Shane Strickland

[Grimmas]

Discuss here.

Clayton Jones said:

"When it comes to a cool babyface who simply has "it" Strickland is one of the best of his generation. More than capable as a heel as well. Extremely versatile with the styles he can work while still having his own style that's uniquely Swerve. I can't recommend his run as the Ace of DEFY highly enough."

[HeadCheese]

Someone who I think is very good but, I'm not sure who will fit on my list. I think he is cool and has great charisma with amazing act with Prince Nana. Really good presence too and good+ in-ring.

He has great perfomances specifically in the Bryan Danielson - All In match, the Adam Page feud, some stuff in CZW, Lucha Underground, and more. 

I feel like as wrestler he's hasn't reached the all time stage but, he a fixture on my wrestler of the year list and might make it there later.

Also his theme song is very catchy especially in arena.

[EnviousStupid]

Reminds me a bit of Shawn Michaels in that their offense feels very loose and fluid to the point of not looking impactful, but the execution is smooth to a degree that I don't find it a hindrance to their matches. Jumped from NXT to AEW and has made himself into one of their top stars. I still think it's too early, though the DEFY run and other indie work intrigues me. 

[DMJ]

I have him on my "bubble" list. 

On one hand, I don't know if the resume is there yet. 

On the other hand, I have guys on my list like Abdullah the Butcher, Tracey Smothers, Batista, and the Ultimate Warrior who I will readily admit are on the list due mostly to nostalgia or being "I like them because I like them!" guys. There's no science behind them or fleshed-out argument as to why they're on my list aside from rose-colored, nostalgia-fueled personal enjoyment.

So, if Swerve continues to deliver, there's a decent chance he'll make my list in 2026. He's still adding to his resume while others are not - and maybe more interestingly, my opinion on wrestlers like Edge and Moxley and Becky Lynch have diminished a bit over the past few years.