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Hit Row was an American professional wrestling stable consisting of Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, and manager B-Fab. They performed in WWE on the NXT and SmackDown brands. After their release from WWE in November 2021, they have worked the independent circuit under the name The HitMakerZ. In August 2022, the stable returned to WWE without Scott. Top Dolla was released from the group in September 2023 due to roster cuts. In February 2024, B-Fab aligned herself with Bobby Lashley's new stable The Pride, and Ashante was announced to be forming a new tag team with Cedric Alexander, privately disbanding Hit Row.

Key Information

History

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WWE (2020-2021)

[edit]

NXT (2020–2021)

[edit]

In October 2020 at TakeOver 31, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott faced Santos Escobar for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship and during the match, Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza attempted to interfere on Escobar's behalf but were thwarted off by Ashante "Thee" Adonis, who entered to save Scott. However, Scott ultimately lost the match against Escobar.[1] In January 2021, Scott was paired up with Jake Atlas to compete in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament.[2] They were eliminated in the first round by eventual winners MSK (Wes Lee and Nash Carter) and following the match proceeded to argue.[3] On the February 17 episode of NXT, Scott attacked Leon Ruff after losing a match against him, turning heel in the process.[4]

Scott and Ruff continued to feud with it culminating on the May 4, 2021 episode of NXT where Scott defeated Ruff following interference from a debuting A. J. Francis. Following the match, Scott and Francis were joined by Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and Briana Brandy.[5] The following week, Francis and Brandy were introduced as Top Dolla and B-Fab, respectively, and the group were named Hit Row. On the May 18 episode of NXT, Adonis and Top Dolla debuted as a tag team and defeated Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese.

On the June 29 episode of NXT, Scott defeated Bronson Reed to capture the NXT North American Championship, giving the stable their first title. They wrestled only four more matches, sometime after the group was drafted to the SmackDown brand where Adonis showed his final appearance on the NXT brand alongside Hit Row as the show was transformed into the new NXT 2.0. Their final match was held on the August 24 episode of NXT 2.0, losing a six-man tag match to Legado Del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza & Santos Escobar)[6] while B-Fab feuded on and off again in the ring with Elektra Lopez, who was the opposing team's female valet and manager as B-Fab was to Hit Row.[7]

SmackDown (2021)

[edit]

On October 1, 2021, Hit Row was called up to the main roster and drafted to SmackDown. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Top Dolla wrestled their main roster debut tag team match against two local competitors while Adonis and B-Fab managed the two in their corner on the October 22 episode of SmackDown.[8] Despite the stable being drafted to SmackDown as part of the 2021 WWE Draft,[9] B-Fab was released on November 4,[10] while Adonis, Top Dolla, and Scott were released 15 days later as part of a seventh round of layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic that involved administrative staff, plant and talents.[11][12]

Independent circuit (2022)

[edit]

After three months of inactivity following the WWE releases, Hit Row reunited at the MCW Pro Wrestling Spring Fever show under the name the HitMakerZ on March 19, 2022 in Parkville, Maryland, minus Scott, who had signed with All Elite Wrestling. On August 6, Top Dolla made his return to Coastal Championship Wrestling in Hialeah, Florida, under the ring name FRAN¢; attacking Cha Cha Charlie in the main event of Bash At The Brew 19.[13]

Return to WWE (2022–2024)

[edit]

On the August 12, 2022 episode of SmackDown, Hit Row made their unannounced return without Scott as faces, where Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis (accompanied by B-Fab) defeated two local competitors.[14] Shortly afterwards, Hit Row began a feud with Maximum Male Models (ma.çé and mån.sôör) which they defeated the latter on the September 2 edition of SmackDown.

