Swerve Strickland’s Standout 2024: A Year of Triumph and Legacy
Swerve Strickland’s 2024 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most defining years of his professional wrestling career. The high point of his year came when he captured the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, a moment that cemented his status as one of the industry’s elite performers. However, his reign was cut short when he lost the title to Bryan Danielson in the main event of AEW’s biggest pay-per-view of the year, All In. Despite the loss, Strickland’s ability to compete at the highest level and deliver memorable performances solidified his place as a top-tier talent in All Elite Wrestling.
Strickland’s rise in AEW has been nothing short of meteoric. Since joining the promotion in March 2022, he has consistently proven himself as a standout performer, engaging in captivating feuds with the likes of Hangman Page and Ricochet. His in-ring ability, charisma, and storytelling prowess have endeared him to fans and established him as a cornerstone of AEW’s roster. Strickland’s 2024 was not just about individual achievements but also about validating his decision to sign with AEW, a choice that has clearly paid dividends for both him and the company.
A Five-Year Commitment: Swerve Strickland’s Future in AEW
In a recent appearance on the Bootleg Kev podcast, Swerve Strickland revealed that he has signed a new five-year contract with AEW, extending his stay with the promotion until 2029. This news was met with excitement from fans, as it ensures that one of AEW’s most dynamic performers will remain a key part of the company’s plans for years to come. Strickland was vocal about his commitment to AEW, emphasizing that he has no desire to be anywhere else.
He opened up about the challenges of the job, acknowledging that like any profession, there are frustrations and bad days. However, Strickland expressed confidence in his ability to navigate these challenges within AEW, stating that he is able to work through frustrations more effectively in this environment than he has elsewhere in his career. He also praised AEW’s leadership, particularly Tony Khan, for allowing him the creative freedom to “cook,” a term he uses to describe the process of crafting compelling storylines and matches. While Strickland admitted there have been moments where he felt things could have been done better, his dedication to his craft and his trust in AEW’s ecosystem are evident.
Swerve Strickland’s Journey: From WWE to AEW
Before becoming a household name in AEW, Swerve Strickland’s career took several twists and turns. He initially joined WWE in 2019 under a developmental contract, performing as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in NXT. During his time in NXT, he became a key member of the popular stable Hit Row and even captured the NXT North American Championship. However, his main roster call-up to SmackDown was short-lived, and he was released by WWE in November 2021.
Strickland’s release from WWE turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him to rebrand himself as the artist he is today. Signing with AEW in March 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that has seen him reach new heights as a performer. His journey through promotions like Lucha Underground, MLW, and WWE has given him a unique perspective on the industry, and he has leaned on those experiences to thrive in AEW.
AEW World Championship Opportunity: Swerve Strickland’s Next Goal
As of now, Swerve Strickland is gearing up for his next major challenge: a shot at the AEW World Championship currently held by Jon Moxley. Strickland earned this opportunity by defeating Ricochet at the Revolution pay-per-view, continuing his pattern of delivering high-stakes performances when it matters most. The road to the title bout has already been filled with drama, as Strickland concluded Revolution by hitting both Moxley and a group of security guards with his signature Swerve Stomp.
While the exact date of the title match has yet to be announced, the build-up is expected to be filled with intense moments and storytelling. Given Strickland’s ability to connect with audiences and his proven track record of delivering in big matches, this feud has the potential to be one of the most compelling of 2024. Whether or not he emerges victorious, Strickland’s journey to the top of AEW continues to be a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination.
The Future of Swerve Strickland and AEW
Looking ahead, Swerve Strickland’s five-year commitment to AEW signals an exciting future for both the wrestler and the promotion. With a clear vision for his career and a platform that allows him to showcase his abilities, Strickland is poised to remain one of the industry’s most exciting performers. His story is one of perseverance and adaptation, proving that success in wrestling comes not just from talent but from the willingness to evolve and embrace new opportunities.
For AEW, Strickland’s signing is a testament to the company’s ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. As the promotion continues to grow and establish itself as a major player in the wrestling world, performers like Strickland will be instrumental in shaping its legacy. With Strickland’s contract in place, fans can expect more thrilling matches, memorable moments, and perhaps even another championship reign for the man who has quickly become one of AEW’s brightest stars. As Swerve Strickland often says, the best is yet to come.
