Swerve Strickland backs AEW to continue growing

Since being launched in 2019, AEW has rapidly grown to become the second-biggest professional wrestling brand in the world. It's second only to WWE, which has been around since 1980. It makes sense, then, that WWE has the history, heritage and built-in fan base to ensure it remains the industry leader moving forward.

However, Swerve Strickland believes AEW will continue growing and provide wrestling fans with an enticing alternative. The incredibly popular Strickland shared his thoughts on how Tony Khan's company has been differentiating itself from the other promotions in the industry.

“WWE has been entrenched in a lot of people’s DNA for like 40, 50 years," Strickland told Rick Ucchino on IHeart Radio. " And you’ve had that relationship with them. If you’re looking for something that’s a different type of relationship, something that’s a little more fast-paced, a little more variety, a little more hard-hitting, and you want to truly invest in something that’s definitely going to be the new wave and new style of things and just a different culture, All Elite Wrestling is where you want to be. Especially like men, women, ethnicities, action, all of it.”

Strickland is gearing up for a shot at the AEW World Title. He will face Samoa Joe at the 'Dynasty' pay-per-view event, where he will be in the main event. Still, Strickland has seen the rapid development of AEW and the recent influx of high-level talent onto the roster.

Furthermore, some of AEW's top stars are currently on the injury list. MJF, Adam Cole, Adam "Hangman" Page and Kenny Omega are all away from the company. Jon Moxley is also absent as he spends some time with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Yet, AEW has continued to produce high-ranking matches due to the depth of its roster.

That depth is likely what has Strickland bullish on the company's future. 

Nevertheless, AEW needs to improve. First, it must develop better storylines to entice fans and develop stronger long-term storytelling. It also needs to focus on developing its social media marketing. Most importantly, though, it needs to do a better job of marketing its live shows. It can't continue to perform in front of half-full arenas. 

If AEW can overcome these three obstacles and continue to develop the exceptional talent it has, it will be a viable alternative to WWE for decades to come.