Swerve Strickland Sets the Record Straight on Potential WWE Return

Swerve Strickland has had an impressive rise in AEW, gaining attention for his great wrestling skills and strong presence. Despite his humble beginnings in WWE, he has clarified his stance on the possibility of returning to the company.

Strickland was known as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in WWE’s NXT and became a key member of the faction Hit Row. Fans admired him for his impressive wrestling abilities and charm, often seeing him as the standout of the group. Unfortunately, his WWE journey ended abruptly when he was released in late 2021, leaving many fans disappointed.

While speaking to The Breakfast Club, Strickland was asked about a return to WWE. Swerve Strickland expressed his satisfaction with his current role in AEW and made it clear he isn’t interested in a WWE return.

Strickland emphasized that AEW has provided him with opportunities that he feels WWE could never match. Strickland mentioned that Tony Khan recognized his potential and empowered him to grow without restrictions, allowing him to explore different avenues. He pointed out how this experience has helped him develop both as a businessman and a professional wrestler, fully embracing his mogul persona in AEW.

“Nah, I’m happy building AEW. I’m happy building myself in AEW. AEW has given me something that I don’t think WWE could ever give me. I’m really proud of that and I wave the flag proudly because Tony Khan didn’t take a chance on me, he knew what he wanted from me. He put me in the position and said, ‘Now grow.’ ‘What avenues do I have to grow?’ ‘Whatever you want.’ There were no parameters, no red tape. I learned how to become a true businessman on top of being a professional wrestler. That’s why the mogul persona is truly personified in AEW. It let me be my best self as a man and a professional.”

Swerve Strickland mentioned that WWE did reach out to him to ask about his availability after his release. They got in touch with his representatives to discuss the possibility of re-signing him.

“It wasn’t like the words ‘resign.’ They asked about my availability, you know, so that came up, but they never contacted me directly; they contacted my representation.”

Swerve Strickland also claimed that political moves hindered his progress in WWE. Strickland also believes Triple H didn’t give him enough opportunities in NXT. Nonetheless, the former AEW World Champion is more than happy in AEW and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you believe Swerve Strickland is far better off in AEW now than when he was in WWE? Let us know in the comments section below!

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