Swerve Strickland Will Be The Next AEW Champion, Prince Nana's Dancing, Adam Page, Lucha Underground

Go to boncharge.com/CVV and use coupon code CVV to save 25% off their Infrared Sauna Blanket
Swerve Strickland (​⁠​⁠@SwerveCityPodcast) is a professional wrestler with AEW and is also known for his time in WWE's NXT and Lucha Underground. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Hollywood, CA to talk about his Texas Death Match with Adam Page at AEW Full Gear, the viral Prince Nana dance during his entrance, Swerve City Podcast, why he originally didn't like the song "Big Pressure" as his entrance theme, wanting to make history as the first black AEW World Champion, his time in Lucha Underground as Killshot, what he learning from his time in NXT, studying his matches with Shawn Michaels, how he balances music and wrestling, how he approaches wrestling like cinema and much more!
00:00 Intro
00:30 Giving enthusiasm on interviews
01:36 How did he get started with music
06:37 The interplay between music and film
10:03 How does he balance wrestling and music
11:54 Loving the grind of Los Angeles
15:20 Texas Deathmatch vs Hangman Page
16:07 His fandom of the Los Angeles Rams
18:55 Walking into a room with confidence
19:47 How has he evolved as a person and a performer
23:22 Becoming the most genuine version of himself in AEW
24:58 His entrance song becoming a meme
29:30 Having ‘Final Boss’ energy
34:36 Balancing not stepping over the line as a heel
36:08 What he learned from Shawn Michaels in NXT
41:42 His relationship with Tony Khan
42:26 Wanting to be the first black AEW Champion
48:50 Memories of his time in Lucha Underground
55:13 What are his goals for his music and podcast?
1:01:20 3 Thing Swerve Strickland is grateful for
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#aew #swervestrickland #wrestling #fullgear

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Whose house? Swerve’s house! Go to boncharge.com/CVV and use coupon code CVV to save 25% off their Infrared Sauna Blanket

[@showthemnomercy]

Chris you saved my life you have no clue the impact u have on my personal life thank you GOAT❤

[@xx1roclord3xx47]

Swerve house boii! Lol

[@Starzoh]

SWERVE'S HOUSE 🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@chrispetrelis5013]

SWERVE is an incredible wrestler/entertainer. He deserves to be the next champion, international or heavyweight title. It is time to have a black champion. He has put the work in and has won over the audience. He should win the continental classic and then meet MJF at the first pay per view of the new year. He should hold the title and face Ospreay at ALL IN

[@xx1roclord3xx47]

@@chrispetrelis5013 it’s definitely time for a black champion! And he will definitely be the next champion.

[@CHTHHA]

Not gonna lie, when Nana started dancing in his entrance a few months back, THAT was the moment I really took notice, and started to become a big fan of Swerve. Just that little change, adding a little man dancing for a couple minutes when he walked to the ring, opened my eyes to how great this wrestler actually is… Wrestling is weird sometimes.

[@SupportEachOther4ever]

do you swerve when you drive though?

[@leancarter6308]

idek what to say lol

[@Yin_Strider]

...you weren't paying attention. Became a fan while he was Killshot in Lucha Underground.

[@leancarter6308]

@@Yin_Strider yeah but everyone didn’t watch LU. (I did) been a big fan for years. but never once did I tell myself “that’s a future world champion” until his recent work the last year and a half/two years or so. he’s on fire.

[@camerongray7602]

The silliness of Nana makes swerve look 10x more serious and I think that's what is making so many people a fan of swerve

[@MJ-fp6lx]

Swerve Strickland is a ⭐ He needs an AEW title run

[@mikays7059]

Swerve world champion by 2024, watch

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

be patient he will be AEW champion sooner than later will happen at least in 2024 hes on a good roll now gotta build it up

[@lancea1202]

He will get his title run by 2024. He should.

[@pixelcrookz]

I can’t wait for it to happen! I loved him on NXT but he’s so loose on AEW more freedom it works greatly for him.