On the December 16 episode of SmackDown, Hit Row beat The Viking Raiders and Legado Del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro) in a triple threat tag team match for an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship opportunity against The Usos.[15] On the December 23 episode of SmackDown, The Usos beat Hit Row to retain the championship.[16]

On the January 6, 2023 episode of SmackDown, Top Dolla was defeated by Ricochet in a Royal Rumble qualifying match. After the match, Hit Row attacked Ricochet.[17] B-Fab made her main roster in-ring debut at the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble match as the seventh entrant.[18][19] She was eliminated in 36 seconds by eventual winner Rhea Ripley.[20] Adonis made his singles main roster in-ring debut on the May 26 episode of SmackDown in a losing effort to Cameron Grimes.[21] On September 21, 2023, along with a host of WWE superstars, Top Dolla was released again from his WWE contract.[22]

On February 2, 2024, it was revealed that B-Fab had joined Bobby Lashley's new stable The Pride. The following week, WWE announced that Ashante would be in a new tag team with Cedric Alexander, effectively ending Hit Row.[23]

Members

[edit]
* Founding member(s)
L Leader
M Manager

Former

[edit]
Member Joined Left
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott (L) May 4, 2021 * November 19, 2021
Top Dolla May 4, 2021 * September 21, 2023
B-Fab (M) May 4, 2021 * February 2, 2024
Ashante "Thee" Adonis May 4, 2021 * February 2, 2024

Timeline

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Music careers

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The members of Hit Row are all featured on the stable's WWE theme song titled "Now You Know" (later remixed as "Best of the Best”) which was released by the company on streaming services in 2021. They had also previously been involved with the music industry, recording music independently and collaborating with other artists. Briana Brandy (aka B-Fab) has released multiple songs since 2013 that have made it ITunes Apple Music.[24] Tehuti Miles also made an appearance in the music video for Dominique Danielle's 2022 song "Come Through".[25][26]

On March 6, 2023 Hit Row was once more partially fully reunited as a music video was dropped where it was musical artist Montesy featuring A. J. Francis (aka FRAN¢ / aka Top Dolla), Rich Latta, Swerve Strickland (aka Swerve The Realest / aka Isaiah "Swerve" Scott former member) & Briana Brandy (aka B-Fab) dropped a music video by the name of Price Went Up.[27][28]

On July 21, 2023 three members of Hit Row by the names of B-Fab, Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis dropped a freestyle single by the name of Barbie Barz.[29][30]

Other media

[edit]
  • Isaiah "Swerve" Scott made his video game debut in WWE 2K22 after his WWE release; this was due to Isaiah being a member of the 2020 NXT Breakout Superstars alongside Angel (formerly Angel Garza).[31]
  • Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, & B-Fab (exclusively as a manager) made their video game debut in WWE 2K23 as DLC characters in the Steiner Row Pack DLC bundle.[32]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hit Row

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hit Row was a in , active primarily on the NXT and SmackDown brands from May 2021 to early 2024, known for its hip-hop-inspired persona that incorporated segments, aesthetics, and a called Hit Row Records. The group originally consisted of leader and rapper Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, powerhouses Top Dolla () and Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and manager (Briana Brandy), who handled hype and in-ring support. The stable formed in NXT on the May 11, 2021, episode, when Top Dolla and interfered in a match to help Swerve defeat , solidifying their alliance amid Swerve's ongoing feud. and Top Dolla made their debut as part of the group on the May 18 episode of NXT, defeating and in a squash match. Hit Row quickly gained attention for their charismatic promos and cyphers, turning face on June 29, 2021, after Swerve captured the by defeating at NXT , marking the stable's first championship. On October 1, 2021, during the , Hit Row was selected for the SmackDown brand and debuted on the main roster on the episode, where Swerve and Top Dolla defeated two local competitors. However, the group's momentum stalled due to creative booking issues, and was released from her contract on November 4, 2021, followed by the other three members on November 18, 2021, as part of budget cuts related to the . In the interim, the original lineup reunited briefly on the independent circuit under the name The Hit MakerZ in early 2022, performing at events like GCW's The Collective. Hit Row reformed without Swerve—who had signed with AEW—on the August 12, 2022, episode of SmackDown, with Top Dolla, , and defeating local talent in their return match. The trio competed sporadically on SmackDown, engaging in midcard feuds and bouts, but achieved no major titles during this run. By February 2024, internal shifts dissolved the group: aligned with Bobby Lashley's stable The Pride, while transitioned to a new with . The stable's remnants further fragmented in 2025, with released from on August 10 and Top Dolla, who had left in 2023 to join TNA Wrestling (where his contract is set to expire at the end of 2025), leaving as the sole active member on SmackDown in non-Hit Row storylines.

