Swerve Strickland, one of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) most prominent stars, has sparked speculation with recent comments that hinted at a possible retirement. Following his last match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door IV in London, Strickland’s remarks during an interview and social media responses have intensified concerns about his wrestling future.
At the Forbidden Door event last month, Strickland faced Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Championship but came up short in a nearly 17-minute contest. The champion targeted Strickland’s injured knee and neck during the bout. After the match, Okada viciously attacked Strickland by slamming his leg against steel steps and then striking it with a steel chair. Prince Nana rushed in to help, only to be overwhelmed by Wardlow’s surprise return. Wardlow proceeded to assault both Nana and Strickland before joining The Don Callis Family, celebrating alongside them.
Strickland required medical attention in the ring following the brutal attack, prompting commentator Bryan Danielson to question if the “Most Dangerous Man” nickname should now belong to Okada, the inaugural Unified Champion. The event also marked the storyline departure of Will Ospreay, who is currently sidelined for surgery. AEW’s Dynamite show at the 2300 Arena last week referenced Ospreay’s leave but did not mention Strickland’s status.
Later, Strickland sat down for an interview with Complex Sports where he reflected on his wrestling career and the recognition he has received. He discussed his journey to earning multiple five-star match ratings from Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, claiming a distinction as the black wrestler with the most five-star matches in history. While he expressed pride in creating memorable matches, Strickland also revealed that his ambition extends beyond star ratings.
“I didn’t really have a five-star match until I got to All Elite Wrestling. So, that was just three years I’ve really been getting that kind of recognition. “I’ve heard, like, I’m the one black wrestler with the most in history. So, it’s something that I pride myself in, just putting on something that’s like a classic. I wouldn’t necessarily put stars next to it, but I do, like… I just appreciate putting on something that people are just going to remember for a very, very long time, and if the stars come with that, that’s awesome, but I just want to make sure, like, when I leave the ring and put on a great performance and a great match,” Swerve Strickland said.
The comments drew mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing him sharply. One fan went so far as to call Strickland “one of the corniest wrestlers” ever. In response, the 34-year-old wrestling star posted a message that raised alarms among his followers.
“Don’t worry. Ill be done soon [salute face emoji],” Swerve Strickland wrote.
Reports suggest that Strickland has been wrestling with injuries for some time and was expected to take a break after Forbidden Door. Medical sources indicated he underwent surgery last Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus sustained in 2019. While no official timeline for his return has been announced, these recent statements have fueled uncertainty about his continued career in the ring.
Increasing Speculation Surrounds Strickland’s Future in Wrestling
Strickland’s remarks about five-star matches seemed to trigger a backlash, prompting him to clarify that the interview’s questions about ratings were initiated by Complex Sports rather than by him personally. He addressed the topic directly on social media, explaining the context behind the discussion.
“Also, this was a topic that COMPLEX brought to my attention in the interview [man shrugging emoji] So that obviously means something to them too,” Swerve Strickland wrote.
Despite this explanation, the exchange sparked further debate among fans and commentators. Strickland later shared a cryptic message that deepened concerns regarding his feelings toward the wrestling business.
“Yeah this business in hell. Yall can have it [salute face emoji],” Swerve Strickland wrote.
His phrasing suggested frustration with the wrestling industry, though it is unclear if he intended to say “in hell” or “is hell.” Regardless, the statement has fueled speculation about whether Strickland is contemplating stepping away from wrestling altogether. As a former WWE NXT North American Champion and an AEW World Tag Team Champion, his potential departure would mark a significant moment for AEW and the professional wrestling community.
Strickland continues to interact with fans on social media, exchanging perspectives amidst the swirling discussion about his career. Meanwhile, AEW’s landscape remains dynamic, as talents like Wardlow and Will Ospreay also transition through injuries and storyline shifts.
With Strickland’s recent history of performing despite injuries and now hinting at ending his run, the wrestling world closely watches for updates on his recovery and future plans. Whether he chooses to return to the ring or make a permanent exit, his impact as “The King of Swerve” and multiple-time champion remains noteworthy in AEW’s evolving narrative.
