Top AEW star rules out return to WWE

Before emerging as one of AEW's top stars, Swerve Strickland spent almost three years with WWE, winning the NXT North American Championship and making a name for himself as part of Hit Row.

However, Strickland was released from WWE in November 2021, leading him to sign with AEW in March 2022. Since joining Tony Khan's company, Strickland has worked his way up the roster to become one of the biggest talents within the promotion. He recently signed a contract extension with AEW, leading WWE to accuse Khan's company of damaging professional wrestling.

During a recent appearance on "The Breakfast Club," Strickland confirmed that, despite his new status as a top name in wrestling, he has no desire to return to WWE. He cited the freedom provided by Khan as a big reason why he wants to continue building with AEW.

"Nah … I'm happy building AEW, I'm happy building myself in AEW," Strickland said. "AEW has given me something that I don't think WWE could ever give me. I'm really proud of that and I wave the flag proudly because Tony Khan didn't take a chance on me, he knew what he wanted from me. He put me in the position and said, 'Now grow.' 'What avenues do I have to grow?' 'Whatever you want.' There were no parameters, no red tape. I learned how to become a true businessman on top of being a professional wrestler. That's why ‘The Mogul’ persona is truly personified in AEW. It let me be my best self as a man and a professional."

Strickland recently lost his AEW World Championship to Bryan Danielson at All-Out in Wembley. However, his title run helped cement him as a major draw for the company, especially when paired with his increasingly violent feud with "Hangman" Adam Page.

Despite his previous tenure with WWE and stops with Combat Zone Wrestling, Lucha Underground and Major League Wrestling beforehand, Strickland is somewhat of a homegrown talent for AEW. He has gone from being a developmental wrestler to a well-known and respected star throughout the industry.

He headlined a pay-per-view in London, England in front of over 50,000 fans. He is one of the company's top merchandise sellers and has become a high-level storyteller during his promo segments.

AEW needs more success stories like Strickland. Wrestling promotions thrive when they have multiple stars, especially if they've grown into that status with the company. They draw new eyeballs to the product, and they encourage other wrestlers to sign up to the roster.

Judging by Strickland's comments, he's with AEW for the long haul. He can still improve and grow into an even bigger star. He is proof that the secondary wrestling promotion can provide a platform for wrestlers to grow and develop their skills.

Whether Strickland's presence helps encourage more talents to join the company will remain to be seen, but having a top talent openly refute the draw of WWE will be music to AEW's ears.