The "Big Pressure" era is in the rearview mirror as

For years, the entrance of Swerve Strickland was synonymous with one thing: "Big Pressure." The infectious track, a collaboration with his long-time friend and artist Flash Garments, became the anthem for Swerve’s rise from a promising newcomer to the AEW World Champion. However, since Swerve’s return from knee surgery in late 2025, the vibe has shifted. With a brand-new theme song and a "Final Boss" attitude, fans are asking: What happened to the duo that seemed inseparable?

​When Swerve walked out for his big return, the familiar bass of Flash Garments was gone. In its place was "Hit Different," a gritty, prestige track featuring Wu-Tang Clan legend Raekwon. While fans were shocked to see the partnership end, Swerve says the change was strictly about the evolution of his character. Speaking on the new direction, Swerve told Fightful:

"Big Pressure was created before I even set foot in AEW and before I knew what the future would hold for my character. Hit Different was created after my character has been established and was made to reflect that. I understand that people get used to entrance music and will often reject any change, but I believe in continually evolving and keeping things fresh. Plus, who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to make new music with a hip hop legend like Raekwon!"

Despite Swerve’s professional explanation, the wrestling community has been digging deeper for signs of a personal rift. While neither man has released an official statement confirming a falling out, the digital evidence is hard to ignore. Observant fans quickly noticed that Swerve and Flash Garments no longer follow each other on Instagram. In the modern era, an "unfollow" between two people who were once best friends is often seen as the first sign of a cooled relationship.

This tension was further fueled by a cryptic post from Flash Garments, who shared a message stating,

"Loyalty isn't just a word, it's a lifestyle. Some people change when the lights get brighter,"

leading many to believe he was taking a direct shot at his former collaborator.

​This is especially notable given their deep history together, which was even documented in a film directed by the Lucas Brothers. By bringing in a hip-hop heavy-hitter like Raekwon, Swerve is signaling to the wrestling world that he has moved into a different tier of his career.

He explicitly mentioned that the new track was a chance to work with a "hip hop legend," which some see as a subtle pivot away from his previous creative partnerships. Whether this is a simple case of professional growth or a genuine personal dispute, Swerve continues to frame the shift as a logical progression for his persona. For now, the "Big Pressure" era is in the rearview mirror as Swerve marches toward the future with a new beat and a new attitude.

Kimster AFW