# Swerve Strickland On Kofi Kingston Release, AEW Rise, & Music Moves

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/tmz-live-6575773/swerve-strickland-on-kofi-kingston-release-aew-rise-music-moves
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/tmz-live-6575773/swerve-strickland-on-kofi-kingston-release-aew-rise-music-moves.md
Podcast: [TMZ Live](https://stenobird.com/podcast/tmz-live-6575773)
Published: 2026-05-09T17:43:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM2491179989.mp3?updated=1778401087
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM2491179989.mp3?updated=1778401087
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/tmz-live-6575773/episodes/swerve-strickland-on-kofi-kingston-release-aew-rise-music-moves
Duration seconds: 3008

## Resource

AEW star Swerve Strickland discusses his transition from wrestling mainstay to multi-media entertainer, including his music collaborations and film aspirations. He reflects on the influence of veterans like Kofi Kingston and his strategy for disrupting the industry status quo.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Swerve Strickland views his current career phase as a deliberate disruption of the established professional wrestling order
- Practical takeaway: Success comes from focusing on small-term goals and exercising the 'muscle of confidence' to prepare for major opportunities
- Failure mode: Avoiding the trap of seeking overnight success by prioritizing long-term craft and studying the nuances of masters like Jackie Chan
- Main idea: The importance of legacy, as seen in Swerve's respect for Kofi Kingston's impact on the industry
- Practical takeaway: Expanding into music and film requires a student mindset, studying camera work and choreography to find new lanes of success

## Topics

AEW, Swerve Strickland, Professional Wrestling, Hip Hop, Raekwon, Kofi Kingston, Action Cinema, Stunt Choreography, Entertainment Industry

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Hollywood Visit: Swerve Strickland stops by the TMZ studio in LA to discuss his recent activities and his approach to public appearances.
- 5:00 — Inspiration and Influences: A look at how personal background and childhood inspirations shape his professional persona and character work.
- 15:00 — Crossover Appeal: Discussing how his wrestling fame has translated to mainstream recognition through various media avenues.
- 19:00 — Music and the Raekwon Collaboration: Swerve reflects on the significance of receiving the 'stamp of approval' from hip-hop legend Raekwon.
- 23:00 — Cinematic Aspirations: Exploring interests in action franchises like John Wick and the technical art of stunt choreography.
- 30:00 — The Art of Disruption: A deep dive into the mindset of breaking established patterns to achieve higher levels of success.
- 44:00 — Building Confidence for the Main Event: Advice on using incremental goals to prepare for large-scale promotions and upcoming rivalries.

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## Transcript

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