Swerve Strickland Discusses Challenges of WWE and AEW Collaboration
Swerve Strickland, a former AEW World Champion, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of a co-promoted event between WWE and AEW, stating that it is unlikely to happen during his lifetime. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of AEW to collaborate with other wrestling promotions, such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, CMLL, and Stardom, through events like the Forbidden Door pay-per-view.
Strickland pointed out that while wrestlers have transitioned between the two companies since AEW's founding in 2019, there has never been a joint event. He emphasized that WWE's need to maintain control over its brand and protect its talent is a significant barrier to collaboration. Strickland noted that WWE would not allow AEW wrestlers to overshadow their stars.
He also mentioned the complexities involved in protecting WWE's female talent, such as Rhea Ripley, and acknowledged the fan interest in potential matches between wrestlers from both promotions. Despite the desire for these matchups, Strickland reiterated the challenges posed by brand protection and marketing strategies.
