Colby Corino Says His NWA Comeback Is No Longer a Matter of If—”It’s Just When”

Colby Corino is under a brand-new multi-year deal but the biggest update isn’t just the contract. After months of uncertainty following emergency spinal fusion surgery, Corino now says that his in-ring return is no longer a question of possibility. It’s happening.

In a statement to Ringside News, Corino laid out the emotional and practical stakes behind re-signing with the National Wrestling Alliance, noting the impact on both his personal life and his career in wrestling education.

“When it came time to decide where I wanted to continue my wrestling career once my NWA contract expired, there was a lot of options, and a lot of factors that went into making [that decision].”

While looking out for his family’s future was a top priority, Corino revealed that his passion for teaching and running his wrestling school in Eastern North Carolina played just as big a role. Still, Corino made it clear—his own legacy isn’t finished yet.

“Ensuring that I’m in a position to teach and help my students get opportunities was almost as important as making sure I would be able to be around and provide for my family.”

“There’s still people to train, places I want to go, and of course, championships I want to win… I never once lied when I said it is my destiny to win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and by signing this contract, I put myself back on the trail to doing just that.”

The update fans were waiting on, though, was about his physical condition. After a devastating spinal injury in July 2025 that left him with three crushed vertebrae and forced a dangerous C5-C7 fusion surgery, Corino says he’s turning doubt into determination.

“3 of my vertebrae were pulverized and replaced with a bone graft from my hip. The first doctor I talked to told me, ‘I could never let anyone I love wrestle again after this surgery.’”

But Corino never gave up. Months of rehab, workouts, and physical therapy followed—and it changed everything.

“Now, my neurologist doesn’t think I may be able [to wrestle again]… the answer has changed. It’s not a matter of if anymore. It’s just when.”

Colby Corino will return to NWA Powerrr this Tuesday night on Roku to deliver a televised statement about his timeline for returning to in-ring competition. While he stopped short of naming a specific match date, he hinted clearly at what’s ahead:

“Without saying too much, I can confidently say that people will see ‘The Prince of Old School’ back in a wrestling ring, no, in an actual match, in 2026.”

With the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship still in his sights and his recovery well ahead of schedule, the next chapter in Corino’s story is shaping up to be his most personal—and most dangerous—yet.

𝙉𝙒𝘼 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙍𝙍 𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙠𝙪 airs every Tuesday, 8PM ET on @TheRokuChannel Sports followed by recent episodes & an 11PM ET/8PM PT rebroadcast. Watch 24/7 on demand.

Do you think Colby Corino will fulfill his destiny and win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title? What’s your take on his incredible comeback story? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.