During a recent interview with Cam Hawkins for Yahoo Uncrowned, AEW standout Swerve Strickland identified the wrestlers who he believes embody the current era of AEW and those poised to lead the company into the future. Highlighting the importance of these individuals, Strickland emphasized their impact on the brand’s evolution.
Current AEW Stars Shaping the Wrestling Landscape
Swerve Strickland called out four wrestlers as the core representatives of this generation in AEW. He said,
“(Will) Ospreay, Hangman (Page), myself, MJF included. We are the definitions of this era and generation. We take pride in that work.”
According to Strickland, these athletes are not only carrying the spotlight but also setting the standard for performance and professionalism within the promotion.
Promising Wrestlers Ready to Carry the Torch Forward
Looking to the future, Strickland named several rising stars already positioned to become the next pillars of AEW’s success. He shared,
“One, Bandido, Ring of Honor World Champion. Two, Kyle Fletcher, TNT champ. And three, shout out to [Konosuke] Takeshita for winning the G1 climax right now. These are all the guys that are in the spots right now, already being prepared for that for the next 10 years, 15 possibly. These are the guys. And once again, all cross-cultural, which is the beauty of it. Haven’t even reached their prime years yet, but all cross-cultural crossovers, all marketable, all look like supreme athletes.”
Strickland highlighted the diversity and athletic quality of these emerging wrestlers, suggesting they represent a global appeal essential for AEW’s long-term growth.
Maintaining Drive and Ambition Within the Locker Room
Strickland also addressed concerns about motivation levels among current talent. Reflecting on Jon Moxley’s remarks regarding complacency, he said,
“[Jon Moxley’s claims of,] ‘We’re seeing the guys get lazy. I’m seeing the locker room be like this, yada, yada, yada. Who’s going to step up and challenge and take this from us?’ That was both on-screen and a bit of a challenge for not just our locker room, but for our generation. I feel like we’re putting it to the test and we’re pushing it every single day, every single week, every single opportunity, because now is a chance to win. Something I always tell to the guys and girls that are going out for their match, I whisper in the ear — I give them a pat, motivation, but like, ‘Tonight is a chance to win new fans. Tonight is another chance to win a new fan. Go out there and win a new fan for you.’”
This sense of urgency, according to Strickland, fuels each performer’s drive to connect with audiences and raise the profile of AEW.
By naming these defining stars of both today and tomorrow, Swerve Strickland underscores the blend of talent and determination driving AEW’s continued rise in professional wrestling. As these athletes push boundaries inside the ring and inspire their peers, the company’s future looks promising, with new fan engagement as a constant motivator.
