AEW Star Wardlow Sidelined With Injury Just Weeks After Comeback

AEW Star Wardlow Sidelined With Injury Just Weeks After Comeback

photo: AEW

In what can only be described as a devastatingly unfortunate turn of events, Wardlow has reportedly suffered a significant injury just as he made his long-awaited return to All Elite Wrestling.

According to a report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Wardlow sustained the injury almost immediately after coming back from a hiatus that lasted over a year. The timing couldn't be worse for the powerhouse who just made a major impact at a recent pay-per-view.

Details on the Injury

Sources within AEW reportedly fear that the injury is a torn pectoral muscle. An injury of that severity would undoubtedly sideline Wardlow from in-ring competition for a considerable amount of time. The report also notes that the injury may have occurred during the very angle that marked his return, though this has not been officially confirmed.

While a return to wrestling action appears to be a long way off, there is a possibility that AEW could keep him on television. The report suggests Wardlow might be used in a non-physical role, perhaps serving as an enforcer for his newly-found allies.

A Frustrating Road Back

This latest setback is particularly cruel given what Wardlow went through to get back to the ring. He was previously out of action for more than a year dealing with a shoulder injury, the recovery of which was complicated by a car accident. He had reportedly been medically cleared to compete for several months before AEW ultimately brought him back.

An Impactful But Short-Lived Return

Wardlow's surprise return took place at the AEW Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24. Following the main event for the AEW Unified Championship between Kazuchika Okada and Swerve Strickland, he stormed the ring and attacked Prince Nana. His appearance culminated in the reveal that he was the newest member of the Don Callis Family.

During his time away from the ring, Wardlow was busy filming two seasons of the reboot of American Gladiators. That series is notably hosted by WWE Superstar The Miz.

5 Greatest Feuds in AEW History

"It was so unique and so personal," Swerve Strickland said about his blood feud with Hangman Adam Page. "It got so personal because it wasn't just two wrestlers, it's two human beings, and crossing the line of men. How far you're willing to go to push those buttons of someone that you truly hate? Why are you hating them? What are you going to do about it?"

"It's that hatred that actually brings out the best in the product of what AEW is, in my opinion. People get uncomfortable because we pushed the line so far." 

Throughout its short lifespan, AEW has created some of the most iconic and vicious feuds in pro wrestling history. A brand that isn't afraid to turn the violence up to sickening heights, AEW has allowed its rivalries to escalate to Tarantino levels, solidifying stars like MJF and Toni Storm in the process.

Some of these rivalries were simply to prove who exactly was the best in the world inside the ring, while others devolved into deeply personal wars based on hatred and the thirst for revenge. Regardless of intention, these are the five greatest feuds in AEW history.

Gallery Credit: AEW

11 Most Shocking + Violent Moments in AEW History

"I am unapologetic about my love of... whatever you want to call it... the deathmatch style, hardcore. I love that stuff," Jon Moxley famously told Chris Van Vliet. "I understand most people are gonna think that's crap and they're not gonna want to watch that. Although I make no apologies that I like that stuff, I would never foist it upon everybody else. It's not like I walked into AEW and was like 'Look, all my matches are going to be crazy.' I never imagined we'd be able to do stuff like that."

Since its official formation in 2019, AEW has become wrestling's premiere destination for extreme acts of violence. With an entire locker room influenced by Atsushi Onita's FMW and Paul Heyman's ECW, both the men and women of AEW have created gruesome and iconic moments that rival any era of pro wrestling.

Tables, ladders, chairs, garbage cans and even kendo sticks have become commonplace in hardcore matches. But a bat full of a nails? A hypodermic needle? A champagne bucket filled with broken glass? These instruments of pain remain sickening to the core.

Check out the most shocking and violent moments from AEW below.

Gallery Credit: AEW

Filed Under: Wardlow
Categories: AEW
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