In response to Swerve Strickland’s high-paying contract in AEW, WWE reportedly viewed it negatively, considering it bad for the wrestling industry.
Some speculation arose within AEW about a particular individual in WWE being responsible for WWE’s views on wrestler salaries, although this claim remains unconfirmed.
While one WWE talent expressed skepticism about the reports, pointing out that wrestlers are unlikely to accept lower pay given the industry’s growth and lucrative TV deals, another source noted that many AEW wrestlers are now receiving big-money contracts with fewer working dates.
Strickland’s contract in AEW is reportedly on par with the significant deals earned by wrestlers like Mercedes Martinez and Kazuchika Okada, approaching the earnings of longtime WWE veterans due to higher guarantees in the contracts that have become more common since AEW’s inception in 2019.
Following AEW’s debut, both AEW and WWE have adjusted their contract structures to include more substantial guarantees, reflecting the changing landscape of professional wrestling.
Regarding Daniel Garcia, AEW expects him to renew his contract after his recent return to AEW programming at All In: London. His departure from television earlier was part of a storyline in case he decided not to re-sign with the company.
During the All In: London Zero Hour event, Strickland formally signed his new contract with AEW, solidifying his commitment to the promotion.
