Swerve Strickland on wrestling’s connection with fans was at the forefront during his recent discussion with KOMO News, where the AEW star compared professional wrestling’s immersive atmosphere to other sporting events. Strickland, well-known in All Elite Wrestling, described how wrestling draws in not just avid viewers but also those new or returning to the sport, making the experience truly distinct.
Highlighting the energy that fills a wrestling show, Strickland emphasized the special sense of belonging that surrounds an event, regardless of where a person sits in the arena. He explained how this energy is shared between the performers in the ring and the passionate fan base, building a powerful connection that goes beyond the ordinary spectator experience.
Wrestling’s Impact Extends Beyond the Arena
Delving deeper into how wrestling inspires audiences, Strickland spoke about the way fans, once captivated, often feel compelled to introduce others to the sport. He mentioned that wrestling’s reach extends across family members and friends, fostering a sense of community and shared excitement. Strickland also pointed out that the investment fans have in the wrestlers themselves adds another layer, encouraging innovation and taking entertainment further than many forms of media.
“It’s the passion, not only just in the performers, but in the fan base. Like, when you go in, you’re encapsulated with the atmosphere. I’ve had friends of mine that haven’t watched wrestling ever, who haven’t watched wrestling in years, who have been a fan of another product, many products for so long, and they come to our shows, I sit ’em front row, or I sit ’em, no matter where they sit, the fans, truly encapsulate what it would feel like to be in a pro wrestling environment. You feel a part of it. It’s not just like you’re just spectating and just watching something happen. You really feel like you are a part of it. A lot of them feel inspired.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
“They want to go out and do it on their own. Like, hey, don’t even invite me. I will go to whatever is out there, and it inspires them to bring other people, bring their kids along, bring their wives and husbands and family members, and it brings them in. I feel like that’s the beautiful thing, and then, you also get invested in the people in the ring. You’re seeing a lot of innovation going on. You know, a lot of times, like, in media, people are afraid to push those boundaries or push those certain buttons.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
Embracing Innovation and Breaking Boundaries in AEW
Discussing the culture within All Elite Wrestling, Strickland noted that wrestlers are encouraged to challenge norms and explore new creative directions. According to Strickland, AEW’s President Tony Khan plays a critical role by promoting this freedom, allowing both established and emerging superstars to reshape the industry and inspire fans even further.
“Well, we’re encouraged to do that in All Elite Wrestling. I don’t get to where I’m at without that. You don’t get a lot of the new superstars of our era without that, pushing those buttons. I feel like for the longest time in our industry, especially in pro wrestling, we’ve been afraid to do that. With Tony Khan, he encourages it, you know? Certain boundaries we can’t go. But even still, you never know. That might change as well, and I encourage everybody in our roster and the industry of professional wrestling and media to do.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
Why This Connection Continues to Grow
Swerve Strickland’s perspective on wrestling’s relationship with its audience highlights the intensity and emotional investment shared between fans and performers. AEW’s environment, shaped by figures like Tony Khan, allows for creativity and boundary-pushing that helps deepen these bonds. By empowering both new and seasoned talent to innovate, the connection between wrestling and its worldwide fan base appears set to strengthen, bringing families, friends, and entire communities closer together at each event.
