The world of professional wrestling is known for its ever-changing landscape, with wrestlers frequently transitioning between promotions and adapting to new styles. One wrestler who has made a significant impact in both WWE and AEW is Swerve Strickland, a charismatic and skilled athlete who has been open about the differences he’s experienced between the two promotions. In a recent interview, Strickland shared his perspective on why his presentation in AEW differs from his time in WWE, drawing an interesting comparison between professional wrestling and the sports world.
The Quarterback Analogy
Speaking on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Strickland likened his experience in the wrestling world to that of a quarterback in the sports world. He noted that just as a quarterback’s performance is heavily influenced by the team they play for, a wrestler’s presentation and style are also shaped by the promotion they are a part of. According to Strickland, this means that a talented wrestler like himself can present themselves differently in AEW compared to WWE, simply because the two promotions have distinct styles and philosophies.
“I think it’s like being a quarterback,” Strickland explained. “You can be the best quarterback in the world, but if you’re playing for a team that has a specific system and a specific way of playing, you’re going to have to adapt to that. And that’s kind of what it’s like when you’re a wrestler in a promotion. You’re not just a wrestler, you’re a product of that promotion, and you’re going to have to fit into their mold in some way.”
The Impact of AEW’s Creative Freedom
Strickland’s comments on the quarterback analogy highlight the importance of creative freedom in shaping a wrestler’s presentation. In AEW, Strickland has been able to showcase his unique style and personality, which has been a key factor in his success in the promotion. This is in stark contrast to his time in WWE, where he felt that he was pigeonholed into a specific role and was not given the creative freedom to express himself as an artist.
“AEW has given me the freedom to be myself and to showcase my talents in a way that I feel comfortable with,” Strickland said. “In WWE, I felt like I was stuck in a certain mold and was not given the opportunity to explore my creativity and showcase my personality. But in AEW, I feel like I have the freedom to be myself and to take risks and try new things, which has been really liberating for me.”
The Backstage Impact of AEW’s Creative Freedom
According to sources close to the AEW locker room, the creative freedom afforded to wrestlers has had a significant impact on the morale and motivation of the talent. With the ability to showcase their unique styles and personalities, wrestlers like Strickland have been able to connect with the audience on a deeper level and build a loyal following.
“AEW’s creative freedom has been a game-changer for the locker room,” said a source close to the promotion. “It’s allowed wrestlers to be themselves and showcase their talents in a way that feels authentic and true to who they are as artists. This has led to a much more positive and motivated locker room, and it’s been great to see the talent thrive in this environment.”
The Future of Swerve Strickland in AEW
As Swerve Strickland continues to thrive in AEW, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the charismatic wrestler. With his unique style and personality, Strickland is poised to become one of the top stars in the promotion, and his comments on the quarterback analogy offer a glimpse into the creative freedom that has allowed him to succeed.
For Strickland, the future is bright, and he’s excited to see where his career takes him in AEW. “I’m just excited to continue to grow and evolve as a wrestler and to see where this journey takes me,” he said. “I feel like I’m just getting started, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Swerve Strickland is a wrestler to watch, and his unique style and personality are going to make him a major star in AEW.