AEW Star Finally Returns To In-Ring Action After 7 Months

An AEW wrestler who had been injured since July 2025 has made their in-ring return.

During the February 21 taping of Ring of Honor, Nick Wayne successfully defended his ROH World Television Championship in a Proving Ground bout against Lucas Riley.

Wayne’s appearance marked the end of his injury period, which began after his July 31 ROH title defense against Willie Mack.

After turning on Christian Cage following All In: Texas, Wayne turned on him, thus signaling the end of The Patriarchy faction. It was subsequently renamed ‘The Matriarchy.’

The 20-year-old wrestler was scheduled to take on Cage and Adam Copeland by teaming up with Kip Sabian at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. However, due to a foot injury, he was unable to and was replaced by Killswitch (Luchasaurus).

The original reports claimed that Wayne’s injury would keep him away for six weeks, but his swelling did not subside, causing a further delay.

Nick Wayne finally returned to ROH as the reigning World Television Champion… during tonight’s TV tapings in California. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2ZY9b26ceK

— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) February 22, 2026

Thunder Rosa Competes In AEW After Being Sidelined For Several Months

Like Nick Wayne, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa competed in her first match since July last year.

Rosa first appeared on Dynamite, where she called out the current champion, Thekla. As a result, a match was finalized between her and Thekla’s Triangle of Madness stablemate Julia Hart for Collision on Saturday.

The 39-year-old star showed no signs of ring rust and managed to secure a hard-earned victory by hitting her Fire Thunder Driver finisher on Hart.

After the match, Hart tried to attack Rosa, an attempt which was thwarted by Kris Statlander.