Current AEW Star Admits To WWE NXT "Frustration"
One of AEW's current breakout stars had a "frustrating time" with WWE and NXT.
Current AEW star Swerve Strickland, who's fresh off working a blistering match vs. Hangman Page at WrestleDream, has described his time in WWE's NXT division as "frustrating".
Swerve told Mark Hoke that he considered that period of his career a "great experience", but also couldn't shake the frustrations he felt when trying to make a splash and grab attention. Explaining, Strickland said that the brand had so many talented workers under contract that management's focus was split.
That made it more challenging to get ahead and really feel like you were contributing.
Now, in AEW, Swerve says his voice is being heard loud and clear. He's enjoying being part of the team - Strickland felt largely the same way over on the WWE side, but never had any sense of control over his own destiny.
The former Hit Row leader said it was "especially [frustrating] when you have all this creative energy and these different ideas that you can truly give something different and unique on the show". When that isn't acknowledged, it can be a bit of a bummer and lead to lost confidence.