Adam Cole continues his absence from AEW programming due to ongoing health concerns. During this period, AEW, owned by Tony Khan, unexpectedly uploaded a match from several years ago featuring Cole against Jay White, a notable former WWE star. This move highlights the company’s effort to maintain Cole’s presence among fans while he recovers.
Cole, known as the Panama City Playboy, had been slated to defend his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher at the All In: Texas event in July. However, prior to the pay-per-view, it was announced that Cole would have to relinquish the title and withdraw from the match because of his health issues. Despite his absence from the ring, he made a poignant appearance during the event to officially give up the championship. Cole expressed gratitude to his supporters and shared an emotional moment with his longtime friends and teammates, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong.
Background on Cole’s Indefinite AEW Hiatus and Connection to Jay White
At All In, Adam Cole confirmed that his return to AEW programming would be indefinite. This pause comes alongside a similar break for Jay White, another former Bullet Club member, who has been sidelined since March. The Ring of Honor YouTube channel, also under Tony Khan’s umbrella, uploaded a vintage singles match between Cole and White from ROH Unauthorized 2017, in which Cole secured the win. This archival content serves as a reminder of Cole’s past achievements during his recovery period.
Earlier in 2023, Cole and White last competed in the same match—a Casino Gauntlet Match aiming for a shot at the AEW World Championship—but neither advanced. Both missed the recent All Out pay-per-view event, leaving fans awaiting news of their eventual returns.
Teammates Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong Carry Cole’s AEW Legacy
Following Adam Cole’s health-related absence, his AEW allies Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong have publicly committed to advancing his legacy within the company. After Daniel Garcia joined The Death Riders, O’Reilly, known as The Violent Artist, revealed that Cole was ashamed of his former faction, The Red Death. Motivated by this, O’Reilly and Strong challenged Daniel Garcia and Jon Moxley to a tag team match on the September 13 edition of AEW Collision.
Despite their determination, Strong and O’Reilly were defeated by Garcia and Moxley. The following week, Garcia, dubbed The Messiah of The Backbreaker, faced off against Jon Moxley, the former AEW World Champion, but was unable to secure a win. These intense encounters emphasize the competitive landscape that Cole’s teammates are navigating during his hiatus.
Significance of Cole’s Hiatus on AEW and Wrestling Storylines
Adam Cole’s continuing absence impacts AEW’s programming and storylines, especially given his stature as a former Bullet Club leader and prominent figure within the Paragon faction. The decision to spotlight an archival match against Jay White reveals AEW’s intent to keep Cole’s legacy alive during his recovery, while his teammates strive to maintain momentum in key rivalries.
The uncertainty surrounding Cole’s return creates anticipation for fans and industry insiders alike, as his comeback could shift dynamics within AEW’s competitive roster. Meanwhile, the performances of allies like O’Reilly and Strong ensure that Cole’s influence remains tangible despite his time away from the ring. Fans will likely watch closely for updates on his health and potential re-entry into AEW events.
“The Panama City Playboy was originally scheduled to defend his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher at All In : Texas this past July. However, ahead of the event it was announced that Cole would have to vacate the belt and pull out of the matchup due to his health issues.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“The Paragon member appeared during the pay-per-view itself to relinquish his title, thanking his fans for their constant support over the years and then tearfully embraced his long-time friends and teammates, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“Cole and White last shared the ring earlier this year in a Casino Gauntlet Match for a shot at the AEW World Championship. Both men missed out on last Saturday’s All Out pay-per-view.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong made it clear after All In : Texas that they would carry on Adam Cole’s legacy moving forward in All Elite Wrestling.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“After Daniel Garcia joined The Death Riders earlier this month, The Violent Artist revealed that the former NXT Champion was ashamed of The Red Death, which prompted him and Roddy to challenge DG and Jon Moxley to a tag bout on the September 13 episode of AEW Collision.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“Unfortunately for the Paragon members, however, Garcia and Mox successfully scored the victory over Strong and O’Reilly.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
“The Messiah of The Backbreaker afterwards battled The One True King on last week’s September to Remember, but ended up falling short against the former World Champion.” – Anurag Mukherjee, AEW Writer
Pre-Switchblade Jay White vs Adam Cole FULL MATCH now available on ROH’s YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/1NfmncyKRA
— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) September 22, 2025
