Another major story of the week was the announcement that Swerve Strickland had signed a new deal. Based on what we’ve been told, this deal locks him up through September 2029. It was well known that WWE tried to make a play for the Strickland & Prince Nana act. The deal was reportedly agreed to a few weeks back but they saved the announcement for here. People were talking about how Strickland has become a rich man with the new deal, and it’s believed to be among the biggest deals in pro wrestling although would be well below the Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton level. It’s probably in the range of the Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone range based on what were hinted about regarding those deals (which are lower numbers than have been reported elsewhere–this deal is not at the numbers of what was reported for either of those two deals). The deal, and the offer to Daniel Garcia, were told to us by someone on the WWE side for Garcia and more than one on Strickland, as being bad for the sport because they are so far over what would WWE would perceive the market value for both to be, with the idea he’s spending more than he needs to and raising salaries. The reality is WWE can afford anything. Even if the new TV deal is high, AEW still has to spend with some caution or the idea they’ll be so profitable than will erase the first six years of losses won’t be the case if they get out of control on spending.
