Swerve Strickland recently opened up about his difficult experience in securing clear creative guidance during his time with WWE NXT. The current All Elite Wrestling star described the uncertainty he faced, especially when trying to understand his character’s trajectory amid evolving plans tied to WWE’s relationship with the Evolve brand.
Speaking on the Kings of the Ring podcast, Strickland shed light on how WWE was developing the Evolve concept long before it officially launched, which contributed to delays in his creative development and character positioning.
Delays in Evolve Plans and Creative Communication
Strickland recalled that the initial ideas for Evolve were in motion internally, but the official rollout took considerably longer than expected. This prolonged timeline created frustration as he sought clarity on his role.
The birth of it was really interesting because they had their own thing going on when they were supposed to have Evolve then,
Strickland said.
That got delayed for years. I didn’t expect it to take so long for Evolve to become a thing.
During this period, Strickland attempted to engage with WWE executive Triple H to discuss his creative direction, but found it challenging to get direct answers.
Triple H, me and him were just going back and forth,
Strickland explained.
He was dodging me when I was coming up with creative questions and stuff.
Stephanie McMahon’s Recognition and the Formation of Hit Row
The momentum behind Strickland’s WWE push shifted when Stephanie McMahon took notice of his performance as a heel on NXT. This recognition reportedly led to new opportunities, including the idea of forming a faction centered around him.
And then finally, I think it was Stephanie McMahon that really told me he was her favorite heel on the show,
Strickland recalled.
Following this endorsement, WWE approached Strickland with the proposal to lead a group comprised of Top Dolla, B-Fab, and Ashante Thee Adonis, ultimately known as Hit Row.
They were like, ‘Hey, I think we’re going to put this group behind you. How do you feel?’
he said.
Adjusting to Leadership and Group Dynamics
Strickland admitted that managing a faction was unfamiliar to him, as his prior wrestling career largely involved singles matches and traveling independently across various circuits.
I was independent, jumping from city to city, country to country,
he explained.
So running a group was just not my thing. I didn’t know how to.
Despite initial unfamiliarity, the group eventually found balance and cohesion as each member settled into their roles, evolving into a tightly-knit unit.
But the group became more like them backing me,
Strickland said.
Then we became a real group, like all four corners together.
Hit Row’s Impact and Abrupt End Within NXT
Hit Row quickly gained prominence as one of NXT’s standout factions, earning recognition for their chemistry and performances. However, roster changes and organizational shifts within WWE led to the group’s momentum being abruptly halted.
Reflecting on the group’s potential, Strickland expressed regret about the limited time they had together and hinted that with more opportunities, Hit Row could have achieved even greater success.
I just wish we had more time together with it,
he said. But you know, things happen.
The Future Prospects of Hit Row Within WWE
Strickland’s reflections raise questions about what Hit Row might have accomplished had they been allowed to continue their run uninterrupted. The group’s unique dynamic and strong character work positioned them as promising contenders within WWE’s NXT brand, but external factors influenced their early disbandment.
As Strickland continues his wrestling career outside WWE, his experiences highlight the challenges wrestlers often face navigating creative directions within large organizations, especially when key decision-makers are difficult to reach. His story also underscores the significant impact Stephanie McMahon’s support can have in shaping a wrestler’s role.
