Sources within WWE have expressed concern over AEW’s lucrative contracts being presented to various stars.
During a very newsworthy All In pre-show, which also included multiple announcements of international shows in 2025, former World Champion Swerve Strickland re-signed with the company to a multi-year deal.
Following the announcement that Swerve Strickland would be remaining with the company for the foreseeable future, a follow-up report noted that the deal was one of the biggest on the roster. In addition to this, Daniel Garcia is also looking to secure his future and has been offered a big-money contract to stay and not consider a jump to the competition. While many are happy that the stars are receiving a substantial salary for their services, those within the competition reportedly don’t see it the same way.
As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a source from WWE stated that wrestlers such as Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia are being offered much higher salaries than their market value:
The [Swerve Strickland] deal, and the offer to Daniel Garcia, were told to us by someone on the WWE side for Garcia and more than one on Strickland, as being bad for the sport because they are so far over what would WWE would perceive the market value for both to be, with the idea he’s spending more than he needs to and raising salaries.
The reality is WWE can afford anything. Even if the new TV deal is high, AEW still has to spend with some caution or the idea they’ll be so profitable than will erase the first six years of losses won’t be the case if they get out of control on spending.
Top AEW Star Responds To Match Criticism
While many of the matches from All In were well received by the fans, others did not play out as intended both in the arena and on the PPV broadcast. Aware that there were “mixed reactions” to her match, Mercedes Mone gave her perspective.
In a new interview, Swerve Strickland responded to the report.