Swerve Strickland: AEW Boosts Value of WWE Stars

Swerve Strickland recently shared insights on the impact of AEW on professional wrestling during an interview on The Bootleg Kev podcast, highlighting how the promotion has increased the market value of wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Mercedes Moné. Strickland argues that AEW's emergence has provided wrestlers with more options and leverage in contract negotiations, challenging the long-standing dominance of WWE. He cites the movement of talent between promotions as evidence of AEW's influence, noting that wrestlers returning to WWE have benefitted from their time in AEW, enhancing their marketability. Strickland's comments suggest a significant shift in the wrestling landscape, where talent now has more bargaining power due to increased competition. This dynamic has also prompted established WWE stars to reconsider their own value in the wake of AEW's success. Overall, Strickland's perspective reflects a broader trend of empowerment among wrestlers due to the competitive environment fostered by AEW.