Swerve Strickland Says AEW Pays Better Than WWE ‘By Far’, Calls Tony Khan A Player’s Booker

Swerve Strickland says AEW pay their talent better than WWE.

Having left WWE in 2021, Swerve Strickland debuted for All Elite Wrestling at Revolution in 2022. The 35-year-old has gone on to become one of the company’s true success stories, having risen through the ranks to become the first black AEW Men’s World Champion. His prominence led to Strickland signing a new contract with the promotion just prior to All In 2024, and he’s now discussed what the pay is like in AEW compared to WWE.

Speaking to Baller Talk, Strickland said AEW pay better than WWE ‘by far’, praising how Tony Khan treats the roster.

“AEW by far [pays better]. By far ‘cause it’s guaranteed. [WWE] got their select few up top that they’re just like untouchables. But a lot of those guys are starting to retire now. [John] Cena just retired. AJ Styles just retired. Those are like the top top earners. Taker can’t go no more, so that pyramid is starting to really get really pointy and small at the top. So up here, if I could compare the two, Tony Khan owns AEW. He’s also a part owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Fulham soccer team in the UK. He treats the roster like… not talent, but like athletes. There’s player coaches, there’s organization, system coaches. He’s a player’s booker. He’s in tune with his talent and his roster and where to put those guys. He utilizes us very well, and it’s like a scheme on a football team. So me and him gel very well because he knows my strengths. He knows where I belong. He knows how to utilize all his players in the right way. So therefore, he knows how to pay them too and motivate them in certain ways.”

-Swerve Strickland

Swerve is now one of All Elite Wrestling’s biggest stars, cementing himself as a reliable main-event performer over the last several years. Most recently, Swerve has been one of many circling the AEW World Championship currently held by MJF as he looks to join the five men who have held the title more than once.

Having met fellow contender Kenny Omega on the February 18 edition of Dynamite, Strickland used a chain to secure the win, leaning into his more villainous traits since their showdown almost a month ago. For now, whether Swerve is able to reclaim the gold down the road remains to be seen.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Swerve Strickland as soon as we hear more.

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