Swerve Strickland lashes out at WWE over rumors of his AEW salary - "They only complain when a Black person gets paid"
Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland has made some heated comments against WWE after rumors of his current salary. Swerve was released from the Triple H-led promotion in 2021.
It was recently reported that Swerve Strickland had signed a new deal with AEW which will keep him with the promotion till 2028. Swerve's salary was reported to be so far ahead of what WWE perceived as market value which led to some interesting reactions from the wrestling world. However, the former WWE star has replied to the recent buzz.
In an interview with Breakfast Club, Swerve Strickland suggested that WWE should not worry about his current salary as the company already made the decision to release him two years ago. Strickland said he's focused on moving forward and building himself up in professional wrestling.
"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."
Bryan Danielson praises AEW star Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland lost his AEW World Title to Bryan Danielson at the All In PPV event. The former Champion was last seen at All Out where he lost to Hangman Adam Page in a brutal Unsanctioned Cage Match.
In a recent interview, The American Dragon praised Swerve's performance at All In and noted how the latter has signed a new deal to remain in the company. Bryan also spoke about how WWE let him go but after coming to All Elite Wrestling, Swerve became a huge star.
"Swerve was perfect at All In. I mean, he’s incredible. He just signed a new contract with AEW–and that is one of the benefits of having two mainstream wrestling companies in the United States. WWE didn’t see value in him, and they let him go. When Swerve came here, he said he was going to become AEW Champion–and he did," Bryan Danielson said.
Swerve Strickland has been out of action since All Out. It will be interesting to see if the former World Champion reignites his feud with Hangman Adam Page after returning to television.