Real Reason Behind Wardlow’s Prolonged AEW Television Absence Revealed

Wardlow has been absent from AEW television for well over a year at this point and fans continue to wonder when he’ll even come back. While his absence continues, the real reason behind his absence has now been revealed.

According to a report by Fightful Select, Wardlow has been missing from AEW television due to a mix of injury and outside opportunities. It was noted that Wardlow suffered a labrum injury in spring 2024. During his time off, he was also involved in a car accident, which didn’t cause the injury but actually made it worse.

“We’re told that Wardlow suffered what is believed to be a labrum injury in the Spring of 2024. At some point during his hiatus, he was also involved in a car accident. It was made clear to us that the car accident didn’t cause the injury, but made it worse.”

It was further reported that earlier this year, Wardlow landed a special television role and has since been cleared to wrestle again. However, after speaking with Tony Khan, they decided not to bring him back for a short stint only to pull him again for television commitments.

That’s why they are just waiting for the right time to bring him back and it was added that Wardlow still has plenty of time left on his AEW contract and has no plans to leave the company.

“Wardlow landed what is said to be a “very appropriate and special” television role in the earlier part of 2025. Since then he’s been cleared to return to the ring. However, upon meeting with Tony Khan, all parties agreed that it wouldn’t serve anyone well to just bring him back briefly and take him off again for the TV role. Wardlow has a significant amount of time left on his AEW contract and will not be leaving any time soon.”

Wardlow was last seen in a World Title match against Samoa Joe at Dynamite: Big Business back in March 2024, but now that it’s been revealed why it’s taking so long for him to return, all fans can do now is wait and hope he comes back as soon as possible. After all, Wardlow has a lot to prove to the AEW fans since his momentum is clearly gone now.

Do you think Wardlow’s cautious return strategy will help him regain his status in AEW once he does come back? Sound off in the comments!