AEW star HOOK has ended months of speculation regarding his absence from the ring, confirming that he is currently recovering from a concussion. The confirmation clarifies the nature of the physical issue that has sidelined him since April 2025.
During an appearance on Wrestling Observer Live, HOOK addressed his status and his eventual return to AEW programming.
“Yeah, yeah (I’ll be back in AEW soon). I’m recovering from a concussion for those who don’t know but yeah, I’ve been out for a while and I should be back soon, for sure,” HOOK stated.
Concern for the wrestler’s condition began following the April 9 episode of Dynamite. After teaming with Samoa Joe to defeat Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta, HOOK was observed vomiting in the ring during a post-match brawl. This incident immediately led to speculation that he had sustained a head injury.
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In the weeks that followed, conflicting information emerged about his health. Initial backstage reports in mid-April indicated that while HOOK was unwell, he had not suffered a concussion. Despite this, he was removed from a scheduled AEW World Trios Championship match the following week. His absence on-air was attributed to a storyline attack by The Death Riders, while the backstage reason was cited as a “real physical issue.” Powerhouse Hobbs served as his replacement in the title match.
After being off television for several weeks, HOOK made a brief, non-physical appearance at the Double or Nothing event in May. He assisted his partners in The Opps during the Anarchy in the Arena match, an action that fueled further discussion about his recovery status before this week’s confirmation.
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