Swerve Strickland Claims Cody Rhodes and CM Punk Have More Value Now Because of AEW

Swerve Strickland isn’t holding back when it comes to AEW’s impact on the wrestling business. The former AEW World Champion believes that some of WWE’s biggest names today wouldn’t have reached their current level without first making their mark in AEW.

During an appearance on the Bootleg Kev podcast, Strickland pointed out how AEW has helped shape major careers, especially for stars who eventually returned to WWE. He specifically mentioned Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Ricky Starks as examples of wrestlers who became bigger deals thanks to their time in AEW.

“Cody had more value because of what AEW was able to do, same with Punk, same with Moxley coming to AEW. Ricky Starks to Saints,” Strickland explained.

He also brought up Mercedes Mone’s transition from WWE to AEW, claiming that her stock has skyrocketed since making the move. “Sasha Banks had value, Mercedes has more value now because of All Elite Wrestling,” he said.

Strickland even suggested that Mone’s rise in AEW could be making top WWE stars question their own paths. “Mercedes was the one that did big for the women… now it makes Becky Lynch look like a little hmm maybe. It makes New Day go, hmm maybe. Charlotte Flair, I wonder, maybe,” he added.

Strickland isn’t just talking—he’s putting AEW’s influence front and center, making it clear that the company has played a major role in shaping today’s biggest wrestling stars. Whether it’s Cody Rhodes headlining WrestleMania, CM Punk’s shocking WWE return, or Mercedes Mone becoming one of the most talked-about names in AEW, the proof is there. Now, with Strickland calling out WWE’s top talent, you have to wonder—who’s next to make the jump?