AEW star Swerve Strickland is mourning the loss of one of the people who helped launch his professional wrestling career.
Strickland took to social media on Friday to announce the passing of Ron “The Pharaoh” Cromartie, his original trainer at the Ground Xero Wrestling Academy. Cromartie was a longtime figure on the Virginia wrestling scene, working as a wrestler, promoter and trainer.
“R.I.P. Ron ‘The Pharaoh’ Cromartie,” Strickland wrote. “My original trainer passed over this past week. I just wanted everyone to know he was a great human and loved pro wrestling. He will be incredibly missed. I hope I made you proud.”
Cromartie had previously made it clear that he was proud of what Strickland went on to accomplish in the wrestling business.
Following Strickland’s AEW World Championship victory in April 2024, Cromartie celebrated his former student’s achievement with a message on Facebook.
“All things right, as they should be. The universe is in perfect balance,” Cromartie wrote. “Proud of you, kid. #SwerveStrickland”
Strickland became AEW World Champion by defeating Samoa Joe at Dynasty in April 2024, marking the biggest championship victory of his career.
R.I.P. Ron "The Pharaoh" Cromartie
My original trainer passed over this past week. I just wanted everyone to know he was a great human and loved pro wrestling. He will be incredibly missed. I hope I made you proud 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ajhHXfvb1q
— Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) August 21, 2026
