Major Update on Former TNT Champion’s Return to AEW

Wardlow's absence from AEW since March 2024 was due to a torn labrum injury, worsened by a car accident, and a temporary role in a 2025 TV project.
He is medically cleared to return but agreed with Tony Khan to delay his comeback to avoid conflicts with external commitments, remaining under AEW contract.
No creative plans or timeline exist for his return, and he is no longer part of the Undisputed Kingdom (now Paragon).

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Fresh information clarifies the circumstances surrounding Wardlow’s months-long detachment from AEW television programming. The performer’s last in-ring appearance occurred in March 2024, a contest where he vied for the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe.

Sources indicate that Wardlow suffered an injury, understood to be a torn labrum, in the spring of 2024. His recovery period was complicated by involvement in an automobile accident, which, while not the origin of the initial injury, reportedly served to aggravate the existing labrum damage.

Further contributing to his time away from the ring, Wardlow secured what has been described by sources as a “very appropriate and special” role for a television project in early 2025. This undertaking temporarily redirected his professional focus.

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Although Wardlow has since received medical clearance to resume wrestling activities, a mutual decision was reached between him and AEW President Tony Khan to postpone his comeback. This agreement aims to prevent a scenario where a short-lived return would be prematurely interrupted by his outstanding external obligations. It is understood that Wardlow continues to be under a long-term contract with AEW and has no intentions of leaving the promotion.

His absence has now stretched beyond fourteen months, and there are currently no definitive creative outlines or an established timeframe for his reintroduction to AEW broadcasts. Wardlow was not factored into the Double or Nothing event in May 2025, and AEW has not issued any official statement regarding his potential return date or future booking direction. During his hiatus, he has also reportedly pursued projects outside of wrestling. Wardlow was sighted in Los Angeles around the time of AEW Revolution in early 2025, though this was for business unrelated to AEW, and there was no confirmation of him being backstage for the event or preparing for an imminent return.

Additionally, Wardlow is no longer affiliated with the Undisputed Kingdom, which has since reorganized as Paragon, featuring Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong.