Current AEW star confirms he's never going back to WWE

The AEW roster is loaded with dozens of talented performers, and many have worked for WWE in the past. Former Superstars on the All Elite roster include names like Chris Jericho, Mercedes Moné, Adam Copeland, and Saraya. Now a former world champion is claiming he will never return to his former employer.

Swerve Strickland began his career in 2008 at age 18. He joined WWE in April 2019 but was released in November 2021, shortly after being called to the main roster. The former Hit Row leader held the NXT North American Championship for 104 days. The 33-year-old has been with Tony Khan's promotion since March 2022 and has held the World Tag Team Championship and the World Championship.

The New Flavor is a proud member of All Elite Wrestling. Swerve appeared on The Breakfast Club today and was asked if he's thought of building himself up in AEW, only to return to WWE at a later date. Strickland quickly dismissed this idea.

"Nah, I’m happy with building AEW and building myself in AEW, which has given me something I don’t think WWE could ever give me. I’m really proud of that, I wave the flag proudly. Tony Khan didn’t take a chance on me, he knew what he wanted from me, he put me in the position, like, ‘Now grow.' And I'm like, ‘What avenues do I have to grow?' And he's like, ‘Whatever you want.’ There was no parameters, no red tape, I learned how to become a true businessman on top of a pro wrestler. That’s why 'The Mogul' persona is truly personified in AEW. It lets me be my best self as a man and a professional," Swerve Strickland said. [From 10:54 to 11:37]

Strickland has made another viral statement about WWE today. The former Killshot responded to reports on WWE reactions to his new All Elite contract, which led to another former Superstar issuing a statement on the matter.

AEW star returning on tonight's Rampage

All Elite Wrestling will air the 164th edition of Rampage tonight at 10 pm on TNT. The show was taped last week at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA.

Anna Jay will make her All Elite in-ring return on tonight's show after a recent stint with Stardom in Japan. Below is the updated lineup:

1. Anna Jay vs. Robyn Renegade
2. The Acclaimed will be in action
3. Willow Nightingale vs. Taya Valkyrie
4. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Angelico
5. Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews vs. Lio Rush and Action Andretti

Saturday's Collision episode will be the inaugural Grand Slam edition. The show was taped on Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NYC.

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