History

Formation and NXT tenure (2020–2021)

Hit Row was formed in May 2021 on WWE's NXT brand, with "Swerve" Scott establishing himself as the leader of the hip-hop inspired . The group consisted of Scott, powerhouses Top Dolla (AJ Francis) and Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and manager (Briana Brandy), who served as the hype woman with her mic skills and occasional in-ring interference. Drawing parallels to record labels like , Hit Row blended with rap culture, featuring entrance themes, promos, and segments that emphasized swagger, street credibility, and musical flair to engage audiences. The stable made their in-ring debut on the May 18, 2021, episode of NXT, where Top Dolla and defeated and in a match, showcasing the duo's athleticism and while hyped the crowd from ringside. Building momentum, Hit Row secured another victory on June 22, 2021, as and Top Dolla beat Ever-Rise (Chase Parker and Matt Martel), further highlighting their synergy and the group's entertaining, music-infused presentation that quickly gained viral attention through rap battle segments and crowd chants. Scott's technical prowess as a singles competitor complemented the unit, leading to his win on June 29, 2021, against in a hard-fought main event, marking the stable's first title and elevating their status in NXT. Throughout mid-2021, Hit Row engaged in key feuds that solidified their heel-to-face transition, most notably against Legado Del Fantasma led by Santos Escobar. The rivalry ignited in July 2021 with confrontations, including Hit Row interrupting Legado's "Mariachi Madness" musical segment on July 20 and exchanging rhymed threats on July 27, escalating to multi-man tag matches. Notable bouts included a tag team clash on August 3 where Adonis and Top Dolla faced Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza, ending in disqualification due to interference, and a six-man tag on August 24 featuring Scott, Adonis, and Top Dolla against Escobar, Wilde, and Mendoza, which Hit Row lost amid ongoing parking lot brawls and personal attacks. These storylines emphasized internal dynamics—Scott's cunning strategy, Top Dolla's dominant slams like the Top Dolla-la, Adonis's high-flying agility, and B-Fab's verbal jabs—while their rap promos and crowd interactions built significant momentum before a pivotal shift to the main roster.

Main roster transition and initial disbandment (2021)

Following their successful tenure in NXT, where they captured multiple championships and built a strong fan following with their hip-hop inspired persona, Hit Row—consisting of "Swerve" Scott, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and —was drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the on October 1. The group's promotion to the main roster generated anticipation for their unique style to translate to the blue brand, with announcing the move during the draft broadcast. Hit Row made their SmackDown debut on the October 22, 2021, episode from , entering to a custom entrance theme and cutting a self-written promo emphasizing their rap-infused attitude and intent to dominate the division. In their first match, Scott and Top Dolla teamed up to defeat local competitors Dustin Lawyer and Daniel Williams via pinfall, showcasing their in-ring chemistry while and hyped the action from ringside. The faction's appearances remained sparse thereafter, limited primarily to a November 5 segment where they assaulted after he ridiculed their entrance routine, highlighting ongoing creative challenges in integrating the group amid SmackDown's crowded roster. The group's main roster run ended abruptly amid WWE's widespread budget cuts initiated by Vince McMahon, with B-Fab released from her contract on November 4, 2021, just weeks after the debut. The remaining members—Scott, Top Dolla, and Adonis—followed on November 18, 2021, as part of a larger wave of talent reductions that affected over 80 performers that year. Official internal communications from WWE talent relations cited financial constraints as the primary reason, compounded by the faction's minimal television exposure and inability to secure consistent booking slots. In the wake of the releases, Hit Row members voiced public disappointment over the unfulfilled promise of their main roster call-up. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott expressed particular frustration, describing the situation as an embarrassment that made him feel he had let down his family after high expectations from NXT success. Later reflections from Scott highlighted additional internal factors, including a dispute involving and unspecified backstage tensions within the group that contributed to the rapid disbandment.