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

agreed he be AEW champion people need to be patient it'll happen soon enough I imagine he deserves it I cant wait it to happen too @@pixelcrookz

[@johnrambo6167]

Swerve seems like a really humble dude outside the ring. Inside the ring he has an aura about him thats undeniable. I can't wait for him to be champ.

[@actuallynotsteve]

Yeah, that's one of the reasons I think I'm such a fan of his A lot of AEW talent come across as entitled little bitches that deserve more than they're getting. Swerve is happy to be entertaining us and happy to be on his journey, and unless that changes, he's over with me.

[@diskeyes]

He’s said that persona is partly based on Kanye and it makes so much sense.

[@Red0bullha]

Cant wait to see him hold the AEW world championship, Im still rewatching his matches against Hangman Adam Page, CVV interviews never disappoint

[@Vman979_]

Chris has a great business mind, he jumped on getting Swerve on the channel right when his hype is at an all time high

[@micahmcleod6177]

Man, I really dig Swerve. I'm so happy that he is being featured in AEW like he is.

[@BigRig97]

Top rope, catch a vibe Catch a foot when I drive Big pressure, I apply In the ring, you won't survive Yeah, I swerve when I drive Yeah, I swerve when I drive Yeah, I swerve when I drive Dеfeating me? You lost your mind

[@andrewjustandrew]

Thank you I couldn’t figure out what the hell he was saying for years 😂

[@lookupmonctoninfo]

More and more I'm loving Swerve. I actually have been a fan for a while I just discovered. I was a huge fan of Killshot in Lucha Underground, and that was him. What a wicked talent!

[@TheMrGorman]

Not everyone knows that

[@kenarco3765]

Me too

[@skeeterpyro3748]

This dudes got the “IT” factor you don’t see much anymore.

[@_WESTSIDE_]

He gotta be the guy to beat mjf go on a nice long run then go up against ospreay 🔥🔥🔥

[@DannyGautama]

Chris, I appreciate you. One thing I admire about you is that you let others talk and you never interrupt. This makes you a phenomenal interviewer. Many cut others off, but you allow them to speak as much as they can. 💯

[@818Kira]

As an LA Native, I’m loving the love Swerve is giving to my home lol Full Gear was insane live His match with Hangman was for sure the highlight

[@RadicalDonkey]

Swerve is so brilliant. One of my favourites right now. Want to see him, Ospreay and others lead AEW into a fresh era alongside a game firing WWE.

[@TemplePlays5150]

Swerve in Lucha Underground under the Killshot name and his match against AR Fox in my opinion is the best match in that companies history and the best match of that year.

[@HMKASTheImpeccable]

Swerve deserve every title AEW has‼️💐🙌

[@arungeorge1033]

He has CHAMPION written all over him.

[@scarvello]

Swerve is definitely main event material AEW needs to make it happen sooner rather than later.

[@jalonso3060]

Swerve and Hangman's match at Full Gear was next-level. So excited to see him live tomorrow!

[@Dave_Langer]

Swerve is so great. I want to see Swerve as champ vs Ospreay at Wembley.

[@zachnotzack4]

That match would SLAP

[@brandonlink7471]

I was thinking that too.

[@Deviitt11]

that would be 🔥🔥🔥

[@thereelpineapple]

Swerve shouting out Musiq Soulchild.......god Swerve knows his shit, can't wait to see how he continues to grow as wrestler, and as a musician.

[@actuallynotsteve]

Swerve is the best in AEW right now. When I finally saw him come out looking cool as fuck while Nana dances like it's 90s TLC, it cracks me up. I'm not literally him, but the dude that had the sign that said "Prince Nana mark" could easily be me.

[@rxgomez9000]

His Texas Death Match at Full Gear with Hangman Adam Page really cemented him as a main eventor

[@thesketchpadyt]

One of my favorite wrestlers followed his career all the way from the indies

[@n.4973]

Didn’t think I could like this guy any more.. what an absolute gentleman. He’s destined for the very top!

[@ph0to.]

Swerve for sure has potential to be great in the music industry. If it's just himself or him and Monteasy as Swerve City, he's going places especially if he's only been putting out music for 4-5 years that's nuts.

