Swerve Strickland Speaks Out on Pay Controversy: “They Only Complain When a Black Person Gets Paid”
Swerve Strickland, one in every of AEW’s growing stars, has ignited a communique about race and pay disparities inside the international of professional wrestling after strongly pushing returned towards claims that he’s being overpaid. Strickland, recognised for his tenacity each in and out of the ring, did not preserve lower back as he addressed the debate swirling round his recent agreement renewal with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
The Contract That Raised Eyebrows
It turned into recently found out that Strickland had signed a sparkling address AEW, despite having huge time left on his unique agreement. The renewal got here inside the wake of an excellent title run, in which Strickland verified his ability to compete at the best stage, further organising himself as a giant player in AEW’s big name-studded roster.
Although information of the contract stay largely below wraps, reports recommend that Strickland’s new deal ranks him among AEW’s highest earners, though nonetheless a long way in the back of pinnacle-tier WWE superstars like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. The news sparked whispers across the wrestling international, and a few voices inside WWE allegedly claimed that Strickland’s deal turned into “terrible for the sport,” arguing that he changed into being paid past what the market deemed reasonable.
Despite these claims, Strickland remained loyal to AEW, reportedly turning down WWE’s hobby in re-signing him. Having parted methods with WWE years ago, Strickland appears devoted to carving out his very own path in AEW, undeterred by way of the criticisms.
Strickland’s Fiery Response at the Breakfast Club
In an look on The Breakfast Club, a famous radio show acknowledged for its candid discussions, Strickland become asked to reply to the reviews criticizing his pay. His response was blunt, raw, and unfiltered—a reflection of both his personality and his awareness of deeper issues at play.
“They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that. We shake the foundation of things like that,” Strickland said, directly addressing what he perceives as a double standard when it comes to athletes of color achieving financial success.
He in addition elaborated on how the wrestling industry, much like other varieties of enjoyment, has traditionally considered Black skills thru a narrow lens. For Strickland, the complaint surrounding his settlement became now not just about numbers—it become a mirrored image of a bigger cultural trouble that extends a long way past the squared circle.
“‘Oh snap, wait. That’s not what we would pay.’ Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me?” he continued, referring to WWE’s interest in re-signing him. “If I’m not your concern, then don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about my pockets and our money. We’re good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago. No hard feelings from me. I keep it moving and I’m going to figure my way out and I’m going to build myself up.”
Strickland’s words carried a robust message, one that resonated past the wrestling network. He stood organization inside the belief that Black skills, particularly while extraordinarily compensated, frequently faces unwarranted scrutiny—a truth that transcends sports and leisure and speaks to systemic issues.
Breaking Barriers in Wrestling and Beyond
Strickland’s reaction highlights a crucial and frequently uncomfortable reality inside professional wrestling: the intersection of race, repute, and cash. His feedback struck a chord, in particular in a sport that has historically been ruled through white athletes in the maximum-paying positions. Though range has improved, performers like Strickland nevertheless confront lingering prejudices and unstated obstacles that others may additionally never stumble upon.
By without delay addressing the racial dynamics inside the industry, Strickland is not best standing up for himself but also for other Black athletes who preserve to stand comparable barriers. His unapologetic stance displays a broader movement inside sports and leisure, where Black athletes are an increasing number of speaking out towards the double standards that have long ruled their careers.
While Strickland takes a short hiatus from AEW, he is anticipated to go back in time for WrestleDream on October twelfth, a fantastically anticipated pay-consistent with-view event. The timing of his return couldn’t be greater becoming, as his megastar power maintains to upward thrust amid both triumph and controversy. Strickland’s adventure in AEW—one marked by perseverance, talent, and resilience—shows no signs of slowing down, regardless of outside opinions.
H/t to Fightful
