AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland shared his Swerve Strickland WWE reaction regarding a recent WWE SmackDown match featuring Je’Von Evans. Despite being sidelined with a torn meniscus injury sustained during his WWE tenure in 2019, Strickland took to social media to express admiration for Evans’ showing on WWE’s platform.
Strickland underwent successful surgery for his knee injury, but the timeline for his return to wrestling remains indefinite. His last in-ring bout took place on August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, where he challenged Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Championship at the Forbidden Door event. Although Strickland was defeated after Okada executed his finisher, the Rainmaker, Okada targeted Strickland’s right knee afterward in a storyline move to avoid Strickland’s appearances on television during his recovery.
Je’Von Evans Impresses on WWE SmackDown, Garners Praise from Strickland
As Strickland recuperates, he watched the United States Championship Open Challenge on WWE SmackDown, where Je’Von Evans stepped up to face champion Sami Zayn. The 21-year-old Evans impressed fans with his high-flying maneuvers and athleticism, pushing Zayn to his limits in Orlando. Despite a strong effort, Evans ultimately fell to Zayn’s Blue Thunder Bomb, allowing the champion to retain his title.
Strickland expressed pride in Evans’ performance, tweeting simply, “Proud @WWEJeVonEvans”— a clear endorsement from the former AEW World Champion.
Proud @WWEJeVonEvans— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) September 27, 2025
A fan noticed Strickland watching the SmackDown episode and received confirmation that he was tuned in to support friends like Evans.
Reflection on Career and Retirement Talks from Swerve Strickland
In a recent interview, Strickland opened up about his wrestling journey and hinted at future plans beyond the ring. He revealed he never earned a five-star match rating from Dave Meltzer during his WWE years, an accolade he finally achieved after joining AEW. Strickland also highlighted that he is the only African-American wrestler to have reached such a milestone in recent history.
While some social media users playfully criticized Strickland, calling him one of the “corniest wrestlers ever,” others praised his skill and contributions to wrestling’s landscape.
Swerve Strickland appreciation post Been one of the very best wrestlers on the planet over the past two years. A real shame if you choose not to see it and enjoy it pic.twitter.com/quHGQfTRnc— Wrestling_Mark (@WrestlingMark16) September 1, 2025
Strickland responded to the banter with a sarcastic remark, indicating he eventually plans to retire, but this discussion will not take center stage for several more years.
What Lies Ahead for Swerve Strickland and the Wrestling World
While Strickland continues to heal from his injury, his Swerve Strickland WWE reaction shows his active connection to the wrestling scene through support for emerging talents like Je’Von Evans. His hints about possible retirement underscore the uncertain nature of pro wrestling careers. Fans and analysts will watch closely as Strickland’s recovery progresses and as he weighs his future in or outside the ring. Meanwhile, emerging stars in WWE are catching the attention of both audiences and peers, indicating a constantly evolving wrestling landscape.
Proud @WWEJeVonEvans
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) September 27, 2025
I watch my friends https://t.co/T214Jovg96
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) September 27, 2025
Swerve Strickland appreciation post
Been one of the very best wrestlers on the planet over the past two years. A real shame if you choose not to see it and enjoy it pic.twitter.com/quHGQfTRnc
— Wrestling_Mark (@WrestlingMark16) September 1, 2025
