AEW star Swerve Strickland recently opened up about coping with the sudden death of fellow wrestler Pac, a loss that has deeply affected fans, wrestlers, and the entire AEW community. In a conversation on “The Takedown on Sports Illustrated,” Strickland shared that openly communicating his feelings with close friends and peers has been crucial in navigating his grief. He emphasized the importance of honest dialogue over social media expressions, encouraging others to express their emotions and lean on their support networks.
Strickland recounted learning about Pac’s passing from Darby Allin, who called to confirm the news. Following that, he immediately reached out to Ricochet, a mutual friend of both himself and Pac, highlighting how the AEW locker room has relied on direct and heartfelt communication to support one another through this difficult period. The AEW family honored Pac’s legacy with a dedicated tribute episode of “AEW Dynamite” on September 30, where Strickland paid a personal homage. Additionally, Strickland and The New Level placed their AEW World Trios Championships on the mat with one of Pac’s iconic towels as a gesture celebrating the late wrestler’s historic reign with the trios titles.
Despite the sorrow, many within AEW find comfort in sharing positive memories of Pac. Strickland fondly recalled his first impression of Pac during a 2011 Dragon Gate USA event in Philadelphia, a match between Pac and Brodie Lee that left a lasting impact on him. Interestingly, Brodie Lee’s performance in that match contributed to his WWE signing, a fact Strickland later learned when he met Lee again at the WWE Performance Center. Strickland would often remind Pac of that memorable bout, and it’s clear those moments carry significant meaning for him.
Strickland also reflected on his last ring encounter with Pac at the Trios Roulette Royal during AEW All In London 2026, a cherished memory he intends to hold onto moving forward.
Please credit “The Takedown on Sports Illustrated” for the quotes used and Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take: This story highlights the profound human side of professional wrestling, reminding fighting fans that behind the spectacle are real people who form deep bonds. The way AEW’s locker room supports each other during hardship could signal a new culture of openness and mental wellness in the sport, which can only strengthen the wrestling community going forward.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