[@MrXanderthegreat1]

Swerve is on 🔥 RIGHT NOW. he has to keep the momentum up. Him, Christian with his father gimmick and MJF are literally the only ones keeping aew watchable

[@chriscollins3225]

Timeless Toni Storm Samoa Joe Bullet Club Gold BlackPool Combat Club The Acclaimed Ricky Starks Bryan Danielson Daniel Garcia Don Callis Family The Elite Chris Jericho Juila Hart Skye Blue Shida Adam Cole Roderick Strong Orange Cassidy House Of Black They aren't making it watchable for you ? That's crazy

[@pro8ord]

@@chriscollins3225 don't forget to honor the House of Black

[@shadyhavok1]

​@@chriscollins3225yeah that's wild dude.

[@MrXanderthegreat1]

@@chriscollins3225 Ricky is cool and so is the acclaim so i give you that

[@Joseconcepcion-xs6dc]

Yes your right and that's enough to keep aew strong work around them guys hey sometimes only one person has it but like you said that's a good hand full ........work as a team and make aew good again

[@ahmadceasar5484]

Swerve has been one of my favorites since lucha underground and I'm glad he's getting his flowers finally

[@bencromwell707]

My Guy Swerve Another Great Interview Chris Keep The Great Work Because He's Topnotch💯👍

[@DonteCredo]

Bruhhh... when he mentioned he draws his character from Simon Phoenix from Demolition Man, IT CLICKED. Thats EXACTLY the vibe he emits in his character; a charismatic PSYCHOPATH! Thats freakin 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@machomusprime50]

S/O to Prince Nana!! The best entrance in wrestling right now!! 😂😂😂

[@lazypaladin]

Swerve has done something in Wrestling that hasn't been done since late 2010's. *_Scare me!_* He will be First African American AEW World Champion and I will Nana dance on that hill!

[@billyrouse4813]

I remember seeing Swerve in LU as Killshot and seeing him live in NXT. He’s a great athlete and a killer entertainer.

[@yourtube1424]

So much stuff I could compliment for this dude! But he’s so subtly polarising, super interesting in an always relaxed way. Dude understands anything he gets involved in to a more than qualified level wether it’s wrestling, music, sports etc and an all round great life outlook. Not to mention a great dad aswell as a top human being! We routing for the Swerve! Till the wheels fall off!

[@Yorkshirewanker]

Swerve seems a really nice genuine guy Wish him well

[@RandomEye1131]

Swerve is a made man now, he will be world champion sooner rather than later Great interview

[@Green.P3]

I got hooked on to Swerve this year during July, I was watching one of his matches on AEW and I said to myself he’s actually really good. I think he had on black and orange tight pants with a like tore ski mask.

[@Starzoh]

I been loving Swerve's work in AEW so far he's just getting started. Sooner than later he'll be feuding with MJF for the title and it will go down as an instant classic feud

[@mrnicemam8523]

He needs to be the one to dethrone him.

[@isaace9384]

Bro that deathmatch tho

[@demeyesoftheuniverse8170]

As a lifelong wrestling aficionado and a film student and movie buff, the way Swerve sees things is really refreshing

[@sirsteppa1109]

Swerve when I drive is such a great wrestler 🔥

[@Guelz312]

Definitely will be the first black AEW Champion! We need that!

[@erikbarr5666]

Hes really got sumthin special to offer as a wrestler. N that's not easy in 2023 so i have no doubt not only he will b a world champion but will stand out in his own category. Much respect n keep it up

[@jamiemixxismjohnson4193]

Swerve is that dude! Love his work a lot

[@xDanieL.A.F.x]

Swerve is so damn good. Dude is one of my favorites right now and he better get the damn belt soon!

