s remarks underline how the incident overshadowed the event’s key moments, causing friction among wrestling’s leadership and fans alike.
Booker T’s Stand on Direct Confrontation and Future Praise for Strickland
Expressing his preference for face-to-face confrontation rather than public digs, Booker made it clear that his respect for Strickland has waned considerably.
“I’m from that school, if you got something to say to somebody, say it to their face. I’m gonna leave it at that. Would I ever say anything positive about him, ever again? Probably not. Would I ever put him over as far as being a good worker and perhaps transform this business? I probably won’t do that again. I’ve learned my lesson.”
These words highlight the depth of bitterness Booker holds toward Strickland after past incidents.
Persistent Grudge Reflects Larger Tensions in Wrestling Culture
Booker T’s comments during the podcast, especially referring to “bad habits,” point to a continuing frustration over the influence certain wrestlers have on the industry’s standards and professionalism. The ongoing dispute between Booker and Strickland appears to symbolize broader challenges within wrestling regarding respect, legacy, and conduct. Booker’s remarks reveal that this is not just casual ribbing but an unresolved issue that may affect how these figures are perceived moving forward.
The debate raises questions about how wrestling’s veterans and new stars balance legacy with evolving attitudes and whether the tensions between Booker T and Swerve Strickland represent a deeper divide within the sport’s community. Fans and observers will be looking closely at future encounters and statements to see if reconciliation is possible or if this rivalry will continue to define parts of wrestling discourse.
