AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that Adam Cole’s removal from the TBS Championship match at AEW All In: Texas was a last-minute decision tied to Cole’s health concerns. The change occurred just hours before the event at Globe Life Field, where Cole was initially scheduled to face Kyle Fletcher for the vacant title. Khan shared that Cole was not feeling well enough to compete, leading to the sudden adjustment.
Details Behind Cole’s Decision to Pull Out of the Championship Bout
During a recent Good Karma Wrestling interview, Tony Khan described his conversation with Cole shortly before the show. Cole confided that he was struggling physically, particularly with a lack of sleep and a general sense of unwellness. Khan stated,
“But I’m really glad he was honest with me. He told me he hadn’t been sleeping, he didn’t feel right, and just wasn’t in a good place physically to wrestle. After hearing that, I completely agreed—we needed to put his well-being first.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Recognizing the importance of transparency, Khan and Cole decided it was best for Cole to address the crowd personally about his withdrawal.
“It meant a lot to Adam to come out and talk to the fans from the heart,”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
“Even though we’re all disappointed he couldn’t compete, it was the right thing for him to do. He’s going to be taking some time away from the ring now, and hopefully, we’ll see him back in some form when he’s ready.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Impact on the TBS Championship Match and AEW’s Response
With Adam Cole’s departure, the scheduled one-on-one bout transformed into a Fatal 4-Way match for the vacant TBS Championship. Dustin Rhodes, a seasoned AEW competitor, secured victory after a competitive contest. While the exact timeline for Cole’s return remains uncertain, AEW emphasizes that his health and recovery are their highest priorities moving forward.