[@user-us5lp2tm2b]

Go Swerve , my voice for next AEW champion

[@cdmnumber3fan]

Been listening to CVV on my hour-long commutes regularly and it’s always been a highlight of the work day.🎉

[@K0NVICTx]

Swerve is an incredible talent. Love everything he is doing right now. I’m also hoping for a CVV/Punk interview🤞🙏

[@rondoughhowell6442]

Well Chris probably want one as well so as many other people

[@marcsydell8391]

This guy so needs to be AEWChamp Now !! So talented, so creative, so dope !! Keep killing it Swerve

[@WilkinsMC]

Yeah I swerve when I drive Yeah I swerve when I drive Yeah I swerve when I drive

[@WilkinsMC]

Been watching wrestling since 1994. My favorite black wrestler was always Booker T, but Swerve is about to change that

[@OctopusWithNoFriends]

KIIIIIIIIIIIIIING BOOKAAAAAAH

[@GHOSTHOUSEJD]

He might be one of the best guess, y’all literally talked about everything, music, movies, wrestling. Swerve is the cultural 💯

[@kelseykjarsgaard5774]

Thats dope hes legit nfl fan. Now like him even more

[@danielmelo7146]

Criminaly underrated.

[@gino3650]

Swerve Strickland to win the Continental Classic Give us what we want

[@jl4872]

I didn't know I needed to see Swerve recount the story of demolition man

[@jameslyon710]

More Swerve! This is a great interview.

[@yourfavoritelatino8153]

HOLY, PERFECT TIMING TOO, THE GOAT CVV!!!

[@handsomehusa480]

He’s ready for a title and a baby face turn soon. Man is getting cheered and he’s a damn heel that speaks volume in wrestling! He’s putting on banger after banger and what’s even crazier it’s like expected from him and he’s delivering! All his matches if you watch your engaged he’s ready for the big push now

[@ChrisLT]

Serve rules, and his giant grey coat is bad ass. Boy, that hour flew by.

[@Alexwhatisit]

The definition of aura.

[@alexnas9634]

KILLSHOT!!! i loved this guy since lucha underground

[@AlphaRO3910]

Tony has to give this man his time as Champ. its amazing how intricate he is. and now i can understand the calmness he has in the ring

[@williamfrazier3822]

The way he beat Page twice and Jay White on Nov 29th Dynamite - That says a lot. HE IS a definite star and the more I see him the more I agree, he is definitely on a run that should have him consistently at the top. He's young enough and good enough without a doubt.

[@afonsosantos6606]

Love the way Swerve thinks about the business, proves he's a true pro and (I hope) a future world champion. Also CVV does a great interview as always

[@peterarvanitis6497]

Wrestling Music and perhaps Acting He could possibly do it all Another great interview Chris

[@thekbops]

Thank you chris for coming to Swerves house.

[@TheeDjSkeemask]

I love seeing the other side of wrestlers. Swerve seems so humble and well-spoken as opposed to his character in the ring. I've been a fan for some time now and am glad he's finally getting a good push. No mention of Athena??

[@tahsinkiraf4489]

AEW World Heavyweight Championship Jay white vs Swerve strickland vs Will osprey Triple Threat💥 Main Event All In Wembley Instant Classic🔥

[@thewatcherresurrected]

Swerve would make an excellent champion.

[@ivanbarkhuizen8539]

Haha was wondering if you were going to interview swerve one of these days, he has been phenomenal, great interview thanks cvv 👏

[@lakeshowkv51]

CVV is definitely the best interview in the business. Dare i say all time

[@Noheart.jb_]

As a black young man dats tryna figure my way into the wrestling industry Swerve is one of those guys u just look up 2 plus Ive been watching him since he was on the indies hella proud👏🏾

[@jamesmccain4748]

Love your interview with Swerve.

[@booday]

what a great interview yet again! Swerve 2024

[@justinjones3793]

I’m a big fan of swerve Strickland and I definitely dig his music and his work in the ring and I definitely dig his swag 🤙🏾🤙🏾💪🏾💪🏾💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@mrlaven5020]

Seems like just a chilled out dude and has great stories :) what a inspiration

[@theuniverse7227]

Swerve caught my eye during his rivalry with Leon in NXT. I hope he gets to do it on the biggest stage one more time before his career is over. Dude is the total package

[@GBennettFilms]

Great interview!

