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Swerve Strickland, a former AEW (All Elite Wrestling) champion, discussed his journey from Tacoma, Washington, to becoming a professional wrestler. Born to a military family, he moved frequently, including a stint in Germany. Strickland joined the military at 17, had a child at 18, and later pursued wrestling, training at Ground Zero Wrestling. He gained prominence in Lucha Underground, notably with a brutal match against AR Fox. Strickland joined WWE's NXT, formed Hit Row, and was later released. He signed with AEW, debuting in 2022, and performed at the historic "All In" event at Wembley Stadium, marking a significant milestone in his career. Swerve Strickland discussed his rivalry with Hangman Adam Page, culminating in a Texas death match where he endured 12-13 staples. He emphasized the importance of making losses meaningful and evolving his character. Swerve highlighted his unique approach in AEW, including becoming the company's first Black AEW World Champion, and the cultural significance of his achievements. He reflected on the challenges and changes in the wrestling industry, particularly the treatment of Black talent. Swerve also touched on the impact of social media and cultural influences and his commitment to grounding his character in relatable experiences.
