Swerve Strickland recovering from torn meniscus, return expected soon

Swerve Strickland, a former AEW World Champion, is recovering from surgery for a torn meniscus and is expected to return to the ring sooner rather than later, AEW president Tony Khan said during a media call ahead of the WrestleDream pay per view. Strickland has been out of action since late August, when he lost to Kazuchika Okada at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event and was removed from television after a postmatch assault that targeted his knee.

Strickland underwent surgery in August to repair the torn meniscus, and Khan said AEW is monitoring his recovery closely. I definitely think Swerve will be back long before Kota Ibushi, Khan said, adding that Strickland is not facing a long term outlook. I think he is on a good pace and Swerve will be back sooner rather than later, Khan said, while cautioning that he is not a doctor and cannot give an exact timetable. Khan also contrasted Strickland's recovery with that of Kota Ibushi, who suffered a separate injury and is expected to be out longer.

The injury removed one of AEW's principal performers from the company’s main event picture at a time when the promotion is short on established headliners. Strickland, 35, rose to...