Strong Feeling in AEW That Adam Cole May Never Wrestle Again After Suffering Concussion

Adam Cole’s in-ring future is looking bleak, and people within AEW are preparing for the possibility that he may never compete again.

Cole was forced to vacate the TNT Championship after suffering a concussion, and now serious concerns about his long-term health are surfacing. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, the vibe inside AEW is grim when it comes to Cole ever stepping back into the ring.

“The feeling is that he may not ever wrestle again, and it’s a very strong feeling in that direction. We shall see, but he’s still dealing with a lot of different things. All the best to him. What’s most important is the brain in his head. Wrestling is wrestling.”

AEW President Tony Khan also addressed Cole’s status during a recent media interview and didn’t exactly shut the door — but made it very clear that the company is more concerned about Cole’s health than rushing a return.

“I think it would have to be the right situation for Adam to wrestle again. I think it’s, at least possible, for us to keep Adam as part of the family, but I want to get to where he feels good about travelling again.”

Khan added that Cole would always have a place in AEW, even if he never wrestles again, and praised his abilities as a commentator and host. But when it came to any possible in-ring future, Khan didn’t sugarcoat the reality.

“If he ever did want to wrestle again and it was the right situation and everyone could wrap their heads around it, so to speak, it would make a lot of sense. Anything involving head injuries or serious injuries, I always want to look at it and evaluate it to see if it makes sense and if we can do it safely where it’s gonna be a good outcome for everyone.”

Khan clearly avoided making any official retirement announcement, but his language — combined with Alvarez’s report — suggests AEW is bracing for that possibility. Given Cole’s history with head injuries, the risk may simply outweigh the reward.

If this is the end of Adam Cole’s wrestling career, it would close the book on one of the most beloved modern stars of the last decade. From his NXT takeover runs to his AEW rise, he’s been a favorite of fans and critics alike.

Do you think Adam Cole should call it a career or fight for one more run? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you feel about the future of Bay Bay.

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