WWE Claims Swerve Strickland’s New AEW Deal Is “Bad For The Sport”

Not everyone is impressed by Swerve Strickland’s new AEW contract.

It was recently announced that Swerve Strickland had signed a new deal with AEW. His previous contract had plenty of time to run, but negotiations were moved up after an impressive run with the World Championship.

The deal was said to be one of the biggest in AEW history.

Strickland is coming off the back of losing the World Title to Bryan Danielson at All In, but he remains a fixture in the main event picture. At All Out, Strickland will square off with long-time rival Hangman Adam Page in a Cage Match.

Swerve Strickland’s AEW Contract Seen A Huge Negative

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that Strickland’s new deal will keep him with the company until September 2029. He added that the contract is one of the biggest in AEW, and around Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes-level, but some way short of the likes of WWE stars such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton.

Meltzer also reiterated that there was interest from WWE in Strickland and Prince Nana.

Meanwhile, Meltzer cites sources in WWE who claim that the deal signed by Strickland and AEW’s offer to Daniel Garcia are “bad for the sport.”

The deal, and the offer to Daniel Garcia, were told to us by someone on the WWE side for Garcia and more than one on Strickland, as being bad for the sport because they are so far over what would WWE would perceive the market value for both to be, with the idea he’s spending more than he needs to and raising salaries.

The reality is WWE can afford anything. Even if the new TV deal is high, AEW still has to spend with some caution or the idea they’ll be so profitable than will erase the first six years of losses won’t be the case if they get out of control on spending.

Despite returning to television at All In, Daniel Garcia has yet to sign a new contract.