WWE Not Happy with Swerve Strickland’s Big AEW Contract – As noted, Swerve Strickland has secured a significant contract extension with AEW, further solidifying his status as one of the company’s top stars. AEW officially announced Strickland’s new deal during the All In Zero Hour pre-show, revealing that the former AEW World Champion had signed a multi-year contract that will keep him with the promotion for several more years.
Details of Swerve Strickland’s New AEW Contract
According to reports from Fightful Select, Strickland’s previous contract was set to expire in March 2025. However, due to his recent rise in prominence and success, both Strickland and AEW felt that his original contract no longer reflected his value. As a result, they negotiated a new deal, believed to extend through at least September 2029.
Comparison to Other Major Wrestling Contracts
The deal is reportedly one of the most lucrative in AEW history, although it remains below the level of contracts held by WWE stars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton. However, it’s said to be comparable to contracts held by international stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks).
Industry Impact
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that this deal, along with a similar offer made to Daniel Garcia, has raised concerns within WWE. Sources within WWE have described these contracts as potentially disruptive to the wrestling industry, arguing that AEW may be inflating market values beyond what WWE considers reasonable.
Meltzer wrote, “The deal, and the offer to Daniel Garcia, were told to us by someone on the WWE side for Garcia and more than one on Strickland, as being bad for the sport because they are so far over what would WWE would perceive the market value for both to be, with the idea he’s spending more than he needs to and raising salaries.”
Upcoming Match
Swerve Strickland is scheduled to face Hangman Page in a Steel Cage Match at AEW All Out next Saturday, further emphasizing his central role in AEW’s ongoing storylines.
Strickland’s new contract reflects both his hard work and AEW’s commitment to keeping top talent as the company continues to grow and compete in the professional wrestling landscape.
WWE Not Happy with Swerve Strickland’s Big AEW Contract
