Early Career (2008–2011)
Strickland began his professional wrestling training at the age of 18, debuting in 2008 under the ring name “Killshot” in the Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW). Early on, he honed his craft in smaller independent promotions, learning the ropes and refining his high-flying, technical style. During this period, he wrestled in several regional promotions, earning recognition for his athleticism, charisma, and unique move set.
Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) (2011–2018)
Strickland’s career took a significant leap forward when he joined Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) in 2011, a promotion known for its hardcore style and physical matches. He became a top star in the company, winning the CZW Wired Championship four times, which established him as a standout talent in the independent wrestling scene.
CZW is where Strickland’s in-ring persona began to evolve, and he showcased his versatility not only in hardcore matches but also in technical and high-flying bouts. His ability to perform in a variety of match types helped him gain a larger following, and he soon became one of CZW’s most popular wrestlers.
Lucha Underground (2015–2018)
In 2015, Strickland gained broader recognition when he debuted as “Killshot” in Lucha Underground, a wrestling promotion that combined elements of traditional lucha libre with a cinematic storytelling approach. His character, Killshot, was a masked soldier who carried emotional scars from war, aligning well with his military background.
Strickland’s performances in Lucha Underground were acclaimed, especially his high-risk moves and storytelling ability. He had several notable matches, including a feud with Dante Fox, which culminated in a Hell of War Match that is still remembered as one of the most brutal and innovative matches in the promotion’s history.
Evolve Wrestling (2017–2019)
Swerve Strickland also found success in Evolve Wrestling, where he continued to gain exposure in the U.S. independent scene. He won the Evolve Championship and became a prominent figure in the promotion, having high-caliber matches against some of the top wrestlers in the industry. His work in Evolve led to increased visibility, eventually catching the attention of larger promotions like WWE.
Major League Wrestling (MLW) (2017–2019)
Strickland’s career continued to gain momentum with Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he won the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. His reign as champion and his impressive performances solidified his status as one of the top talents in the independent circuit. He worked with several top-tier wrestlers in MLW and was lauded for his technical prowess and ability to deliver compelling storylines.
WWE NXT (2019–2021)
Strickland signed with WWE in 2019, initially wrestling in the NXT brand under the name Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. His WWE tenure began with a gradual rise, but he soon found his footing and became a fan favorite. In NXT, Strickland showcased his high-energy wrestling style and unique charisma, forming alliances and engaging in feuds that allowed him to highlight his in-ring abilities.
In 2021, he formed a faction called Hit Row, a hip-hop-inspired group that included Top Dolla, Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and B-Fab. The group quickly became popular with fans due to their unique presentation and Strickland’s leadership as the standout wrestler. During this time, Strickland won the NXT North American Championship in June 2021, defeating Bronson Reed. His reign as champion further solidified his position as a top competitor in NXT.
Despite the success of Hit Row and his North American Championship win, WWE released Strickland (and the rest of the group) in November 2021, citing budget cuts. His release shocked fans, as Hit Row was one of the most promising acts in WWE at the time.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (2022–Present)
After his WWE release, Strickland quickly made his way to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), debuting at the Revolution pay-per-view in March 2022 under the name Swerve Strickland. His arrival in AEW was met with excitement from fans, as he brought with him a blend of charisma, technical prowess, and high-flying action.
Strickland quickly established himself as a major player in AEW’s roster, feuding with notable wrestlers and forming a tag team with Keith Lee. Together, they became known as Swerve In Our Glory and won the AEW World Tag Team Championship in July 2022. Their reign as tag team champions saw them successfully defend the titles in several high-profile matches, further cementing Strickland’s status as a top talent in AEW.
After their eventual split, Strickland continued his singles career in AEW, aligning with moguls and engaging in personal feuds, particularly with Keith Lee. His work in AEW showcased his ability to adapt to both singles and tag team competition, and he became known for his innovative wrestling moves and storytelling ability.
International Success and Style
In addition to his work in American promotions, Strickland has wrestled internationally, including appearances in Progress Wrestling in the UK and Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. His experience across different wrestling styles—lucha libre, hardcore, technical, and strong style—has made him one of the most versatile wrestlers in the industry.
Legacy
Swerve Strickland’s career is marked by his ability to adapt to various wrestling environments, from the hardcore matches in CZW to the high-flying style of Lucha Underground, the technical showcases in Evolve, and his mainstream success in WWE and AEW. His innovative moves, like the Swerve Stomp and House Call, have become fan favorites, and his ability to connect with the audience has made him a standout figure in the wrestling world.
Championships and Accomplishments
- CZW Wired Championship (4 times)
- MLW World Heavyweight Championship
- Evolve Championship
- NXT North American Championship
