Swerve Strickland has opened up about what fuels his and Prince Nana‘s consistent rise in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), emphasizing the genuine connection with fans and the importance of authenticity. Speaking about the dynamic partnership that has caught the attention of the wrestling community, Strickland pointed to sincerity as the driving force behind their AEW passion and success.
In a recent conversation with Nisqually Valley News, Strickland was candid about what he calls the true “secret sauce” of their journey. He and Prince Nana have brought a different energy to AEW, one based on honest performances, deep fan engagement, and their commitment to remaining authentic on the big stage. This philosophy has not only helped them attain career milestones but has set them apart in a competitive wrestling landscape that features many established legends and rising stars.
Genuine Connection Fuels ‘Everything We Do’
For Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana, the foundation of their AEW success lies in being as real as possible, both inside and outside the ring. Strickland explained that their unique bond with audiences and their approach to the business comes from simply being themselves, letting moments unfold without excessive management or scripting. This approach, he believes, enables them to form strong, lasting connections with those who follow their work in AEW.
“The secret sauce to everything Nana and I touch turning to gold is because everything that Nana and I do is genuine.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
By emphasizing raw emotion and true intent, the duo has become a magnet for fan loyalty. Fans show their support by mimicking their style, sharing and reposting their content, and participating in trends and dances sparked by Strickland and Nana’s onscreen chemistry. This realness generates organic fan engagement, inspiring individuals to rally behind them.
“It starts with that. That’s the attachment. That’s the connection we have with the people. It’s up to the people to turn it into gold. The more people connect to us, the more people wear what we wear, post what we post, show up to where we’re at, like, retweet and share the things that we do, do the dances — that’s connection. That’s just us being ourselves. That wasn’t really anybody controlling, playing or navigating us. It was just putting us in the place and giving us the opportunity, the time to do it. Getting the platform is the first thing. Landing on the platform is the first thing, and what you do with that turns it into more over time.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
For Strickland, achieving the initial platform is only the beginning. What matters most is making the most of each moment as it comes, with every interaction offering a chance for deeper connection and growth.
Prince Nana Elaborates on the Team’s Weekly Motivation
Not to be outdone, Prince Nana offered his perspective on what drives their performances week in and week out in AEW. According to him, passion and desire are the twin engines that keep their team pushing forward and striving for ever-greater achievements in professional wrestling. This fiery motivation is something they aim to communicate to audiences at every appearance and in every contest.
“We go by a saying, ‘everything we do is with a passion.’ That’s what our secret sauce is. We have passion. We have desire. This is what we do. We want to relay that to the fans each and every week.”
—Prince Nana, AEW Manager
The consistent demonstration of enthusiasm not only supports their individual and collective ambitions but also raises the energy level in arenas and at home. It encourages fans to invest emotionally in each storyline, match, and milestone.
Swerve Strickland’s Expanding Role in and Out of the Ring
Beyond his memorable work in the ring, Swerve Strickland continues to evolve as an ambassador for AEW and for wrestling culture as a whole. He is scheduled to serve as honorary pace car driver at the upcoming Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, merging the excitement of wrestling with the world of motorsports. This cross-promotional appearance not only broadens his influence but also helps AEW reach new audiences outside its traditional fanbase.
Strickland’s willingness to step outside his wrestling comfort zone demonstrates the versatility and charisma he brings to any assignment, reinforcing the principles he and Prince Nana stand for within the company. These opportunities further underline AEW’s ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of its most passionate and dynamic personalities.
AEW and the Modern Wrestling Landscape
The rise of Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana within AEW occurs during a period of heightened competition and creative experimentation across the wrestling industry. With frequent high-profile shows, notable wrestler crossovers, and intense rivalries, AEW has emerged as a focal point for both established icons and emerging stars. Figures such as Tony Khan continue to guide the promotion forward as it seeks to stand out alongside rivals like WWE and NJPW in a crowded international field.
Other key events and personalities, including the likes of John Cena on his WWE retirement tour, Liv Morgan’s injury updates, and the ever-present influence of legends like Hulk Hogan and Goldberg, add further intrigue to the broader industry’s evolving storylines. As these narratives play out, performers such as Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana are carving new paths, using authenticity and passion to distinguish themselves in an environment now defined as much by personal connection as by in-ring prowess.
Meanwhile, events such as TripleMania Regia, the G-1 Climax, and a range of major tournaments reinforce the global energy and high stakes that professional wrestling continues to deliver for fans and athletes alike.
Spotlight on Fan Engagement and Representation
Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana’s approach to building their reputation is rooted just as deeply in fan involvement as in match results or accolades. The support of fans who engage online, attend events, and proudly show their affiliation is not only vital for their success, but also for AEW’s ongoing influence across pop culture and new markets. This strategy has, for instance, informed how AEW has expanded its schedule, introduced crossovers, and welcomed outside collaborations like the one that will see Strickland at EchoPark Speedway.
Their connection with fans mirrors some of the wider trends seen elsewhere, such as George Kittle’s visible enthusiasm for wrestling, or personalities from other disciplines choosing to participate in or attend wrestling events. The feedback loop between performer authenticity and fan enthusiasm remains central to the future growth of AEW and other major wrestling promotions.
The Road Ahead for Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana
Looking forward, Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana are positioned as prominent voices within AEW’s evolving creative landscape. With commitments both to the wrestling narrative and to fan engagement outside the ring, they exemplify a modern blueprint for success. Their passion and honesty continue to earn them growing audiences, not only among loyal AEW fans, but in wider entertainment circles that recognize the value of authenticity.
As AEW and its roster prepare for upcoming matches, tours, and special events, Strickland and Nana showcase what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation, and when genuine connection defines a career rather than fleeting stardom. Their journey underscores the growing expectation that today’s wrestling stars are not just athletes or performers, but also cultural ambassadors for the values of passion, originality, and real connection in a high-energy environment.
