Nick Gage Makes Remarkable Transformation After Facing Death in October

Nick Gage is on the comeback trail—and GCW’s Brett Lauderdale just gave the world a first look at the incredible progress.

Lauderdale took to Twitter and uploaded new photos of the deathmatch legend looking significantly healthier, stronger and in great shape. According to the GCW founder, Gage has spent the last few months deep in recovery after coming face to face with death—and the results speak for themselves.

“On Oct 1st, this guy was face to face with death. In less than 3 months, the turnaround is shocking & remarkable,” Lauderdale posted. “This is what it looks like when you break free from decades of addiction and finally start believing in yourself. The king is back and I couldn’t be more proud. MDK.”

But Lauderdale wasn’t done. In a second tweet, he turned his attention to those who failed to support Gage during his darkest moments.

“To the haters, grifters, enablers & bad faith ‘brothers’ who cowardly looked the other way or played dumb when you were called out—die slow, your time will come.”

Gage had been absent from the indie scene since September 2025, when Lauderdale initially revealed he was in long-term treatment and would remain off shows “indefinitely.” Gage had only just returned at GCW Homecoming: Night One, a few weeks earlier, and last competed at Focus Pro’s ‘My Friends Over You’ event on September 20th.

No word yet on when or if Gage will return to the ring, but with Lauderdale saying “the king is back,” it’s clear something special is happening. Nick Gage has always been a symbol of survival in wrestling. Now, he’s a symbol of rebirth. And this time? He looks ready for round two.

What do you think about Nick Gage’s transformation? Are you hoping to see him back in GCW—or just happy to see him healthy again? Drop your thoughts below and let us know—MDK all f’n day.