Swerve Strickland isn’t panicking over AEW’s media rights situation, even after talk surfaced about the company potentially using YouTube as a backup option if things change with its television future.
While speaking to Bootleg Kev, Swerve was asked about the discussion surrounding AEW potentially not having a traditional TV deal and whether YouTube could be part of Tony Khan’s backup plan. Swerve said that kind of conversation might have concerned him years ago, but not now after everything AEW has already done across major platforms.
“I feel like having this discussion four years ago maybe would have concerned me a little bit more, but after TNT, TBS—”
Swerve Strickland then pointed to AEW’s growth across TNT, TBS, HBO Max, WBD, and DC as reasons he believes the company still has strong value in the market.
“Exactly. After all these things, all the levels that we keep jumping and all that stuff, I wouldn’t be concerned. I feel like Tony’s made such great connections with all the higher-ups. I feel like we’ve gotten incredible praise and support with WBD, DC, and all these things, that there is a market for All Elite Wrestling and professional wrestling.”
That was the main message from Swerve. He believes AEW has already built enough relationships and momentum to avoid panic over any future media rights situation. Swerve also made it clear that he trusts Tony Khan to be ahead of the situation and believes AEW has grown too much over the last seven years to be counted out.
“So I feel like TK is very three steps ahead on that. And this is one of those things where you’ve just got to trust what we do. We’ve got to trust who we are. We’ve got to trust the mindset for this, because it has grown exponentially in the last seven years of doing this.”
Swerve then brought AEW’s audience into the conversation, saying support at shows and vocal backing can help prove the company’s value when it comes time for major television or streaming talks.
“The reputation that precedes us in All Elite Wrestling—and it’s all about what the fans want—I feel like this is something where the fans can really be the support system behind that. The more vocal they are, the more they come to these shows—that’s what drives these TV deals to really be like, ‘Okay, this is a slam dunk now.’”
Swerve also addressed reports suggesting AEW may have 12 to 16 months to secure its next move. To him, that timeline does not sound like an emergency.
“And it’s like, I saw a report—12 to 16 months out—I’m like—Pulled some s*** in like three months.”
Swerve’s comments come at a time when AEW’s media rights future remains a major talking point, especially with YouTube being mentioned as a possible backup option. Still, Swerve is not treating the situation like a crisis. He believes AEW has time, strong connections, and enough support to land where it needs to land.
For now, Swerve Strickland is choosing confidence over concern. As far as he sees it, AEW has already proven there is a market for the company, and Tony Khan is prepared for whatever comes next.
What do you think about Swerve Strickland saying he isn’t worried about AEW’s TV future? Do you think AEW would be fine if YouTube became part of its backup plan? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
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