AEW’s Swerve Strickland makes bold claim regarding WWE stars CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

The former AEW Champion feels these stars got value boosted because of AEW

Swerve Strickland feels that a former WWE star’s worth has grown while joining AEW. He even likened the act to WWE icon Becky Lynch. The star in question is Mercedes Mone. She made her AEW debut last year and has since become a well-known figure in the industry. Mone presently has the TBS championship.

Swerve Strickland recently spoke with The BootlegKev Podcast on how AEW boosted talent to the next level. He used Mercedes Mone as an example to demonstrate how stars may take their careers to new heights after joining the promotion. The Realest also compared The CEO to Becky Lynch, a multiple-time WWE champion.

Swerve Strickland calls Mercedes Moné one of the most important women in wrestling and talked about the market value for the top wrestlers increasing due to the bidding wars between the major wrestling markets.Swerve signed one of the most lucrative contracts in the industry in… pic.twitter.com/iEXf4IYSLy

— ҉Kandi’s Shaky Voice (@FeelsSoRightt) March 17, 2025

“Mercedes was the one that did big for the women (…) now, it makes Becky Lynch look like a little hmm maybe.”

Strickland also said how top talents like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes appear to have become even more well-known in WWE during their time in AEW.

“Sasha Banks had value, Mercedes has more value now because of All Elite Wrestling. Cody had more value because of what AEW was able to do, same with Punk, same with [Jon] Moxley coming to AEW. Ricky Starks to Saints.” [From 26:20 onwards]

Swerve Strickland became a big name after leaving WWE

Swerve Strickland’s career has undoubtedly advanced under Tony Khan’s leadership. He was considered a mid-card attraction in WWE as a member of Hit Row.

When Strickland made his All Elite Wrestling debut in 2021, he began his climb to the summit of the mountain. After nearly three years of hard effort and perseverance, The Realest defeated Samoa Joe at the 2024 Dynasty pay-per-view to become World Champion.

Strickland gets the opportunity to compete for the prized championship, which is currently held by Jon Moxley. The Realest overcame Ricochet at Revolution 2025 and is next in line to face Moxley. It would be fascinating to watch if he is the one who ends The One True King’s reign of terror.

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