Swerve Strickland has openly expressed a clear preference for the pay structure at All Elite Wrestling (AEW) compared to WWE, citing guaranteed contracts as a key benefit. Speaking ahead of AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view, Strickland revealed his current contract spans three to four years, praising AEW and Tony Khan for treating wrestlers as athletes rather than just performers.
Guaranteed Pay and Athlete-Centered Management Highlight AEW’s Advantages
Strickland emphasized how AEW’s pay is “by far” better than WWE’s, particularly because compensation is guaranteed. He contrasted AEW’s model with WWE’s top-heavy pay distribution, noting that WWE has only a small number of elite stars earning significant sums, many of whom are now retiring, such as John Cena, AJ Styles, and The Undertaker. This shift is causing the WWE payment pyramid to shrink at the top, whereas AEW offers a more balanced structure.
If I could compare the two, Tony Khan owns AEW. He’s also the part-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Fulham soccer team in the U.K. He treats the roster like — not talent but athletes. You know how there’s players’ coaches?… He’s a players’ booker. He’s in tune with his talent and his roster and where to put those guys. Like, he utilizes us very well and it’s like a scheme on a football team. So me and him gel very, very, very well. Because he knows my strengths, he knows where I belong, he knows how to utilize all of his players in the right way. So therefore he knows how to pay them too and motivate them in certain ways.
?Swerve Strickland, Professional Wrestler
Strickland’s Journey and Upcoming Match at AEW Revolution
After being released by WWE in 2021, Strickland has risen to prominence in AEW, becoming the first Black wrestler to clinch the men’s AEW World Championship. His upcoming match at AEW Revolution will feature him against Brody King, marking a significant moment in his career. His success story reflects both his talent and the opportunities afforded within AEW’s system.
Influences on Strickland’s Wrestling Style and Industry Outlook
During his interview, Strickland named Shingo Takagi, Shawn Michaels, Adam Copeland, Rey Mysterio, and Chris Jericho as key inspirations who have shaped his in-ring performance. He also shared enthusiasm for WWE’s rising stars Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans, highlighting his interest in the development of younger talent across the wrestling world.
The Broader Significance of AEW’s Treatment of Wrestlers
Strickland’s remarks signal a shift in professional wrestling, with AEW’s approach emphasizing guaranteed pay and athlete respect challenging WWE’s longstanding model. As more top WWE stars retire, AEW’s inclusive and strategic management under Tony Khan could attract and retain more diverse talent. With AEW Revolution on the horizon, the spotlight remains on how AEW’s environment fosters both career growth and financial security for wrestlers like Strickland.
