Swerve Strickland Reflects On 5-Star Matches

Swerve Strickland has given his thoughts on being awarded 5-star matches by Dave Meltzer.

After joining AEW in 2022, Swerve Strickland quickly became one of the most popular stars in the company. He cemented his position as a top star with his acclaimed feud against Hangman Adam Page that included a brutal Texas Death Match at Full Gear in 2023.

That bout was the first of six matches featuring Swerve that have been awarded 5 stars or more in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The others included classics against Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay, as well as a wild Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing earlier this year.

During an appearance on Complex Sports, Strickland reflected on the matches, saying that while it’s “awesome” if his matches get the stars, he just wants to make sure he puts on a great performance in the ring.

“I didn’t really have a five-star match until I got to All Elite Wrestling. So that’s just three years I’ve really been getting that kind of recognition.

“I’ve heard, like, I’m the one Black wrestler with the most in history. So it’s something that I pride myself in — just putting on something that’s like a classic. I wouldn’t necessarily put stars next to it, but I do appreciate putting on something that people are just going to remember for a very, very long time.

“If the stars come with that, that’s awesome. But I just want to make sure, like, when I leave the ring [I] put on a great performance and a great match.”

Swerve Strickland Begins Post-Surgery Rehab

Shortly after Forbidden Door 2025, Strickland underwent surgery for a torn meniscus he’s been working through since 2019. While it’s unknown how long he’ll be out of action, the former World Champion has revealed on Instagram that he’s already begun rehab.

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Do you agree with Swerve Strickland’s match ratings? Let us know what you think below!

H/T to F4WOnline for the above transcription.