Discover How a Former U.S. Army Specialist Became AEW’s First Black World Champion!
AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland is not just a powerhouse in the wrestling ring; he’s a testament to the transformative power of discipline and resilience, traits honed during his remarkable stint in the United States Army.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Strickland credits his military background for much of his wrestling success.
“Two weeks post-high school, I was off to basic training. It was there I learned if something needs doing, you’ve got to be the one to step up,” he shared, reflecting on the early days of his military training in South Carolina back in 2007.
Transitioning from a signal communications specialist to a wrestling superstar, Strickland’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He underwent rigorous training in Georgia for nearly six months, laying the groundwork for the discipline and mental toughness that would later define his wrestling persona.
Strickland’s upbringing, largely without his father’s presence, meant that the Army played a crucial role in shaping his adulthood.
“It was really cool to learn to be a man on my own, surrounded by men from different walks of life,” Strickland remarked, appreciating the unique upbringing the military provided him.
The pinnacle of his wrestling career came last month when he dethroned the legendary Samoa Joe to become the first Black AEW World Champion. Now, with his sights set on defending his title against Christian Cage at AEW’s Double or Nothing event on May 26, Strickland is ready to showcase the strength and determination fostered by his military background.
For more on Swerve Strickland’s journey from the military to the wrestling ring, including his full interview with TMZ, stay tuned. His story is a compelling reminder of how the lessons learned in one arena of life can dramatically impact success in another.
10 Interesting Facts About Swerve Strickland and Samoa Joe:
- Swerve Strickland is known for his exceptional musical talent and has released his own rap music.
- Samoa Joe has a diverse ethnic background, including Samoan, Native Hawaiian, and European ancestry, which he takes great pride in.
- Swerve Strickland once competed in breakdancing competitions before fully committing to wrestling.
- Samoa Joe is a trained martial artist, proficient in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he incorporates into his wrestling style.
- Swerve Strickland is passionate about fashion and has expressed interest in launching his own clothing line.
- Samoa Joe has voiced characters in video games, most notably as the voice of King Shark in the “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” game.
- Swerve Strickland is an advocate for mental health awareness, often speaking about the importance of mental health in sports.
- Samoa Joe has appeared in several TV shows and movies, showcasing his acting skills beyond the wrestling ring.
- Swerve Strickland actively participates in community service, especially focusing on youth programs and mentorship.
- Samoa Joe is known for his gourmet cooking skills, which he sometimes showcases on social media platforms.
Swerve Strickland’s journey from the army to AEW is inspiring. This article provides valuable insights into his training and success. Well done!