Independent circuit activities (2022)

Following their release from WWE in November 2021, members of Hit Row began exploring opportunities on the independent wrestling circuit, marking a shift toward non-exclusive bookings that allowed for creative flexibility outside major promotions. In March 2022, the group achieved its first full reunion since the release at MCW Pro Wrestling's Spring Fever event on March 19 in Parkville, Maryland, where all four members—Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, AJ Francis (Top Dolla), Tehuti Miles (Ashante "Thee" Adonis), and Briana Brandy (B-Fab)—appeared together under the name The HitMakerZ. During the show, Top Dolla and Adonis teamed up to defeat Clay Jacobs and Boom Hayden in a tag team match, with B-Fab and Swerve providing ringside support to emphasize the group's signature hip-hop persona through entrance theatrics and post-match interactions. This reunion was short-lived as a complete unit, however, due to Swerve's burgeoning interest from (AEW), where he had signed a contract earlier that month and debuted at the pay-per-view on March 6, 2022. Partial reunions followed, with Top Dolla, , and continuing to appear together at multi-promotion events while Swerve pursued his solo trajectory. A notable instance occurred on April 1, 2022, at GCW's For The Culture event in , —part of the broader GCW The Collective weekend during —as Top Dolla and challenged for the GCW World Tag Team Championship. Accompanied by , the duo faced Shane Taylor Promotions (O'Shay Edwards and Moses) but lost via pinfall after a competitive bout that highlighted Top Dolla's maneuvers and Adonis's agile offense against indie competitors. Throughout 2022, individual and partial group activities emphasized Adonis's singles bouts against various indie talents, often showcasing his charismatic work, while Top Dolla focused on high-impact tag and showcase matches to demonstrate his athleticism despite his size. B-Fab's involvement remained limited to managerial roles, primarily as a hyping the team during entrances and interferences, without in-ring competition. These efforts were hampered by logistical challenges, including separate contracts for each member and Swerve's rapid rise in AEW, which prevented sustained full-group bookings and shifted focus to ad-hoc partial reunions at select indie shows.

WWE returns and final disbandment (2022–2025)

In August 2022, following their release in late 2021, Top Dolla (AJ Francis), Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and re-signed with and returned to the SmackDown brand as the core of Hit Row, without former leader "Swerve" Scott, who had departed for earlier that year. The trio debuted on the August 12 episode of SmackDown, defeating enhancement talent Brendon Scott and Trevor Irvin in a squash match, signaling a fresh start under the new creative direction led by . This return marked the absence of a full group reunion, as Scott—repackaged and thriving as in AEW—remained outside , focusing on his solo career and eventual world championship pursuits there. The reconstituted Hit Row engaged in a tag team run on SmackDown throughout late 2022 and into 2023, with Top Dolla and Adonis competing as a unit while B-Fab served primarily as their valet and hype woman. Notable highlights included their victory in a triple threat tag team match against The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) and Legado del Fantasma (Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde) on the December 16, 2022, episode of SmackDown, showcasing their athletic synergy and crowd appeal. However, momentum waned as Top Dolla was released from WWE on September 21, 2023, amid a broader talent cut, effectively signaling the informal disbandment of the group by late 2023. Adonis continued tag team efforts, partnering with various competitors on SmackDown and later NXT, while B-Fab transitioned toward a more prominent role. B-Fab evolved from a managerial figure to a solo in-ring performer starting in early 2024, making her official main roster wrestling debut at the event on January 27, where she entered the women's at number seven before being eliminated by . She further expanded her presence through involvement in ID, the company's developmental program aimed at scouting and elevating independent talent, including participation in showcase events that highlighted her and wrestling skills. paired with B-Fab sporadically in non-title tag scenarios until his contract expired without renewal on August 10, 2025, leaving B-Fab as the sole remaining member without any Hit Row branding. As of November 2025, maintained an active presence, appearing in NXT segments to mentor emerging talents and on main roster SmackDown in multi-woman brawls and hype packages, positioning her as a versatile utility performer amid the group's definitive end. Her ongoing role underscored the staggered dissolution of Hit Row, with no indications of revival following the departures of her former stablemates.

