After Swerve Strickland signed a new contract with AEW at AEW All In 2024, The Wrestling Observer published a report saying that the offer to Swerve was "so far over what WWE perceived as market value."
Shortly after the report came out, Swerve gave comment to The Breakfast Club by saying, "They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that. We shake the foundation of things like that. 'Oh snap, wait. That's not what we would pay.' Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me? If I'm not your concern then don't worry about it.
Speaking to VladTV, Swerve expanded a bit by saying, “I don’t think their value is fair. I don’t think they market anybody’s value as fair, really."
When asked about Booker T saying he was treated fairly, Swerve replied, “That’s not what happened when Vince said the N-word in front of you. That’s not being treated fair, my opinion. To that statement, it’s not what even what I’m saying. I’m saying what people are saying. I’m saying what your audience is saying. So it’s not just me just talking out of my ass out of nowhere. It’s what your audience has been complaining about for the better part of two, three years from not seeing Black talent even getting singles matches on PLEs and stuff like that. Now, those guys are on socials more, they talk back and forth with the fans a little bit more. So you can’t ignore that anymore. Since that quote, you’re hearing quotes from Triple H saying he doesn’t see color in press conference so after someone actually calling them out at their press conference, saying, ‘Oh, why is there no African-American talent? You put the Black celebrities in the audience.’ Those Black celebrities, who I know and I’m friends with, they want to see the same people that represent them perform at these shows, and they’re not seeing that. I’m not saying anything brutal or mean or disrespectful to the company. I’m just regurgitating what your fan base is telling you, that you’re not hearing and giving what they’re giving. So it’s not just me like, ‘Oh, woe is me, I’m bitter.’ I moved on, and I got my money, and I created my own values."
Vince used the N word on television in November 2005 while speaking to John Cena as Booker T and his wife Sharmell were nearby.
Elsewhere during the interview, Swerve commented on being released by WWE in 2021 and the events leading up to it. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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