That’s the Sound of the Price Going Up: Swerve & The Evolving Landscape of Wrestling Free Agency
The world of professional wrestling has been obsessed with the recent news surrounding Swerve Strickland’s new AEW contract. While on the surface it might seem like just another signing, this deal has ignited a larger debate within the industry, especially in light of reports that WWE executives believe the contract is "bad for the business." This sentiment, along with the rumors of a lucrative offer AEW extended to Daniel Garcia, has spotlighted the evolving free agency market in wrestling, a market that for the first time in decades, allows wrestlers the leverage they need to be able to negotiate a contract that allows them to choose between two major companies with the financial ability to pay them what they’re worth.
I would argue that at the heart of the discussion surrounding Swerve Strickland’s contract is the long-standing issue of the devaluation of Black talent in professional wrestling. This is not a new phenomenon; it has been a troubling undercurrent in the industry since its inception. Despite the undeniable star power and charisma that many Black wrestlers bring to the ring, they have often been overlooked, underutilized, or pigeonholed into stereotypical roles.. Time and again, we've seen wrestlers with incredible charisma, in-ring ability, and fan appeal be overlooked or misused simply because those in charge fail to recognize their full potential.
Many bookers either don't fully understand the value of the talent they have or, worse, choose to ignore it. This cultural disconnect not only limits the opportunities for these performers but also deprives fans of seeing them reach their full potential.
Swerve is an example of what can happen when everyone gets it right- The presentation, the booking & the understanding of what connects him with the fans.
His forever feud with Hangman Adam Page is shaping up to be one of the greatest in AEW’s history, and his matches against the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Kyle Fletcher have all been standout performances in 2024.He’s had audiences in the palm of his hand, swerve’s house chants echoing through arenas and people of all backgrounds attempting to dance off beat to his theme (we gon have to work on that).
.For the first time in decades, talent has the power to choose between two major companies that have the financial capacity to give them what they’re looking for. This new era of free agency has given wrestlers the ability to make informed decisions about their futures, leveraging their current contracts and televised successes in their negotiations.
So, these conversations aren't just about whether Swerve deserves the big money—though it's clear that he does—but about the broader implications for all wrestlers. It’s about Daniel Garcia’s contract talks, the Lucha Bros being able to leverage their AEW status to some (likely to be) huge WWE deal. This new free agency environment allows talent to push for better deals, whether it’s in terms of money, creative freedom, or schedule flexibility. For the first time in decades, talent has the power to choose between two major companies that have the financial capacity to give them what they’re looking for. This new era of free agency has given wrestlers the ability to make informed decisions about their futures, leveraging their current contracts and televised successes in their negotiations.
Swerve Strickland’s new AEW contract, and the last few major contract negotiations are signs of the changing dynamics in professional wrestling. As talent continues to navigate this new landscape, the industry will need to adapt to the demands and aspirations of its performers. The reality is simple, that if anyone is deserving of big money in 2024, it's Swerve Strickland.
