Swerve Strickland, the celebrated AEW World Champion, is never hesitant to express his gratitude to those instrumental in shaping his professional wrestling journey.
In a revealing conversation with Raj Prashad of UPROXX, Strickland attributed much of his progress in All Elite Wrestling to two individuals: Dustin Rhodes and Will Washington, the Wrestling Administration Coordinator for AEW.
Strickland praised Washington’s aptitude for comprehending wrestlers, highlighting his acumen in identifying their weaknesses and areas they often overlook. “(Washington is) very good at understanding wrestlers,” Strickland shared. “We have weak spots and blind spots that we don’t see. And it’s his job to point those out to make sure that we don’t make mistakes because of those blind spots and those weak spots, and he’s very good at pointing those out to me, so I’m not my own worst enemy.”
Dustin Rhodes was acclaimed by Strickland for his guidance and ability to bring out the best in him during matches. “Structuring things, things that he would notice in matches, things like hearing the crowd, knowing when to do this, knowing when to shift on certain times in matches, knowing what’s needed and what’s not needed,” are all aspects Rhodes helped Strickland with. “Make sure the timing, the camera angles. This didn’t look right in that camera,” Strickland elaborated on the intricacies of what Rhodes contributes.
Understanding the Value of Mentorship and Advice in Pro Wrestling
Swerve Strickland underscored the importance of not just receiving advice from wrestling veterans, but also the bond and trust that should exist to make that advice effective. He believes that without trust and understanding, the relationship and the advice could end up being fruitless.
“You can have great minds, but if they don’t know you and you don’t know them and you don’t understand, and you don’t trust their knowledge and their advice and everything, it’s kind of pointless to be working together,” he commented. The emphasis, he explained, should be on understanding each other’s strengths and knowing when to leverage or hold back on them.
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What are your thoughts on Swerve Strickland’s remarks and his current trajectory in AEW? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
FAQs about Swerve Strickland’s Developmental Influences at AEW
- Who is Swerve Strickland?Swerve Strickland is a professional wrestler and a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he has achieved significant success.
- Which individuals have had a significant impact on Strickland’s development in AEW?The two notable figures Swerve Strickland acknowledges for their influence on his development are Will Washington and Dustin Rhodes.
- What role does Will Washington play in Strickland’s career?Will Washington is the Wrestling Administration Coordinator for AEW, helping Strickland identify and work on his weaknesses and blind spots.
- How has Dustin Rhodes helped Strickland’s wrestling career?Dustin Rhodes has provided Strickland with advice about match structure, timing, responding to the audience, and maximizing camera angles — overall refining his in-ring performance.
- What is Swerve Strickland’s outlook on receiving mentorship and advice in wrestling?Strickland emphasizes the importance of trust and understanding in a mentor-mentee relationship, stressing that without a strong bond, even good advice may not be as beneficial.
Conclusion
Swerve Strickland’s acknowledgement of the role played by Dustin Rhodes and Will Washington in his AEW career highlights the significance of mentorship and targeted guidance in professional wrestling. It’s clear that Strickland values not just the advice but also the relationship he shares with his mentors. By emphasizing the role of these behind-the-scenes influences, Strickland sheds light on the intricate network of support that contributes to a wrestler’s success in the ring — a testament to the collaborative nature of the sport itself.