Wardlow’s “Biggest Advocate” Predicts AEW Character Shift
One veteran is predicting big things for Wardlow.
At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, Wardlow made a shock return to action, joining forces with the Don Callis Family.
Wardlow had 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.
Matt Hardy Is A Huge Fan Of Wardlow
On the latest episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, the former AEW and current TNA star gave his thoughts on Wardlow’s surprise return to action. Hardy said he was delighted to see the star back, dubbing himself his “biggest advocate.”
“Very happy to see him. I love me some Wardlow. Wardlow, if you’re out there, man, keep killing it. Matt Hardy is your biggest advocate.”
Hardy added that although the former TNT Champion is being presented as a heel and will surely be given a big push along the way, a switch back to being a babyface feels inevitable.
“It was interesting, but it wasn’t unexpected. He’d been off TV for a while; he had done his American Gladiator stuff. Thank goodness he is someone who is a star — if you have him under contract in AEW, I’m a firm believer he should be on your TV program because he looks like a star. He resonates like a star; everything about him yells and screams star.
They brought him back starting as a heel, and he’s going to come in and probably get a pretty big push with the Don Callis Family. I’d imagine before it’s all said and done, he’ll find his way back to being a hero again. I’m glad to see him back on TV and being utilized in AEW.”
Back in June, it was reported that Wardlow had already been cleared to return to the ring for several months. However, during this period, he also landed the role in American Gladiators. As such, following a meeting with Tony Khan, it was decided to delay his AEW comeback as a return, quickly followed by another absence, made little creative sense.
Meanwhile, fellow long-time absentee Deonna Purrazzo appears to be closing on a return to AEW television. During a recent media appearance, Tony Khan revealed the truth behind the star’s AEW hiatus, but reiterated his desire to bring her back into the fold.
H/t to Fightful