Update on Swerve Strickland’s Recovery and AEW Return Timeline – It’s been two months since former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland last appeared in the ring, and it may still be several more months before he’s cleared to return.
Strickland’s last match took place at AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view in August, where he was defeated by Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. Following the loss, Strickland was attacked by the returning Wardlow in a storyline that incorporated a legitimate knee injury. The angle served to write Strickland off television while he underwent surgery.
On August 27, Strickland had surgery to repair a torn meniscus — an injury that originally dated back to his time in WWE NXT in 2019. Despite wrestling through the issue for years, it was determined after Forbidden Door that the knee finally required surgical attention.
AEW President Tony Khan recently told reporters that he expects Strickland back “sooner than later,” suggesting that his recovery is progressing well. However, according to a new report from Fightful Select, the company is maintaining cautious optimism about his return timeline. The outlet noted that there is “an optimistic hope” Strickland could return to action this winter, possibly in December, provided he avoids any complications during rehab.
As for what awaits him upon his return, plans remain uncertain. Wardlow, who attacked Strickland at Forbidden Door, is also sidelined after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during the same angle. With both men recovering from injuries, AEW may need to adjust creative direction once they’re cleared.
Strickland’s return will likely be treated as a major moment when it happens, as he remains one of AEW’s most popular stars and a proven main-event player.
Update on Swerve Strickland’s Recovery and AEW Return Timeline
