AJ Francis won't be wrestling weekly.
The former Top Dolla made his name outside of wrestling before his join WWE as a football player, music maker, and host of WWE's Most Wanted Treasures. Following his release from WWE in November 2021, Francis has taken select wrestling bookings while other members of Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adnonis, B-Fab, & Swerve Strickland) have carved their own paths as well.
Appearing on the Public Enemies podcast, Francis explained why he won't be wrestling weekly.
"People think we're beefing because Swerve is doing his own thing. I will never have a problem with a black man getting his money. Ever. He wanted to do his own thing. I'm happy for him. It's clearly going well, he's flying all over the country. I don't want to do that. I don't have to do that. I don't want to go out every weekend and work wrestling. I would do that when I was in WWE, but I don't want to do that if I don't have to. If you see me at a show, you know it's because I want to be there, it's not because I have to make money. When you see me at GCW, it's because AJ Gray reached out to me and was like, 'I'm trying to get you on the show.' That's my mans. You see me at MCW, it's because when I was a kid growing up in Maryland, I would go to MCW. If you see me at another show, it's because I know somebody there and I have respect for somebody who works there. I don't feel the need to go out every weekend. The good thing is, if you just want me, I understand and that's cool, but unless you're my mans, I'm not trying to come if you're not trying to book Tehuti (Miles) and Brianna (Brandy)," said Francis.
Swerve has appeared for various independent promotions before signing with AEW at AEW Revolution.
Hit Row will reunite at MCW and be part of GCW For The Culture during WrestleMania weekend when they take on Shane Taylor Promotions. Swerve is not currently advertised to appear alongside the group at For The Culture.
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