Swerve Strickland, now a top star in AEW, recently opened up about the guidance he received from WWE’s Roman Reigns during his time with the company. In an interview on DJ Vlad’s YouTube channel, Strickland reflected on his tenure as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in WWE, revealing how Reigns offered him valuable advice that helped him navigate the complexities of being a performer in the ring.
Strickland, who joined WWE in 2019 and later became part of the Hit Row faction, shared a specific memory of traveling with the SmackDown roster. “I was actually talking to Roman, and he was like giving me good advice on how to be perceived in the ring; he gave me great game on that. So shout out to Joe for that,” Strickland said, referring to Reigns by his real name, Joe Anoa’i.
This insight from Reigns was particularly meaningful for Strickland as he worked to establish himself in the company.
The advice came at a crucial time for Strickland, who felt frustrated with his treatment at the WWE Performance Center. He recounted a moment after a 205 Live match against Drew Gulak, where he performed for 18 minutes to a roaring crowd holding “Swerve’s House” signs.
Despite this, he felt “bullsh*tted around” by WWE, believing his efforts weren’t being rewarded with the opportunities he deserved. Reigns’ guidance on in-ring perception likely helped Strickland focus on how to maximize his presence, a skill that has since contributed to his success in AEW, where he’s a former World Champion.
Strickland’s revelation highlights a rare moment of camaraderie between wrestlers across rival promotions, especially given the often-cited tension between WWE and AEW. His comments also underscore Reigns’ role as a mentor backstage, a side of the “Tribal Chief” that fans rarely see. While Strickland’s WWE run ended in 2021 due to backstage issues with Hit Row, his appreciation for Reigns’ mentorship remains evident. Now, as he prepares to challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title at Dynasty on April 6, Strickland continues to carry the lessons from Reigns into his thriving career.
