On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland revealed the origin of his character in AEW.
You can check out the highlights from the podcast below:
On his character taking inspiration from Wesley Snipes: “It’s based off of Wesley Snipes. The core of it, when I was in NXT, was based on Simon Phoenix from Demolition Man. But it was a lot of Wesley Snipes-esque mannerisms in his acting. Then I went to New Jack City when I kind of transitioned over in to the Mogul Embassy/Mogul Affiliates type of genre.”
On also being inspired by hip-hop artists: “Then I started really feeling like a lot of rappers that I’m a fan of, like Playboi Carti. The black leather, braiding the hair back … the eyeliner or eyeshadow, those little elements of me were just starting to change and people weren’t noticing it but they felt something new.”
On how his character became even darker: “It was a purpose because of something Sting did to me that affected me that transitioned me to where I am. It’s a purpose for why this happened.”
Due to the draw with Hangman Page on last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, both Swerve Strickland and Page will challenge Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship in a Triple Threat match at AEW Revolution 2024. The event is scheduled for March 3 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In a recent interview on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland opened up about the inspiration behind his character in AEW. He revealed that his character draws inspiration from actor Wesley Snipes, particularly his roles in movies like “Demolition Man” and “New Jack City.”
During his time in NXT, Strickland’s character was based on Simon Phoenix from “Demolition Man,” but he incorporated Wesley Snipes’ mannerisms and acting style into his portrayal. As he transitioned into the Mogul Embassy/Mogul Affiliates genre, he also drew inspiration from hip-hop artists like Playboi Carti.
Strickland explained that he started incorporating elements like black leather, braided hair, and eyeliner or eyeshadow into his appearance. These changes were subtle at first, but they brought a new energy to his character that people began to notice.
The wrestler also mentioned that his character took a darker turn due to something that Sting did to him, which had a significant impact on him. This event served as a purpose for the transformation of his character, adding depth and motivation to his storyline.
In other news, due to the draw between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page on the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, both wrestlers will now have the opportunity to challenge Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship in a Triple Threat match at AEW Revolution 2024. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place on March 3 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Fans are eagerly awaiting this match, as it promises to be a thrilling showdown between three talented wrestlers vying for the prestigious AEW World Championship. With Swerve Strickland’s unique character and the intense competition between these athletes, AEW Revolution 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for wrestling enthusiasts.
As Swerve Strickland continues to evolve his character and showcase his skills in the ring, fans can expect even more exciting moments and surprises in the future. Whether he emerges victorious at AEW Revolution 2024 or not, there’s no doubt that his character will continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression in the world of professional wrestling.