In a recent interview with Complex Sports, Swerve Strickland discussed his approach to in-ring performance, stating that his main goal is to create memorable matches rather than specifically aiming for five-star ratings. Strickland, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, explained that while he appreciates the recognition, he prioritizes leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
“I didn’t really have a five-star match until I got to All Elite Wrestling,” Strickland said. “I’ve heard, like, I’m the one Black wrestler with the most in history. So it’s something that I pride myself in — just putting on something that’s like a classic. I wouldn’t necessarily put stars next to it, but I do appreciate putting on something that people are just going to remember for a very, very long time. And if the stars come with that, that’s awesome.”
His most recent match to receive a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer was at All In: Texas in July, where he teamed with Will Ospreay to defeat The Young Bucks.
Strickland is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery last week, on August 27, to repair a torn meniscus. The injury was a pre-existing condition from his time at the WWE Performance Center in 2019 that was aggravated over time. He has already begun physical therapy, sharing a video of himself in the gym on August 31, though no official timeline for his return has been announced.
His absence was written into AEW storylines at Forbidden Door on August 24. After Strickland lost his match for the AEW Unified Championship against Kazuchika Okada, he was attacked by Okada and the Don Callis Family, who targeted his knee. The segment also served to reintroduce Wardlow as the newest member of the faction. This is Strickland’s second injury-related absence in 2025, as he also missed time in March to recover from a perforated eardrum suffered during his match with Ricochet at Revolution.