Swerve Strickland Credits Hard Work for Securing New AEW Contract

Swerve Strickland’s journey in AEW reached a significant milestone in August 2024 when he signed a new contract that secures his place in the company until at least 2028. The deal, which extended his original three-year agreement set to expire in March 2025, was a recognition of his dedication and contributions to AEW—both in and out of the ring.

Strickland opened up about his new deal during an interview with Instinct Culture with Denise Salcedo, explaining how he earned the opportunity through hard work and a focus on delivering more than just in-ring performances. “For me, it wasn’t about, ‘Will it ever happen?’ It was, it’s going to happen. I have to have the faith that it’s going to happen,” Strickland shared. “Now, I just have to justify why it’s happening with what I do as my work.”

The former AEW World Champion emphasized that his contract wasn’t handed to him—it was earned through persistence, professionalism, and a commitment to going above and beyond. “It took me making history for that kind of contract to happen. It wasn’t just an overnight thing… No, this was earned,” he said.

Strickland also discussed the importance of being a well-rounded performer in today’s wrestling industry. “In this day and age in wrestling and media, there always has to be something a little bit more that you offer,” he explained. “On media days, I’ll be here, talking, making it look good. If I need to take the belt and put it in a music video, I can do that.”

Strickland credited AEW president Tony Khan for his trust, which played a key role in securing the deal. “Having Tony Khan have the trust in me… to make sure everything, T’s are crossed, I’s are dotted so there’s no backfire on the company… that’s where truly the contract was like, Tony was like, ‘Nope, I’m giving it to him.’”

Although Strickland lost the AEW World Championship at All In London, the new contract ensures he remains a top-tier talent, with reports confirming he will continue to feature prominently at the “top of the card.”