Swerve Strickland discusses wrestling inspirations and performance style

AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland has shared insights into his professional performance philosophy and the legends who influenced his in-ring style. In a recent interview with Hot 97, Strickland identified Rey Mysterio, Adam Copeland (Edge), and Shawn Michaels as his primary inspirations.

Strickland noted that he has had the opportunity to wrestle Mysterio and receives ongoing mentorship from Copeland, who assists him in selecting moves for matches. He also discussed his belief that ‘stillness is power,’ a concept he applies across wrestling, hip-hop, and stand-up comedy. He explained that controlling quietness and stillness allows a performer to command the attention of an audience and direct the atmosphere of a venue.