Swerve Strickland Plans to Retire After Current AEW Contract Ends

Swerve Strickland had signed a multi-year deal with AEW last year, which deal was seen as one of the most significant in AEW’s history. Strickland’s clearly going to be part of AEW for the next four years but he has revealed that he will retire once his contract ends.

While speaking to Wrestle Figure News, Swerve Strickland was asked if his new AEW contract in 2024, which he said would last five more years, meant he planned to retire after that.

Swerve Strickland confirmed that to be the case, noting that he really meant what he said. He’s never lied to the fans about serious things like this. Swerve explained that he doesn’t want to give his time, talent, or energy to any other company. AEW has given him everything he needs, and he wants to give back to them fully.

Strickland called himself loyal and thankful, saying he’s not just doing this for himself. He wants everyone in AEW, including the fans, to benefit from what they’re building together.

“I meant every word. I’ve never lied to the fans about that kind of stuff. Honestly, I don’t want to give my talent, my ability, my mind, my body, or my soul to anyone else. I want to give all of that to AEW, because they’ve given me everything I need.

I’ve shown loyalty, but not just that—I’ve shown dedication, appreciation, and that I’m not just in it for me. I want everyone to benefit from what AEW can offer, not just the wrestlers, but the fans too.”

What motivates him is the challenge. If something’s missing in AEW, he wants to help fix it. If ratings or ticket sales need to improve, he wants to be the one who helps raise them since his goal is to help AEW grow and succeed.

Swerve said he doesn’t want to be just a small part of AEW, he wants to help build it. He’s also interested in helping behind the scenes, while still being around other wrestlers and helping them grow.

Swerve said he wants to try new things, not just repeat what’s already been done. He believes AEW is in a new, exciting time in wrestling history, doing things no one has done before. That’s what makes it fun for him, even when it’s hard.

“I’ve shown loyalty, but not just that—I’ve shown dedication, appreciation, and that I’m not just in it for me. I want everyone to benefit from what AEW can offer, not just the wrestlers, but the fans too.

That’s what makes it fun—the challenge. If AEW is missing something, then let’s go get it. If something’s not where it should be, we raise it up. Ratings, ticket sales, audience draw—that’s the goal. That’s what motivates me.

I don’t want to be just a part in the machine—I want to help run it. But the cool thing is, I can still be hands-on. I can still be with the people, helping, teaching, exploring new ideas. Not just repeating what’s always been done, but crafting new ways and exploring uncharted territory.

AEW is in a place that’s never been seen before in wrestling history. Every hour that passes is something new—for AEW and for the entire business. That’s what makes it exciting, even when it’s stressful. That’s where I find the fun and the passion.”

When asked if he still sees himself in AEW after the five-year deal ends, Swerve simply said that it’s a conversation they’ll have when the time comes, saying, “That’s a discussion we’ll have in year five.”

Since Strickland’s contract will end in 2029, there’s still plenty of time left for Strickland to accomplish more things in AEW. Therefore, we’ll have to see what he’ll do if he does end up retiring once his contract expires.

Do you think Swerve Strickland will truly retire after this contract, or could his passion for the business keep him around longer? Sound off in the comments.

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