When discussing his brief but eventful run in WWE from 2019 through 2021, AEW’s Swerve Strickland has been upfront about not seeing eye to eye with Triple H, who was then in charge of “NXT.” Though he’s stopped short of badmouthing WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Strickland has held firm that Triple H seemed to favor other talents over him, and it was only through the backing of other WWE higher ups, like Shawn Michaels, that Strickland was able to eventually get consistent screen time.

Speaking with “Kings of the Ring,” Strickland detailed his interactions with Triple H just prior to Strickland forming the stable Hit Row with B-Fab, Top Dolla, and Ashante Thee Adonis. Once again, Strickland insinuated that Triple H had been slow to do anything with him, and it was only with outside help did Strickland wind up with the group.

“Triple H, me and him were just going back and forth,” Strickland said. “He was, like, dodging me, when I was coming up with creative questions and stuff. And then, finally, I think it was like Stephanie McMahon that really, like, told me ‘He’s my favorite heel on the show.’ And then that’s where, like ‘Okay, now we’ve got to start putting some fire behind Swerve.’ 

“So they were like ‘Hey, I think we’re going to put this group behind you. How do you feel?’ I wasn’t really…I didn’t do groups at the time. I was independent, jumping from city to city, country to country to country. So running a group was just, like, not my thing. I didn’t know how to. But the group became more like, less them being backing for me. We became a gelled group, like, all four corners. And the time was good. It was fine. I wish we had more time together with it, but, you know, things happened.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Kings of the Ring” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription

John Morrison recently opened up about his role in AEW, admitting that he currently feels underutilized within the company.

Speaking during an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Morrison discussed the challenges of standing out on AEW’s large roster and the limited television time available each week.

According to Morrison, only a select group of performers consistently receive significant focus on AEW programming, something talent within the company sometimes refer to internally as being “on the island.”

“For me, right now in AEW, I feel underutilized. And (I) can’t blame anyone. It’s just how wrestling promotions work. There’s only enough TV time for a certain amount of people. And those people at AEW, we’ve coined the term ‘the island.’ Those people are on the island, so to speak. And I don’t feel like I’m on the island with Tony or AEW right now.”

Morrison explained that his current role has limited his ability to showcase his full range as both a performer and storyteller.

“Because of that, I feel like I’m doing 10, 20% of what I’m capable of, storytelling-wise, wrestling-wise, in the ring.”

He contrasted that experience with his recent work in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. Morrison noted that the partnership between AEW and CMLL has given him opportunities to perform in Mexico, where he feels he has been presented in a more prominent role.

In CMLL, Morrison said he has been able to demonstrate a much larger portion of his in-ring ability and creativity compared to what he currently shows on AEW television.

Despite his frustration, Morrison made it clear that he remains motivated and believes he can still reach the top of the industry if the opportunity arises.

The veteran star said he continues to see himself as a potential world champion in either AEW or WWE and revealed that he has kept notebooks filled with potential match ideas involving members of the AEW roster that have not yet come to fruition.

Outside of AEW television, Morrison has remained active internationally. Most recently, he competed in a high-stakes Lucha de Apuestas match against Ángel de Oro, where he lost the bout and had his head shaved as a result of the stipulation.

John Morrison Says He Feels Underutilized In AEW

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WWE is reportedly hopeful that Stone Cold Steve Austin could make a special appearance on next week’s episode of WWE RAW, 3:16.

According to comments made during a live WrestleVotes Q&A, discussions have taken place between Austin and WWE management about a possible appearance on the March 16 broadcast. The show will take place in San Antonio, Austin’s home state, and will coincide with the annual fan-celebrated “3:16 Day.”

WrestleVotes indicated that there is internal optimism within the company that the WWE Hall of Famer could appear on the program.

“We talked to a couple people over the weekend… there have been conversations that I don’t want to say WWE has invited Steve Austin to RAW next Monday night on 3:16 Day in San Antonio, Texas. But there are people who work for the company that are very hopeful Stone Cold Steve Austin will be on that Monday Night RAW just a week from tonight,” WrestleVotes said.

He also noted that such an appearance would be notable given Austin’s limited presence on WWE television in recent years.

“You see, you know what I find most interesting? This would be his first Monday Night RAW appearance since before COVID.”

WrestleVotes later added that there is what he described as a “decent shot” that Austin could appear on the broadcast.

Co-host TC also pointed out that the circumstances make the possibility particularly fitting.

“I can see it. I mean, it’s 316 Day on a Monday in San Antonio, Texas,” TC said.

WrestleVotes reiterated that WWE has at least reached out to Austin regarding the appearance.

“They’ve talked to him. That’s the basis of this bonus report.”

TC responded by noting that Austin ultimately has full control over whether he decides to appear.

“Stone Cold can do what he wants. If he wants to be there, he’ll be there. If he doesn’t want to be there, he won’t be there. So I think the overture has been extended to him.”

WrestleVotes concluded by emphasizing how the timing aligns with WWE’s current schedule.

“Well, I mean, the date, the location, it’s WrestleMania season. It all makes sense. So, really hope Austin decides to show up, take them up on their offer.”

Austin’s last in-ring match took place at WrestleMania 38, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a surprise No Holds Barred match. More recently, Austin made a brief appearance at WrestleMania 41 to announce the official attendance figure, while his classic submission match against Bret Hart from WrestleMania 13 was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE Reportedly Hoping For Stone Cold Steve Austin Appearance On 3:16 Day RAW

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