Swerve Strickland has ignited a conversation about the shifting dynamics of professional wrestling, particularly regarding the value of its top performers. In a recent interview on The Bootleg Kev podcast, Strickland offered a compelling perspective on how AEW’s presence has influenced the industry, impacting even those who have returned to WWE.
The conversation revolves around the idea that competition breeds opportunity and elevates the value of talent. Strickland’s perspective challenges the conventional narrative, suggesting that AEW’s existence has had a ripple effect across the entire wrestling landscape.
The Competitive Landscape and Talent Empowerment
Strickland’s core argument centers on the notion that AEW’s emergence has empowered wrestlers by providing them with more options and leverage in negotiations. This increased competition, he argues, has led to a rise in overall talent value.
He points to the movement of talent between promotions as evidence of this trend, highlighting how wrestlers like Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks) have seen their market value increase due to AEW’s presence.cod
The Impact on High-Profile Departures
Strickland’s most intriguing claim is that AEW has directly contributed to the increased value of wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, even after their return to WWE. He suggests that their time in AEW amplified their marketability and negotiating power.
This perspective challenges the notion that WWE is the sole driver of talent value, asserting that AEW has played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape.
The Ripple Effect on WWE’s Top Stars
Strickland’s comments extend beyond those who have moved between promotions, suggesting that AEW’s influence is felt even within WWE’s locker room. He posits that Mercedes Moné’s move has made stars like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and The New Day ponder their own market value and potential opportunities.
This statement implies a significant shift in the balance of power, with AEW forcing WWE to remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Strickland’s Perspective in His Own Words
Here’s what the former AEW World Champion said:
“I feel like when we talk about competition and wrestling, the competition is the fact that we can get that talent, and we can also match the deals, and it’s an option. So when it comes to, like, that’s where negotiation power is what makes Mercedes who she is, and that brings her stock.
For the talent now where the talent can make that choice we have the option we can steer the ship and power and generate our value and like Shannon Sharpe said on Club Shay. Value is what someone’s willing to pay for you in your service so now it’s like okay our value goes up.
Sasha Banks had value. Mercedes has more value now because of All Elite Wrestling existing. The same thing going the other way Cody had more value because of what All Elite Wrestling was able to do and perpetuate. Same with Punk same with Moxley coming to AEW.
Our value is increasing going back and forth. Ricky Starks to Saints his value increased for them to draw that interest for him, and it’s just only powering everybody’s value to go up more.
So, hopefully, that increases the value of pro wrestling in general. So everything goes up and so I feel like Mercedes was the one that to do that big for the women. Now, it makes Becky Lynch look like a little, hmm maybe? It makes New Day go, hmm maybe? Charlotte Flair, I wonder, maybe?”
The Road to Dynasty
It’s worth noting that Swerve Strickland himself is on the verge of a major moment, as he is set to challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at the Dynasty PPV on April 6th. This upcoming match further amplifies his own value and position within the industry.
Strickland’s comments are sure to spark debate among wrestling fans and industry insiders alike. His perspective highlights the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and the growing influence of AEW in shaping the industry’s landscape.
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