According to Fightful Select, WWE reacted to the news of Swerve Strickland’s new AEW contract, with him being among the highest paid in the wrestling industry as “bad for the sport”, due to his current market value being perceived way lower than what he is being paid.
In reaction to hearing what WWE reportedly thinks, one person within AEW pointed the finger at one particular name in WWE. However, the name has not bee verified, per the report.
One WWE talent told Fightful – “I myself haven’t heard that, but whether or not it was said, anyone thinking wrestlers will take less money is out of their minds when new TV deals are being announced, sellouts and record numbers are being bragged about.”
Fightful also notes that Strickland is reportedly earning via his new contract, similar to the the big-money deals of Mercedes Mone and Kazuchika Okada. These contracts are said to be near what many of the long-time WWE veterans now earn. AEW talent have less working dates with big-money guarantees.
The report also notes that the structure for several contracts have changed for both AEW and WWE, after the launch of AEW back in 2024. More higher guarantees are now being included in the new contracts offered to talent.
As it pertains to Daniel Garcia, the belief within AEW, is that he will sign a new contract with the company. He made his return to AEW programming at All In: London. Garcia was written off of TV back on the July 3 episode of Dynamite, after a brutal attack by MJF. This angle was reportedly done, just in case Garcia chose not to re-sign with the company.
Strickland signed a new deal with AEW that was revealed during the All In: London Zero Hour show this past Sunday.