CONFIRMED: This Ex-WWE Star Is Coming To AEW

AEW stands on the verge of scooping up another big wrestling free agent.

Shane Strickland AEW mystery man
AEW

Shane Strickland's spell as a free agent is on the verge of coming to an end.

Per Fightful Select, the former Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott is on his way to All Elite Wrestling, who had asked about the possibility of bringing the one-time NXT North American Champion in shortly after he was let go by WWE in November 2021.

Several people within AEW have been operating on the assumption that Strickland's AEW deal is due to kick in during the first week of March. This has been the case since January.

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In addition, it is believed that AEW sees Strickland, who balances pro wrestling with a hip-hop career and other endeavours, as a potential crossover star. Whether or not this ties in with the promotion's recent discussions with WarnerMedia over talent potentially appearing on some of the network's television shows remains to be seen.

Released by WWE along with his old Hit Row stable's surviving members in a round of "budget cuts" last year, Strickland has been free to work elsewhere since his 90-day non-compete clause expired earlier this month. He has since made appearances for NJPW and has multiple shots in other companies lined up, including GCW.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.