Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland has slapped down alleged claims from WWE that his contract is above market value.
Appearing on Power 105.1 FM’s ‘The Breakfast Club’, the 33-year-old was asked about reports that the WWE felt his contract was “above market price.” Strickland responded:
They only complain when a black person gets paid, I will say that — when he gets paid. Once again, we shake the foundation of things like that. Because it’s like, “Oh, snap, wait. It’s not what we would pay.”
I’m like, “Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me?” You know, like, “If I’m not your concern, don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about my pockets and our money. We’re good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago.”
No hard feelings from me. Boom. I keep it moving. I’m gonna figure my way out and I’m gonna build myself up.
Strickland was then asked whether it was true that WWE had tried to sign him. He confirmed that there had been interest:
They asked about my availability, so that came up, but they never contacted me; they contacted my representation. And I’m at a stage now, which I enjoy, the fact that I don’t have that direct contact when you are progressing and getting higher…
You’ve got to kind of keep a little bit of a space in between these types of conversations because, it’s like, you can check my phone; it’s never been there. I never had direct contact. It’s always that I want to keep that little space. But communication has been reached out.
He mentioned having attended Sneaker Con in New York City and the real-life interactions with fans as well as businesspeople:
You can’t see that kind of interaction on social media. Twitter interactions and comments are never going to show you the impact of an actual person and giving you that type of love. And I appreciate that.
That’s my market value right there. That explains it to me…These people are here with you in person. These people are going to show up wherever you go. These people are going to buy your product and are going to wear it with pride and show like, “Yo, this is my guy. I’m rooting for him. No matter what he does, I’m going to be there.”
