Forgotten AEW Star Cleared To Return; Reason For Delay Confirmed

An injured AEW star has been cleared to return to the ring.

Wardlow has been out of action since challenging Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship on the March 13, 2024, edition of Dynamite.

It was subsequently claimed that Wardlow had suffered a knee injury, but details remained thin on the ground. The star’s lengthy absence has led to speculation among fans that he could be set to leave the company. Speculation that only increased further when it was revealed that Wardlow filed a trademark for his ring name.

Wardlow’s AEW Return Delayed After Meeting With Tony Khan

A new report from Fightful Select has now offered some key updates on Wardlow’s status, including the nature of his mysterious injury and why he’s remained out of action despite being cleared to wrestle.

As noted in the report, the former TNT Champion sustained a labrum injury in Spring 2024 before being involved in a car accident during his hiatus. While the accident didn’t cause the injury, it did make it worse.

In early 2025, Wardlow landed a “very appropriate and special” TV role and was subsequently cleared to return. However, following a meeting with Tony Khan, it was decided that the star would remain off AEW television as it made little sense for him to make his comeback, only to quickly take another hiatus.

Wardlow has a “significant” amount of time left on his AEW contract and won’t be leaving the company any time soon.