AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland was a recent guest on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including how he developed his wrestling style and the advice he received from Terry Taylor while working in WWE NXT.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On developing his style early on: “It was trying all those different things like brawling, trying flying, trying lucha, trying British, trying all these grappling things, and compiling all those things together. I was like, ‘Okay, I got those down, now what works best for me?’”
On talking with Terry Taylor about evolving his skillset: “He said something along the lines of like, ‘How do you make people feel about what you’re doing in the ring?’ It’s not about the competitor; it’s about the person.’ Right there, it opened another side of my brain that I haven’t walked through yet, that I haven’t discovered. I thought I was in an apartment this whole time; now I’m in a condominium with multiple floors.”
Swerve Strickland, a prominent wrestler in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently appeared on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast to discuss various aspects of his career. During the interview, he shed light on how he developed his wrestling style and shared valuable advice he received from Terry Taylor while working in WWE NXT.
One of the key points Strickland touched upon was the process of developing his wrestling style. He emphasized the importance of trying out different techniques and styles early on in his career. By experimenting with brawling, flying, lucha libre, British wrestling, and various grappling techniques, Strickland was able to compile a diverse range of skills. However, he acknowledged that it was crucial to determine which aspects worked best for him individually. This process allowed him to refine his style and create a unique persona inside the ring.
During his time in WWE NXT, Strickland had the opportunity to converse with Terry Taylor, a seasoned professional wrestler and trainer. Taylor provided him with valuable insight into evolving his skillset. One particular piece of advice that resonated with Strickland was Taylor’s emphasis on making people feel something about what is happening in the ring. Taylor highlighted that it is not solely about the competitors involved but also about connecting with the audience on an emotional level. This revelation opened up new avenues for Strickland’s creative thinking and allowed him to explore uncharted territories within his performance. He likened this experience to moving from an apartment to a condominium with multiple floors, signifying the expansion of his abilities and understanding of his craft.
Strickland’s journey in developing his wrestling style and receiving guidance from industry veterans like Terry Taylor showcases the dedication and commitment required to excel in the world of professional wrestling. It serves as a reminder that success in any field often stems from a willingness to explore different approaches, adapt to feedback, and continuously evolve one’s skills.
As Swerve Strickland continues to make waves in AEW, fans can look forward to witnessing the culmination of his diverse wrestling style and the emotional connection he strives to create with the audience. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and highlights the importance of continuous growth and self-discovery in any creative endeavor.