Swerve Strickland Urges WWE to Invest in Underused Star Cedric Alexander
In the dynamic and often tumultuous international of professional wrestling, testimonies of triumph and tribulation are a not unusual subject. One such narrative has emerged from the colorful existence of Swerve Strickland, an AEW big name who has risen to prominence after experiencing the sting of being ignored by WWE. Strickland, known for his electrifying performances and current successes, is now calling for WWE to take a closer study a fellow talent: Cedric Alexander.
Strickland’s journey commenced in NXT, where he made a significant mark as part of the faction Hit Row. However, this success changed into short-lived; simply weeks after making his primary roster debut, Strickland and his colleagues had been released from their contracts. This sudden setback should have derailed his profession, however Strickland chose a special path. He signed with AEW, in which he speedy set up himself as one of the company’s standout stars, in the long run becoming the primary-ever Black AEW World Champion. His excellent rise changed into even recounted with the aid of wrestling legend Bryan Danielson, who expressed disbelief that WWE had permit Strickland slip via their fingers.
In a recent appearance at the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, Strickland took the opportunity to polish a spotlight on some other famous person he believes deserves more reputation: Cedric Alexander. First introduced to WWE fans in 2016 as a contestant within the Cruiserweight Championship division, Alexander has seeing that been a part of widespread storylines, such as his tenure with the Hurt Business alongside wrestling icons like MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin. However, despite his glaring talent, many fanatics feel that WWE has but to capitalize on Alexander’s full potential.
The information that Alexander has signed a new settlement with WWE, keeping him from becoming a member of a reformed Hurt Business in AEW, has reignited discussions approximately his future. Strickland, who has a private connection with Alexander—having been a groomsman at his wedding ceremony—shared heartfelt reflections on their relationship and Alexander’s abilties. “Cedric Alexander. Big time. That’s my brother,” Strickland said. “When I moved to Florida, he was one of the people who really held me down. We couldn’t get a couch. Him and Malakai Black pitched in money for me to buy a couch for the apartment. I still have that couch. I will never get rid of it because of that.”
Strickland’s praise for Alexander was unrestrained. He recalled how they worked together in the independent circuit, noting that their matches helped him refine his own skills. “Cedric has so much raw and unadulterated talent,” Strickland stated. “Even with himself, I think he’s still nervous to fully express himself. You never get that until you push them and get that open time. I think he needs that.”
Strickland’s call for WWE to invest more in Alexander is driven by his belief that the organization could benefit immensely from showcasing Alexander’s talents. “You invest in him. You show that investment in him. I want to see more investment in him. There are a lot of people that can learn from him, and there is a lot that the fanbase can learn from watching him. I still want it for him so bad. That’s a brother, and a name I don’t throw out too often, but Cedric, for sure.”
As Strickland maintains to thrive in AEW, currently signing a moneymaking contract that locations him a number of the highest-paid stars in the company, he stays an propose for his friends who are still preventing for their moment inside the spotlight. The wrestling enterprise is rife with expertise ready to be diagnosed, and as Strickland shows, Cedric Alexander is one such celebrity who ought to illuminate the WWE stage if given the risk.
H/t to Fightful