Swerve Strickland, who joined AEW in 2022 after a career in WWE, continues to establish himself as a top competitor in the promotion. Known for his dynamic in-ring skills, Strickland has been strongly supported by AEW President Tony Khan. His fans eagerly anticipate a potential second AEW World Championship win this year.
At the Worlds End 2025 event, Strickland, known as The New Flavor, was part of a four-way contest for the AEW World Title, facing defending champion Samoa Joe, Hangman Adam Page, and MJF. In that match, MJF claimed the championship for the second time. Despite falling short, Strickland remains focused on securing the world title.
Most recently on Dynamite, Strickland defeated current AEW World Trios Champion Kevin Knight in an impressive bout. Shortly after, he announced a new in-ring persona by adopting the name “The Terminator,” signaling a fresh chapter in his AEW career.
Reasons Behind Swerve Strickland’s Commitment to AEW Over WWE
Strickland’s run in WWE from 2019 to 2021 saw him earn one title but did not satisfy his long-term ambitions. In a September 2024 interview with The Breakfast Club, the 35-year-old wrestler made clear his dedication to AEW and disinterest in returning to WWE.
“Nah, I’m happy building AEW. I’m happy building myself in AEW. AEW has given me something that I don’t think WWE could ever give me. I’m really proud of that and I wave the flag proudly because Tony Khan didn’t take a chance on me, he knew what he wanted from me. He put me in the position and said, ‘Now grow.’ ‘What avenues do I have to grow?’ ‘Whatever you want.’ There were no parameters, no red tape. I learned how to become a true businessman on top of being a professional wrestler. That’s why the mogul persona is truly personified in AEW. It let me be my best self as a man and a professional,” he said. [H/T: Fightful]
Strickland credits AEW with giving him creative freedom and opportunities to evolve not only as a wrestler but also as a businessman, embracing the “mogul persona” which he feels was impossible to realize in WWE’s more restrictive environment.
What’s Next for Swerve Strickland in AEW?
With his recent renaming and continued in-ring success, Swerve Strickland’s trajectory in AEW looks promising. The New Flavor’s declaration as “The Terminator” hints at a more aggressive and focused approach going forward. Fans and analysts alike expect that Strickland will soon pursue another AEW World Title shot, potentially against reigning champion MJF. His growth within Tony Khan’s promotion signals that AEW remains his primary platform for career advancement and personal branding.
"The Terminator" pic.twitter.com/FAkkLtziQG
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) January 27, 2026
