Wardlow’s AEW comeback is back in the spotlight after a new video aired during All Out on Saturday night.
The video promoted the three-time TNT Champion’s return during the pay-per-view at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, although no date was announced.
Wardlow last appeared on AEW television at Forbidden Door in London on August 24, 2025. Returning after more than a year away, he attacked Prince Nana and Swerve Strickland following Strickland’s defeat to AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. He then joined Don Callis and the Don Callis Family on the stage.
However, that comeback was cut short. Fightful reported that Wardlow had torn his pectoral muscle during the segment, with PWTorch subsequently confirming the injury. The injury was believed to have happened when he clotheslined Nana.
PWTorch also reported that AEW had planned a significant push for Wardlow, including an AEW World Championship match against “Hangman” Adam Page later that year.
His last AEW match remains his world title challenge against Samoa Joe at Dynamite Big Business on March 13, 2024.
Fightful reported in August 2025 that a shoulder injury, made worse by a car accident, had kept him out following that match. According to the report, he received medical clearance earlier in 2025, but AEW allowed him to film Prime Video’s American Gladiators reboot before returning to television.
The production reportedly filmed enough material for two seasons. Hosted by The Miz, the series premiered on April 17, 2026.
Speaking to BCP+ in April, Wardlow offered a different account of his absence, describing the pectoral tear as the first injury of his career that had forced him to take time off. He also opened up about the personal difficulties he had faced.
“Basically everything I have loved and cared about was taken away from me almost all at once,” Wardlow said. “From my friend to my dog to wrestling to the ability to work out.”
“I mean, everything I loved was taken from me, and I miss wrestling so much, I can’t even put it into words, and I do wanna apologize to the fans for my absence, and for completely going ghost on social media,” he said.
Wardlow said he was “very, very close to being ready” and shared how much returning to a live crowd meant to him.
“I will never be absent again, and I am so excited to get back to wrestling in front of a live crowd and at this point, I don’t care if they’re cheering me, I don’t care if they’re booing me,” Wardlow said.
Fightful later reported in May that Wardlow had been backstage at several AEW events. Saturday’s video has now given fans another reason to look forward to his comeback, with the timing of his first appearance still unconfirmed.
WARDLOW’S RETURN LOOMS!
, All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 27, 2026
Watch #AEWAllOut LIVE on HBO Max PPV pic.twitter.com/eH0qxMKPW0
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