One former AEW World Champion has officially re-signed with the company in a huge money deal.
Prior to All In back in August, Swerve Strickland appeared in a pre-recorded segment to announce that he had signed a new multi-year contract, which was reported to be a big money deal. At the time, Dave Meltzer reported that some in WWE believed big-money contracts like Strickland’s were “bad for the sport,” stirring controversy among fans.
While appearing on The Breakfast Club in September, the former champion responded to the report, saying:
“They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that. We shake the foundation of things like that. ‘Oh snap, wait. That’s not what we would pay.’ Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me? If I’m not your concern then don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about my pockets and our money. We’re good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago. No hard feelings from me. I keep it moving and I’m going to figure my way out and I’m going to build myself up.” (h/t Fightful)
In a now-deleted tweet, Swerve Strickland confirmed on October 7th that he’d finalized his new deal with All Elite Wrestling, and indicated that his contract was indeed a lucrative one. He wrote:
HISTORY MADE!!!One of the most lucrative wrestling contracts in the industry FINALIZED right here at the @comicconla!!!
Shout out to the man Tony Richa for making this happen and my homies @ZOMBIEJuicee and @flashgarments being here to witness this moment!
At All Out, Swerve Strickland faced off against fellow former champion Adam Page in a bloody battle that received criticism from some who believe the two men went too far. Page defeated Strickland with the use of a syringe in the match, and Strickland hasn’t been seen in the company since.
According to a recent report, Strickland may not appear at WrestleDream in his home state of Washington.