Members and roles

Core members

The core members of Hit Row were Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and , who formed the stable in WWE's NXT brand in May 2021 as a hip-hop inspired group blending wrestling prowess with musical elements. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, born Stephon Strickland on September 30, 1990, served as the leader and primary rapper of Hit Row, utilizing his high-flying athleticism to deliver signature moves like the , a spinning heel kick to a seated opponent. His role emphasized charismatic promos and in-ring agility, anchoring the group's edgy, street-smart identity during their NXT tenure from 2019 to 2021. Top Dolla, whose real name is AJ Francis, born on May 7, 1990, functioned as the powerhouse enforcer, leveraging his background as a defensive lineman for teams like the and to provide brute strength in matches. He contributed to Hit Row's dynamics from 2021 to 2023. Ashante "Thee" Adonis, born Tehuti Miles on November 23, 1992, acted as the athletic midcarder, showcasing charisma through sharp promo skills that amplified the group's hype and storytelling. His versatile in-ring style supported both singles and tag bouts, maintaining Hit Row's momentum during his WWE run from 2019 to 2025. B-Fab, real name Briana Brandy, born on November 22, 1990, started as the group's manager, handling distractions, crowd engagement, and musical hype before transitioning into an active wrestler role. Her contributions focused on enhancing the stable's entertainment value, with her WWE involvement spanning from 2020 to the present on the SmackDown brand.

Additional and former members

Throughout its run, Hit Row did not feature any formal additional members or replacements, maintaining a stable core lineup of four that emphasized group cohesion without transient additions. Occasional allies, such as "Swerve" Scott's prior NXT competitors, were not integrated into the stable as associates. Swerve Scott departed from Hit Row following the group's 2021 WWE release, opting not to rejoin upon the others' 2022 return and instead signing with in March 2022. This made him the primary former member who left mid-run, as briefly reformed without him before its eventual disbandment. The stable disbanded by 2025 due to internal shifts and individual career paths. Top Dolla (AJ Francis) was released from in September 2023 and subsequently competed on the independent circuit, re-signing with TNA Wrestling in December 2024 as a main event talent. Ashante "Thee" Adonis departed in August 2025 upon contract expiration, marking his second exit after the initial 2021 release and entering free agency. (Briana Brandy) remains signed to , actively competing on SmackDown as of November 2025, though her involvement in other factions like The Pride has solidified the end of Hit Row activities.

Wrestling career highlights

Signature moves and style

Hit Row's in-ring style drew heavily from street-fight influences, incorporating hip-hop elements such as rhythmic rap entrances, synchronized taunts, and dynamic multi-man sequences that emphasized group synergy over individual spotlights. This approach created a high-energy atmosphere, blending athleticism with cultural flair to engage audiences through coordinated offense and opportunistic plays. The stable's presentation highlighted a diverse skill set among its core members: Swerve Strickland's technical precision and aerial capabilities as an and high flyer, Top Dolla's as a powerhouse brawler, Ashante Adonis's agile speed for quick strikes, and B-Fab's ringside interference to disrupt opponents and maintain momentum. Key signature moves defined the group's offensive arsenal, often setting up their collaborative finishes. Strickland frequently utilized the , a leaping heel kick targeting the opponent's head or chest for a stunning impact. Top Dolla and executed the Heavy Hitter as a team finisher, with Top Dolla lifting the opponent for a setup and delivering a stomping blow to complete the devastating slam. also contributed with the , a superkick delivered with precision to stun opponents. These individual techniques fed into group-oriented maneuvers, such as multi-man dives from the top rope or apron, where members executed simultaneous aerial assaults to overwhelm multiple opponents in tag or multi-team bouts. The evolution of Hit Row's style reflected adaptations across promotions. During their NXT tenure in 2021, the group thrived on high-energy matches filled with rapid exchanges, elaborate taunts, and full utilization of their hip-hop persona to build crowd investment in feuds like the one against . Upon transitioning to the main roster in late 2021 and reuniting in 2022 without Strickland, their presentation became more restrained, with shorter TV segments limiting the elaborate multi-man offense and rap integrations in favor of streamlined tag action amid booking constraints. This shift contributed to a perceived toning down of their original NXT vibrancy, focusing more on and Top Dolla's core dynamic while B-Fab's role emphasized managerial distractions.

