Wardlow has been noticeably absent from AEW television, and new details have now surfaced explaining the reasons behind his prolonged hiatus.

The former TNT Champion was last seen in the ring in March 2024, when he faced Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship. While he was spotted backstage at AEW Revolution almost a year later, he wasn’t featured on the show. Now, more context has been revealed about what’s kept him on the sidelines.

Fightful Select is reporting that Wardlow suffered a torn labrum in the spring of 2024. During his recovery, he was also involved in a serious car accident, which — while not the cause of the injury — did worsen the existing damage.

In early 2025, Wardlow reportedly landed a “very appropriate and special” television role outside of wrestling, which redirected his attention temporarily. Though he has since been medically cleared to return to the ring, he and AEW President Tony Khan agreed that it would be best to delay his comeback. The goal was to avoid a brief return that might be disrupted again by outside obligations.

Wardlow remains under a long-term deal with AEW and, despite the break, has no intentions of leaving the company.

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