Eddie Kingston, a prominent figure in AEW, has recently been forced to step back from wrestling activities due to severe health issues, specifically intense migraine headaches. This development follows his absence from AEW Dynamite and the withdrawal from independent events scheduled for the weekend.
Kingston had made a strong comeback at All Out: Toronto last year after a lengthy break caused by a serious leg injury sustained during a title defense at an NJPW event. Since returning, he had built momentum, culminating in his latest appearance in an eight-man tag team parking lot fight earlier this month. However, his current health condition has halted his in-ring engagements once again.
Contest and Conflict: MJF Comments on Kingston’s Condition
One of Kingston’s AEW rivals, the AEW World Champion known as Friedman, publicly addressed Kingston’s health during a recent interview with the Kairouz Bros in Australia. Known for his sharp-tongued character, Friedman contrasted his own approach to wrestling with Kingston’s more physically demanding style. He suggested that Kingston suffers from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as a result of his extensive match history, insinuating this is why Kingston shies away from facing him in the ring.
“It’s not a bad thing at all. It’s less bumps I’ve got to take and less CTE I’m walking towards. A guy like Eddie Kingston, he’s already got full-blown CTE. Let’s be honest, the guy doesn’t even know where he is anymore. That’s why he refuses to wrestle me. He’s scared of me, and as he should be, because I think if he took one punch from me, he’s out,” said the AEW World Champ about the former Continental Champion. [H/T Fightful on X]
Impact on AEW and Kingston’s Future
This sudden interruption in Eddie Kingston’s career adds concern to fans and industry observers who have followed his intense path in professional wrestling. While the seriousness of his current migraines is clear, no official timeline has been provided regarding his recovery or when he might return to competition. The wrestling community remains hopeful for Kingston’s full recuperation, acknowledging the physical toll wrestling can exact on athletes over time.
Kingston’s absence underscores the ongoing challenges wrestlers face balancing performance with health, and it may influence future discussions around athlete care in AEW and beyond. His situation serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring health issues closely, especially for those involved in physically demanding sports.
PWInsider: Eddie Kingston is not at tonight's Dynamite taping in Denver and has also pulled himself off this weekend’s independent events.
Eddie has been dealing with Severe Migraine Headaches and is tending to his health. pic.twitter.com/LE6Y80xaXV
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) February 25, 2026
MJF explains why being a part-timer in wrestling is not bad.
“It’s not a bad thing at all. It’s less bumps I’ve got to take and less CTE I’m walking towards. A guy like Eddie Kingston, he’s already got full-blown CTE. Let’s be honest, the guy doesn’t even know where he is… pic.twitter.com/sXj8Y28U64
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) February 14, 2026