Championships and accomplishments

Hit Row, as a stable, did not capture any championships during its tenures in WWE, though its members pursued several titles collectively and individually. The group earned opportunities for the during their initial NXT run in 2021, including victories over teams like Ever-Rise and 205 Live competitors and to position themselves as contenders, but they never secured a successful title reign. Upon their return to the main roster in 2022, Ashante Adonis and Top Dolla continued their push, culminating in a win over and The Viking Raiders in a No. 1 Contenders' Match on the December 16, 2022, episode of SmackDown, earning a shot at the Undisputed Tag Team Championship; however, they fell short against the following week. Individually, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott achieved the stable's most notable championship success while aligned with Hit Row. On the June 29, 2021, episode of NXT, Scott defeated to win the , marking his first title and the group's first championship representation; he held the title for 105 days, defending it successfully against challengers like and JD Drake before losing it to via cash-in on October 12, 2021, following a defense against . During this reign, Hit Row celebrated the victory with a " Cypher" segment at NXT on July 6, 2021, highlighting the stable's unified support for Scott's accomplishment. Beyond title pursuits, Hit Row garnered recognition for their impact as a faction, including key victories that elevated their status, such as multiple triumphs over rival stable in tag and six-man matches throughout mid-2021, which solidified their position in NXT's tag division feuds. No further championships or major awards were attained by the group or its core members under the Hit Row banner through their final activities in 2025.

Music and entertainment pursuits

Group music releases

Hit Row's primary musical output as a group centered on their entrance themes and in-ring rap performances, which integrated hip-hop elements into their wrestling persona. The stable's debut entrance theme, "Now You Know," was produced by def rebel in collaboration with and released in June 2021 as a single featuring vocal contributions from members Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and . This track incorporated custom beats with freestyle-style verses from the group, emphasizing their confident, streetwise lyricism to hype crowd energy during NXT appearances starting in mid-2021. Upon transitioning to the main roster on SmackDown in , the theme was remixed and rebranded as "Best of the Best," retaining the core hip-hop production while updating the arrangement for a more polished sound; this version was released as a single in September 2022 by and def rebel. The remix maintained the group's featured vocals, including hooks from and rapid-fire verses from Scott, aligning with their role as 's resident rap collective. Beyond entrance music, Hit Row produced collaborative rap segments that functioned as group tracks, often performed live in-ring or recorded for broadcast. A notable example is their championship cypher celebration following Scott's win at NXT on July 6, 2021, where the group delivered a battle-style performance blending victory boasts with member-specific bars—Scott on sharp verses, on melodic hooks, and and Top Dolla adding hype ad-libs. These segments, such as the August 19, 2022, SmackDown rap confrontation with Maximum Male Models, were captured for (later Peacock) distribution, showcasing the stable's improvisational hip-hop style integrated with wrestling storylines. All group music was developed through WWE Music Group's production pipeline, with def rebel handling composition and the Hit Row members providing lyrics and vocals to ensure authenticity to their hip-hop gimmick. Several YouTube uploads of these rap promos and entrances, including backstage hype videos combining lyrics with wrestling vignettes, amassed over 1 million views collectively, contributing to the stable's viral appeal within WWE's digital content ecosystem.

