Swerve Strickland, a prominent AEW star, has openly shared his frustrations about the challenges he faced during his WWE tenure from 2019 to 2021, particularly with Triple H, then the head of NXT and WWE’s Chief Content Officer. Strickland pointed out that despite his creative efforts, Triple H often seemed to avoid engaging with his ideas, making it difficult for Strickland to gain momentum on the show. His screen opportunities reportedly improved only after support from influential WWE figures like Shawn Michaels.
Behind the Formation of Hit Row and Creative Struggles
In a conversation with Kings of the Ring, Strickland described his uneasy interactions with Triple H just before forming the Hit Row stable with B-Fab, Top Dolla, and Ashante Thee Adonis. He suggested that Triple H was initially hesitant to invest in him. Strickland explained how external encouragement was necessary for the group’s creation, highlighting the complex dynamics within WWE’s creative process.
Triple H, me and him were just going back and forth,
Strickland said.
“He was, like, dodging me, when I was coming up with creative questions and stuff. And then, finally, I think it was like Stephanie McMahon that really, like, told me ‘He’s my favorite heel on the show.’ And then that’s where, like ‘Okay, now we’ve got to start putting some fire behind Swerve.’
Kings of the Ring
Adjusting to Leading a Group Despite Initial Hesitation
Strickland also admitted he was initially reluctant to manage a faction, having been accustomed to working solo across multiple cities and countries. However, once Hit Row solidified, it evolved beyond just being a support for him, becoming a united and balanced unit that resonated with fans. Despite wishing for a longer run with the group, Strickland acknowledged external circumstances curtailed their momentum.
So they were like ‘Hey, I think we’re going to put this group behind you. How do you feel?’ I wasn’t really…I didn’t do groups at the time. I was independent, jumping from city to city, country to country to country. So running a group was just, like, not my thing. I didn’t know how to. But the group became more like, less them being backing for me. We became a gelled group, like, all four corners. And the time was good. It was fine. I wish we had more time together with it, but, you know, things happened.
Kings of the Ring
Implications for Strickland’s WWE Conflict and Career Path
Swerve Strickland’s comments illuminate a broader narrative of creative roadblocks and political dynamics within WWE during his run. His experience underlines the challenges wrestlers face when navigating creative control and executive influence, especially under influential figures like Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This tension possibly influenced Strickland’s eventual move to AEW, where he continues to build his career with greater autonomy. The insights also highlight the importance of supportive leadership in talent development within professional wrestling.