[@sophisticatedknuckledragge650]

Colorado Springs Loves Swerve !!!!!

[@pabloluna6796]

My 1st intro to him was Lucha Underground. Became a fan then. Hes grown alot

[@wrestlingcomicsawesomeness7056]

Swerve is one of my favorite wrestlers man i cant wait for the day that he finally has a world championship around his waist because he has busted his ass to get there and hes earned it shouts out to swerve im proud of him hoping to see him as aew world champion sooner rather than later i admire him so much and i really appreciate how open and personable he was in this interview

[@Mitzhe_88]

Loooove looove him I love his lucha work... he's definitely my cousin 😂 all in all swerve just gets better and one of my favorites. I love that he flies & analyzes :insert NANA dance:

[@juice9100]

Would love Lucha Underground back myself

[@NewportCityNightmare]

Swerve so right about the grind on social media. Keep going Chris your the best ❤

[@mancavetheater1240]

Very enlightened interview with a performer who is in my top 10👍😎🧐

[@Natefuentes]

He’s gonna be a megastar when he goes back to WWE

[@yusufgazi7]

He's actually someone i don't see going there, Which is weird because I knew Punk would come back, and I know MJF going there soon enough. We'll see though

[@itztokeyo]

​@@yusufgazi7 I don't think so either. He'd be a mid tier guy there but in AEW he has the chance to be the face, especially if MJF leaves.

[@falconesports1581]

Swerve is over like bong rips …. He’s a future AEW World Champion and he’s a future Mega star.

[@fam_man]

Swerve can honestly be aew's first mainstream star. With his musical skills, he can really be the first pro wrestler turned musical artist. If it goes well, then in about 5-6 years time, he could be up there with the likes of MGK, Post Malone, Drake and the Weeknd as one of the biggest rappers of this generation.

[@Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa669]

Chris Bey is also on the move.

[@cornelioust2165]

Jesus that's a horrible lineup of "rappers"

[@cornelioust2165]

The weekend is a singer postmalone and drake are pop

[@NIITR0NIICEA]

Bro doesn't know music at all 💀 MGK rapper? Lmao 🤣 😂

[@jeffamell3501]

Mgk? Wow lol

[@Stompylicious88]

Another banger! I can't wait for the full face turn. This guy is definite champ in 2024, noone with half a brain would dispute that, despite any booking.

[@ZushikafatoAce]

been waiting for this one

[@shanestephens4728]

I’ve followed Shane ‘Swerve’ Strickland from his days in CZW and he has grown so much as a performer that I forgot he was even IN CZW and doing deathmatches at that … until he started stapling himself and laughing and then I was like “oh shit, I almost forgot.” Swerve fucking rules; a very bright spot on a show that definitely needs them. WWE really dropped the ball with this lad.

[@GimmeAHullYeah]

Great work, man!

[@robertharrin]

Love Swerve !

[@rodneywiggs]

Oh yeah now this is going to be a banger

[@Spawn-wt6ul]

Nana dancing in Swerve’s entrance theme really turned me on to him….I know that’s weird but yeah it made me notice Swerve more. Love his song.

[@mutts.nutts1]

Such a grwat listen, followed swerve for a while on AEW and hes so convincing it what he does and seems like such a good guy

[@urielcalderon9639]

His not a high flyer but his transitions, agility selling and emotional body language is the making of a great it’s so smooth

[@Redheadkingpin27]

Full gear says it all with Hagman and swerve both deserve everything for a match that they put on incredible

[@myrahonore2656]

Been a fan of swerve happy to see him get his shine

[@joshayou]

Die-hard Hangman Page fan here; Swerve is amazing and NEEDS a championship run.

[@xianbour1006]

The only die hard "empty headed fuck" fan I've ever heard of

[@Kr4ShSkeL]

​@@xianbour1006then you never watched an AEW show because Hangman has a lot of fans. Stop getting your brain burned by cornette and cie

[@joshayou]

@@xianbour1006 Who hurt you that you feel like an opening a dialog with an insult? Where was my slight to whatever bothered you?