Swerve Strickland Claims AEW Backstage Drama Rumors Are ‘Calculated’ Sabotage

Swerve Strickland’s ascent in AEW has been remarkable, highlighting his outstanding in-ring skills and captivating charisma. As the current AEW World Champion, he shoulders a lot of responsibilities and that’s why it comes as no surprise he has addressed rumors of AEW’s most recent backstage turmoil.

The AEW locker room has been the center of controversy over the years, with various rumors and reports about backstage incidents generating significant discussion. Recently, a backstage altercation between MJF and Britt Baker stirred up considerable controversy. However, Will Ospreay and others have suggested that the situation was exaggerated.

While speaking to Barstool Rasslin, Swerve Strickland addressed rumors of backstage issues in AEW, suggesting that these rumors might be attempts at sabotage. He noted that despite claims of frequent problems, there is often no actual news to support these allegations if you look at the timeline. According to him, these stories tend to surface right before major events like pay-per-views, which he believes are calculated and intentional.

“It’s been great, like, I don’t know why they say every other week. I think that everything’s been exploited, like definitely blown out of proportion with a lot of things because they say it’s every other week, but it’s like, go back last week—what did you hear? Go back the week before, go back last month, go back almost six months now—you heard nothing. So, to me, it’s almost calculated to a tee. Right before every pay-per-view, right before every big moment we have, there’s always something that comes out.”

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Strickland pointed out that arguments and disagreements are normal in any workplace, including wrestling. He emphasized that while these disputes do occur, they are not meant for public consumption and should not be sensationalized. He prefers that people care about the work and be passionate rather than indifferent.

”Because it’s like, there’s always bickering in a locker room, that’s universal in any workplace. I’m pretty sure you have it with people behind the camera, but it’s all about. Yeah, like, y’all get into arguments, and I’m pretty sure people have said some things they’re not particularly proud of, or you’re not happy about. It happens, but it’s not made for the internet. It happens, and then it goes away. It happens everywhere.

So, to me, it’s just like, hey, I’d rather have people care and be upset about something than not give a damn at all. These are people that are passionate about their jobs and their work, what they do, and they’re also probably the best at what they do. So those people take a lot of those things to heart. That shows me y’all care. It’s just about who’s saying what, how loud it’s being said, and for what reason.”

Strickland acknowledged that AEW often finds itself on the defensive due to these rumors, but this doesn’t hinder the company’s ability to deliver high-quality shows and attract talent. Strickland concluded that despite the drama, the focus remains on producing great content and achieving success.

‘‘Like I said, I feel like we always have to be on the defensive in those scenarios, but that doesn’t stop us from continuing to put on great products and great shows. That doesn’t stop us from, you know, people still wanting to come over and be in All Elite Wrestling. That doesn’t stop any of that. So, like, y’all can have fun with the story, but then, like, okay, cool, we’re back to business—making this money and doing great business.”

Many fans hope that AEW can steer clear of backstage drama, as these rumors often seem to slow down the company’s progress. AEW has worked hard for a long time to build momentum, and avoiding internal conflicts would help them continue moving forward.

What’s your view on what Swerve Strickland had to say about AEW backstage rumors being calculated acts of sabotage? Do you believe there is truth to what he says? Let us know in the comments section below!

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