Individual media appearances

Swerve Strickland has expanded his presence beyond wrestling through various media platforms since joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022. He co-hosts the Swerve City Podcast alongside hip-hop artist Monteasy, featuring interviews with wrestling figures such as Adam Copeland in April 2024 and Will Ospreay in May 2024, with episodes continuing into 2025 to discuss topics ranging from career insights to entertainment trends. Additionally, Strickland has guested on AEW's official AEW Unrestricted podcast, including an August 2022 episode where he reflected on his tag team success, with subsequent appearances highlighting his evolving role in the promotion post-2023. In acting, he portrayed Ray in the 2023 short film You Promised, part of the anthology Night of the Missing, marking an early foray into independent cinema. AJ Francis, known as Top Dolla, has leveraged his background for media opportunities outside wrestling. Drawing from his time as a defensive lineman for teams like the (2013–2015), he has appeared on NFL Network's , contributing football analysis and personality segments. Briana Brandy, performing as B-Fab, has cultivated a significant influencer profile on social media, particularly , where she shares modeling content, lifestyle posts, and WWE-related updates, amassing over 300,000 followers by late 2025 to engage fans beyond her in-ring role.

Legacy and impact

Hit Row is remembered for pioneering a hip-hop-infused aesthetic in , blending promos, , and releases to appeal to younger audiences and integrate into programming. The group's charismatic presentation and genuine musical talents influenced subsequent factions by emphasizing creative mic work and group chemistry, though their potential was often hampered by booking inconsistencies. Post-disbandment, members achieved notable success elsewhere: Isaiah "Swerve" Strickland became a top star in (AEW), capturing the in 2024. Top Dolla (A.J. Francis) transitioned to TNA Wrestling in 2024 after another release, while B-Fab remained with , aligning with other storylines as of November 2025. Ashante "Thee" Adonis was released from in August 2025. The stable's brief runs highlighted WWE's challenges with non-traditional gimmicks but underscored the viability of hip-hop crossovers in the industry.

