Swerve Strickland and Booker T Continue Wrestling Feud with Trademark Tease

The ongoing tension between Swerve Strickland and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T continues, escalating with a recent exchange sparked by comments on rising WWE star Je’Von Evans. Strickland responded to Booker T’s critique with a hint at legally protecting the phrase “bad habits,” further fueling their long-standing rivalry.

Booker T’s Initial Comments

During the February 17, 2026, episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T discussed Je’Von Evans and generational influence in wrestling. He suggested that Evans, having likely grown up watching wrestlers like Swerve Strickland, should work to eliminate “those bad habits.” Ringside News reported on the exchange.

Swerve Strickland’s Response

Strickland didn’t launch a direct verbal attack. Instead, he quote-tweeted the story about Booker T’s comments, adding “(Trademarks ‘BAD HABITS’).” Prowrestlingnewshub.com highlighted this response, suggesting Strickland may be exploring legal protection of the phrase.

Branding and a Reebok Collaboration

Strickland also leveraged the situation to promote his collaboration with Reebok, showcasing his Answer 3 “Swerve” sneakers. When a fan joked about how many pairs of shoes Strickland wore while “tap dancing” for WWE, Strickland replied, “If he needs a new pair he can borrow mine.” SEScoops detailed this response, noting it mocks the narrative often directed at Black wrestlers while highlighting his mainstream success.

A History of Conflict

The animosity between Strickland and Booker T dates back to AEW Dynasty 2025, when Strickland publicly criticized Booker T with an expletive-filled rant. Ringside News reported that Booker T called the moment unprofessional and said it overshadowed the pay-per-view.

Prior to the incident at AEW Dynasty, Strickland questioned Booker T’s defense of WWE’s treatment of Black talent during a VladTV interview, citing instances of racial insensitivity. Booker T responded on his podcast, expressing disappointment and stating he had personally addressed the comments with Strickland.

Ongoing Tension

The exchange underscores the continuing friction between the two wrestling personalities, with Strickland consistently responding to Booker T’s criticisms with pointed remarks and strategic self-promotion.