Swerve Strickland says he isn't chasing a dream match with AJ Styles, and insists the shoe is on the other foot.
Speaking at the For The Love of Wrestling convention in Manchester on February 23, 2026, Strickland made clear that his continued rise in AEW has flipped the dynamic when it comes to marquee matchups.
At this point, I think I'm becoming something that AJ Styles wants to compete against instead," Strickland said.
"I'm pushing myself to be at the top of this game. So I'm not chasing after anybody's matches. I want those matches to chase after me now.
A Generation Built on AJ's Blueprint
Strickland acknowledged Styles' enormous influence on the generation of wrestlers now headlining major promotions, listing Will Ospreay, Seth Rollins, Mike Bailey, and himself among those who studied Styles' work.
AJ's earned more than enough in his career to walk away from it — or continue on and do something different and unique with the generation of guys that he's curated and kind of spawned," Swerve said.
"Ospreay's always been on record saying how AJ influenced him. Even Seth Rollins, myself, the Mike Baileys — so many of us have all kind of watched and studied AJ.
Despite that reverence, Strickland made it clear the invitation is open rather than urgent. He described Styles as "more than capable" and noted he appears to be in strong physical and mental condition — but left the decision entirely in Styles' hands.
If he wants to take a chance and come over to AEW — we're all here, open, waiting if he decides to make that jump," he said.
Context: AJ Styles' WWE Future in Question
Styles' career was put on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in January 2026. He lost the match, leaving his future with WWE uncertain. Styles notably kept his gloves on after the loss rather than leaving them in the ring, fueling speculation about what comes next.
Whether that next chapter includes AEW remains to be seen, but Strickland made clear that whenever the time comes, AEW's locker room - and Swerve himself - will be ready.
A tribute for AJ Styles is scheduled for tonight's episode of WWE Raw from Atlanta, Georgia.
