Swerve Strickland Called Out for Wasting a Big Moment by Targeting Booker T

Swerve Strickland and Booker T have been going back and forth for the past few weeks, and their feud has become a hot topic in the wrestling world. With that in mind, Swerve is being called out for wasting a big moment by targeting Booker T.

While speaking on The Stevie Richards Show, Stevie Richards called out Swerve Strickland for saying “F*** Booker T” after AEW Dynasty, saying it ruined what could have been a big moment for Swerve. Stevie said this didn’t feel like something AEW usually does, but more like how wrestling is nowadays. He felt that if you’re going to speak after a match, it should be about the match, the show, and the fans.

Stevie said that Swerve should have thanked the crowd and said something positive, like how he’s going to keep fighting to win the AEW World Title, no matter who he has to face. Or he could’ve said how much he loves being part of AEW and connecting with the fans, maybe even saying he’d sign autographs after the show. Even if that sounds cheesy, it would have been honest and meaningful.

“This doesn’t really feel like an AEW thing specifically—it’s more a reflection of this current era of wrestling. But if you’re going to talk, stick to talking about the performance, the match, the show. The last thing you should do is thank everybody for coming out. Say something like, ‘Stick with me. I’m going to win the AEW World Title. If I’ve got to go through the Young Bucks, the Death Riders, or anybody else, I’ll do it—for each and every one of you.’ You know, a feel-good, go-home speech for the fans. Or say something like, ‘This is why I love AEW. I get to be in the ring, interact with you. The fans matter. In fact, I’m going out there now to sign autographs for everyone, because I love the AEW fans, and I love AEW.’ Yeah, it’s cheesy—but at least it’s honest. It was a missed opportunity.”

Instead, Swerve ended his speech by randomly insulting Booker T, someone who isn’t part of AEW, isn’t involved in a storyline, and won’t be part of any future feud. Stevie Richards said this kind of comment doesn’t help Swerve or AEW. It doesn’t move any story forward and doesn’t help him bounce back from losing. Even if it was meant as a joke, it could be seen as disrespectful, especially since Booker T takes pride in his career.

“To turn around and basically say, ‘Hey, thanks for spending three hours or however long watching this and spending your money,’ without actually saying it—and instead, you go, ‘I’m in the ring, blah blah blah… by the way, F this guy who has nothing to do with this company—bye.’ What?

That’s not personal. Speaking of personal—this isn’t about taking a shot at Swerve as a person. But it is about Swerve thinking, ‘If I say this personal thing that has nothing to do with wrestling—or with this company or this show—it’ll get a reaction.’

Like, if I went out there and said, ‘F Booker T,’ would that pop someone? Sure. But Booker T doesn’t work for AEW. There’s no angle, there’s no payoff, there’s no future storyline. It doesn’t move business forward. It doesn’t help Swerve bounce back from a loss. It just doesn’t make sense.

Even if he meant it as a joke, it could come off as disrespectful to someone like Booker T—who has a lot of pride. And that’s not the kind of guy you want to disrespect.”

In the end, Richards advised Swerve to focus on the business, his character, his current storyline, and most importantly, the fans. Taking unnecessary shots at legends like Booker T could alienate fans who might otherwise support both men. If they feel disrespected or forced to choose, they might stop supporting Swerve entirely.

“So I don’t get it. I’d just tell Swerve this—talk about the business. Talk about your gimmick. Talk about your angle. Talk about AEW. And most importantly, put the fans over. Don’t alienate people who might be fans of both you and Booker T. Because if they like Booker T just a little bit more, now they’re not your fan anymore. And they’re not going to spend their time, money, or energy supporting you.”

Booker T didn’t stay quiet after what Swerve Strickland said. He made it clear that he wasn’t bothered by Swerve using the f-bomb on him, but he also said he’s done praising Swerve and won’t let their personal issues affect his job anymore. Regardless, fans wonder whether their beef will end soon enough, as many feel it has gone on for too long.