Adam Cole, a key figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has been sidelined due to a severe neck injury, forcing him to vacate the AEW TNT Championship just hours before his scheduled title defense at All In Texas. This unexpected setback adds to AEW’s growing list of serious injuries among its top performers, including Will Ospreay, who has also revealed significant neck troubles.
Adam Cole Forced to Vacate TNT Title Following Injury at All In Texas
Adam Cole, also known as the Panama City Playboy, was set to defend his AEW TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher at the recent All In Texas event. However, hours before the match, it was announced Cole would not compete due to a serious injury. During the show, he addressed the audience in a heartfelt promo, expressing his regret for disappointing fans and even suggesting the possibility of retiring from professional wrestling.
Cole’s injury led to the decision to vacate the TNT Championship, which then sparked a four-way match to crown a new titleholder. Dustin Rhodes emerged victorious and claimed the TNT Championship. Cole’s absence represents a significant loss for AEW, as the company now faces the challenge of managing another major star’s time away from the ring.
Will Ospreay Discloses Herniated Disks Sustained at All In Texas
On an episode of AEW Dynamite following the All In Texas event, AEW wrestler Will Ospreay revealed he is grappling with two herniated disks in his neck, located at the C2 and C6 vertebrae. These injuries are affecting his spinal cord, causing serious concern among fans and medical professionals alike.
Ospreay admitted that he had been privately dealing with the neck problem for about ten months, but concealed it to support teammates Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page in their pursuit of the AEW World Championship. His condition worsened during a violent attack by the Death Riders at the All In Texas event. During that incident, a chair was wrapped around Ospreay’s neck and stomped on, ultimately requiring him to be stretchered out of the arena.
Following the attack, Ospreay was taken to the emergency room where MRI scans confirmed the presence of herniated disks pressing into his spinal cord. Despite the severity, he relayed that doctors have classified the injury as treatable, though immediate medical care and rest away from wrestling are necessary. He aims to return to competition for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event scheduled in London on August 24, 2025.
.@WillOspreay shares a medical update after being attacked by The Death Riders at All In Texas.Watch #AEWDynamite presented by #SharkWeek LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/V9IVsXnx8V— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 24, 2025
Continued Injury Troubles Across the Wrestling World
Adam Cole and Will Ospreay’s injuries have added to a growing list of wrestlers facing physical setbacks. Nikki Bella suffered an injury during her WWE return battle royal at WWE Evolution, while AEW’s Kris Statlander confirmed her relationship with a fellow wrestler amidst ongoing career pressures. Cody Rhodes recently shared an anecdote about being pushed aside by Donald Trump during WrestleMania 29, illustrating challenges performers face both inside and outside the ring.
Meanwhile, prominent figures like Jon Moxley are preparing for major matches under intense stipulations, signaling the competitive atmosphere within AEW remains fierce despite injuries. On the WWE side, legends such as The Undertaker continue to make impactful returns, while company events like SummerSlam and Slammiversary highlight the ongoing evolution of professional wrestling’s landscape.
Implications for AEW’s Roster and Future Events
The loss of Adam Cole and the injury to Will Ospreay pose serious questions for AEW’s upcoming matches and storylines, given their status as top performers within Tony Khan’s organization. Both wrestlers’ neck injuries underline the physical toll of professional wrestling and the urgent need for recovery periods. Cole’s uncertain future and Ospreay’s tentative return timeline emphasize the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of medical vigilance.
As AEW moves forward, the impact of these injuries will determine how the roster adapts, particularly with championship titles and major events approaching. Fans will be watching closely to see how these stars recover and whether the setbacks will lead to changes in AEW’s competitive landscape in the near future, especially with key dates like the Forbidden Door event just months away.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Adam Cole leaving AEW?
A. Cole mentioned that health problems are preventing him from competing right now, so he will be away for some time. He hinted at possibly retiring but said he’s not ready to consider that yet. He wanted to speak to his fans in case this ends up being his last appearance.
Q. Why did Adam Cole quit the WWE?
A. In 2021, Cole, a prominent figure in NXT, decided to leave WWE when his contract ended. After the Undisputed Era members departed, they all opted to join AEW. Once Cole left WWE, rumors circulated that he might join the main roster as Keith Lee’s manager and would need to cut his hair.
Q. Why did Adam Cole leave the WWE?
A. This was Cole’s last match and appearance in NXT since his WWE contract ended. According to Dave Meltzer, after Jenkins joined All Elite Wrestling, had Cole remained with WWE, he would have been moved to the main roster. However, he would have played a manager role for Keith Lee, who had turned into a villain, on the Raw brand.