References

  1. https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-hit-row-stable-facts-trivia-things-to-know/
  2. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/who-members-wwe-s-hit-row
  3. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/05/22/hit-row-records-nxt/
  4. https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/hit-row-make-return-on-wwe-smackdown/
  5. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-hit-row-reunite-following-wwe-release
  6. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2021/11/19/wwe-releases-hit-row-others-as-cuts-swell-to-over-80-superstars/
  7. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1850656/every-wwe-star-departure-in-2025/
  8. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/wwe-superstar-announces-departure-after-contract-expires
  9. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/top-dolla-released-wwe/
  10. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/former-wwe-stars-tna-wrestling-deal-expiring-soon-11055154
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgtmdaeklg
  12. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2941525-wwe-nxt-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-may-18
  13. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/wwe/nxt-2021
  14. https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2021-06-29
  15. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-crashes-legado-del-fantasma-s-mariachi-madness-musical-wwe-nxt-july-20-2021
  16. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-drop-rhymes-in-message-for-legado-del-fantasma-and-imperium-july-27-2021
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijOvfdBVUdI
  18. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-vs-legado-del-fantasma-wwe-nxt-aug-24-2021/1000
  19. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/10/01/hit-row-drafted-to-smackdown/
  20. https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/10/1/22705142/wwe-draft-2021-results-round-three-hit-row-smackdown-happy-corbin-rhea-ripley-nikki-ash-bearcat-lee
  21. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-debuts-on-smackdown-against-dustin-lawyer-daniel-williams-smackdown-oct-22-2021
  22. https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/11/04/ember-moon-franky-monet-b-fab-oney-lorcan-gran-metalik-released-by-wwe/
  23. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/hit-row-s-isiah-scott-top-dolla-and-ashante-adonis-released-wwe
  24. https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/12/16/22839863/isaiah-swerve-scott-hit-row-wwe-release-reaction-response-upset-roster-cut
  25. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1830419/swerve-strickland-discusses-factors-leading-hit-rows-release-wwe/
  26. https://www.ringsidenews.com/hit-row-reunites-indie-wrestling-event-wwe-release/
  27. https://411mania.com/wrestling/hit-row-reunites-mcw-pro-wrestling-spring-fever-clip/
  28. https://www.mcwprowrestling.com/march-19-parkville-springfever-event-results
  29. https://cultaholic.com/posts/shane-sw3rve-strickland-debuts-at-aew-revolution
  30. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2022/03/30/gcw-for-the-culture-dallas/
  31. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/b-fab/
  32. https://whatculture.com/wwe/former-hit-row-members-reuniting-in-gcw
  33. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2022/08/12/wwe-smackdown-results-hit-row-returns-on-august-12-2022/
  34. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/swerve-strickland-looks-back-wwe-release-says-member-hit-row-upset-somebody-back/
  35. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/top-dolla-released-wwe
  36. https://wrestlingheadlines.com/backstage-update-on-b-fabs-push-in-wwe-first-ever-wwe-id-showcase-match-set/
  37. https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/08/10/ashante-thee-adonis-says-he-has-parted-ways-with-wwe/
  38. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1nxhppy/post_wwe_smackdown_discussion_thread_october_3rd/
  39. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1937399/details-ashante-thee-adonis-wwe-departure/
  40. https://itrwrestling.com/bio/swerve-strickland/
  41. https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2020-04-15/article/akira-tozawa-def-isaiah-swerve-scott-in-an-nxt-interim-cruiserweight
  42. https://www.thesportster.com/swerve-strickland/
  43. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=37122
  44. https://www.miamidolphins.com/podcasts/a-j-francis-top-dolla
  45. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/aj-francis
  46. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/tehuti-miles
  47. https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/ashante-thee-adonis-tna-wrestling/
  48. https://www.thesportsdb.com/player/34232640-b-fab
  49. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/briana-brandy
  50. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/swerve-strickland-says-didn-t-221500951.html
  51. https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/swerve-strickland-says-a-member-of-hit-row-upset-somebody-in-the-back/
  52. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-francis-explains-how-he-got-top-dolla-name-accident-wwe/
  53. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/12/31/24333067/top-dolla-aj-francis-re-signs-tna-wrestling-rebuilding-image-wwe-run
  54. https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/ashante-thee-adonis-wwe-contract-expired/
  55. https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2025-11-14/b-fab-jade-cargill
  56. https://www.thesportster.com/nxt-hit-row-missed-opportunity-wwe/
  57. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=12703
  58. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=23822
  59. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=21800
  60. https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/swerve-strickland-finisher
  61. https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2022-08-12/article/smackdown-results-aug-12-2022
  62. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Ashante_Adonis
  63. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=2935
  64. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-vs-tony-nese-ariya-daivari-wwe-nxt-may-18-2021
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsfshxLO9hk
  66. https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/results-0
  67. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-vs-legado-del-fantasma-vs-the-viking-raiders-no-1-contenders-triple-threat-tag-team-match-smackdown-dec-16-2022
  68. https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/nxt-north-american-championship
  69. https://www.wwe.com/videos/bronson-reed-vs-isaiah-swerve-scott-nxt-north-american-title-match-wwe-nxt-june-29-2021
  70. https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23110281/wwe-nxt-north-american-championship-history
  71. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-s-nxt-north-american-title-cypher-celebration-nxt-great-american-bash-july-6-2021
  72. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hit-row-vs-legado-del-fantasma-wwe-nxt-august-3-2021
  73. https://open.spotify.com/track/2okO14IhzIspgEU4kXt1FR
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goAB26Tha7A
  75. https://music.apple.com/us/album/wwe-best-of-the-best-hit-row-single/1644173339
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlOrwW3Cits
  77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNjwuHdio4o
  78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAM4rB3bNUk
  79. https://open.spotify.com/album/4SK10A3dgZCXDv8GwCU427
  80. https://www.reddit.com/r/Wrasslin/comments/14w6ucr/hit_row_video_breaks_1_million_views_wwes_youtube/
  81. https://open.spotify.com/show/1OC2Xaeyib94haEvhu4ynv
  82. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swerve-city-podcast/id1729071999
  83. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swerve-strickland/id1499587701?i=1000575740526
  84. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4918631/
  85. https://www.nfl.com/videos/nate-burleson-and-a-j-francis-show-off-freestyle-rap-skills-426961
  86. https://www.instagram.com/briana_brandy/?hl=en
  87. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2945657-why-wwes-moves-to-embrace-hip-hop-culture-are-refreshing-and-exciting
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