Absent AEW Star Worryingly No Closer To Return

One long-time absent AEW star is no closer to returning to the company as questions about their future continue to swirl.

Ahead of AEW Worlds End in December 2023, Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee looked set to resume their rivalry, however, the match was called off at the eleventh hour. Just hours before the event, Lee revealed that he’d been working through an injury for well over a year, and he was replaced in the match by Dustin Rhodes.

Keith Lee soon confirmed he’d be undergoing double surgeries but the exact nature of his condition has been kept under wraps. And it doesn’t look like the star will be back in the ring anytime soon.

Fightful Select has reported that after a full nine months out of action, Keith Lee is still not cleared to return to the ring. It was noted that Lee has not been seen at any TV tapings in quite some time and there are no creative plans in place for him. Lee is still an active member of the AEW roster, however, and is still under contract with the company.

When Did Keith Lee Sign With AEW?

Keith Lee debuted in AEW in February 2022 after a spell with WWE. A month later, Lee began teaming with Swerve Strickland and the pair went on to win the World Tag Team Championships.

However, after losing the gold, Lee refused to turn to the dark side with Strickland, and he was attacked by his former friend, having a cinder block broken over his chest for good measure.