AEW President and Head of Creative Tony Khan announced on July 12, hours before the All In Texas pay-per-view at Globe Life Field in Arlington, that Adam Cole, the reigning TNT Champion, has not been medically cleared to compete. Khan revealed this during a social media livestream, emphasizing his concerns over Cole’s health and stating that the title must be vacated due to the uncertainty of his recovery timeline.
Tony Khan Explains Decision to Vacate the TNT Championship
While Khan did not provide detailed information on the nature of Cole’s condition or how long he might be sidelined, he expressed serious reservations about allowing Cole back in the ring immediately. Khan said,
“I can not clear Adam Cole to go out there and wrestle today. I don’t feel good about it. I had a long talk with him, and I’m gonna ask Adam to take some time away to make sure he’s clear, but I do need to vacate the championship.”
This decision marks a significant development given Cole competed in a trios match on the recent AEW Collision broadcast on Thursday without visible issues or reports of injury following the show.
Context of Adam Cole’s Injury History and Current AEW Situation
If the current medical concerns result in an extended absence, this would be Cole’s second major hiatus during his AEW tenure. Previously, he suffered a severe ankle injury at the 2023 Grand Slam event, which kept him out of action for over a year and interrupted his feud with MJF.
The uncertainty surrounding Cole’s health has forced AEW to move quickly to maintain momentum for the TNT Championship, a pivotal title within the promotion.
Four-Way Match Scheduled for Vacant TNT Title at All In Texas
To determine a new TNT Champion, Tony Khan has arranged a four-way match for the same night’s show. Competitors include Kyle Fletcher, originally slated to challenge Cole, former TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, three-time TNT titleholder Sammy Guevara, and Dustin Rhodes, who currently holds the ROH Tag Team Championship and teams with Guevara as The Sons of Texas.
Guevara and Rhodes, along with their stablemates The Von Erichs, are also scheduled to compete on the event’s pre-show against Shane Taylor Promotions.
As Khan tweeted,
“#AEWAllInTexas3pm ET/12pm PTOn ppv THIS AFTERNOON4-Way Match For the Vacant @TNTdrama TitleDaniel Garcia vs @dustinrhodes vs @kylefletcherpro vs @sammyguevaraWith TNT Champion Adam Cole injured and not cleared to wrestle, it’s a 4-Way Fight for the vacant TNT Title today!”
— Tony Khan
Implications for AEW and Future of the TNT Championship
The sudden vacancy of the TNT Championship introduces a level of unpredictability and tension across AEW’s mid-card landscape. Cole’s absence disrupts planned storylines and compels the company to spotlight several top contenders competing for the title.
This situation also raises questions about Cole’s recovery process and when fans might expect his return. AEW’s decision underscores the priority placed on wrestler safety despite the frustration of losing a marquee champion before a major event.
Fans and viewers will closely watch All In Texas to see which wrestler ascends as the new TNT Champion, shaping the division’s trajectory moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Adam Cole apologize to Pat McAfee?
A. McAfee criticized Cole’s time as NXT Champion and even his height. In response, Cole angrily pushed a microphone away and shouted at McAfee. Cole also shoved McAfee’s co-host before leaving the scene. Today, Cole tweeted an apology, expressing regret for his outburst over McAfee’s remarks.
