AEW signs Shane “Swerve” Strickland, via Fightful Select

One of the hottest free agents has a new home. Shane “Swerve” Strickland is officially All Elite after weeks of rumors.

Strickland was rumored to be nearing a signing with AEW last week per Wrestling Observer. According to Fightful Select, Strickland’s deal will be going into effect the first week of March. This could potentially have Strickland debut prior to or at AEW Revolution, which is live on Sunday, March 6.

Since being released shortly after his WWE SmackDown debut, Strickland has taped at least one match for NJPW Strong. According to Fightful Select, Strickland does not have a contract with the promotion. He’s also been announced for several GCW dates. At this time, he’s still scheduled to appear.

Rumors picked up that Strickland was AEW bound a couple weeks ago when he showed up at DEFY Wrestling. Darby Allin offered 16-year-old prodigy, Nick Wayne, an AEW contract. Strickland showed up and challenged Wayne. Their match is on February 26.  It also seemingly sets up a future storyline with Allin.

Strickland’s March is going to be even busier when his album, TEARS, drops on March 18. The music video for “Big Sis Birthday” is already out.

Strickland will also be on TERMINUS 2 on Thursday night. Originally scheduled to face Lio Rush, he will now be taking on Davey Richards. The show is airing on FITETV. TERMINUS is co-created by AEW wrestler, Baron Black and ROH World Champion, Jonathan Gresham. Gresham is rumored to be backstage tonight for AEW Dynamite. 

Strickland is a huge get for AEW. Even with an influx of recent signings, the rumored signing of Buddy Matthews, and the in-ring debut of Jay White, Strickland will stand out. His charisma, mic skills, and talent are undeniable and he’s currently one of the best wrestlers today. Since Bobby Fish, Tony Nese, and Jay Lethal have all come in and challenged Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship, Strickland is a likely challenger.