AEW wrestler Britt Baker sparked excitement among fans by appearing at a major event outside of her Jacksonville-based wrestling promotion. Her unexpected presence at the EA Sports Madden Bowl during Super Bowl XL in San Francisco on February 6, 2026, caught the attention of several prominent wrestling personalities, including fellow AEW stars Swerve Strickland and Penelope Ford. Baker’s rare outing ended a notable absence from AEW programming and fueled widespread discussion online.
Background on Britt Baker’s Hiatus from AEW
Since November 2024, Britt Baker, also known by her ring name Dr. D.M.D., has not been featured on AEW shows. Reports indicate that she initially stepped away to recover from injuries, but additional issues such as backstage tension and a reported disagreement with AEW president Tony Khan contributed to her extended absence. Despite these challenges, Baker remains officially under contract with AEW while using social media to keep her followers informed about her daily life. Her recent Instagram video from the Madden Bowl quickly went viral, reigniting fan interest.
Industry Reactions to Baker’s Madden Bowl Appearance
Her appearance drew swift reactions from wrestling peers, with a number of them engaging directly with her social media posts. AEW’s Swerve Strickland and Penelope Ford were among those who commented, showing support and enthusiasm for Baker’s return to the spotlight. These responses highlighted the anticipation surrounding her future involvement with AEW events and programming.
Tony Khan Expresses Optimism About Britt Baker’s AEW Comeback
In a recent interview with Josh Martinez from Z100 New York, AEW’s Tony Khan addressed concerns about Baker’s potential return. He acknowledged her talent and contributions to the company while expressing hope that she will rejoin the AEW roster soon, though no specific timeline was provided.
“What a great star in (All Elite Wrestling) Dr. Britt Baker has been. She is still a fantastic wrestling star. She’s been away from (All Elite Wrestling) for a while, but still very much with us, and at some point, hopefully soon, I’d love to see Britt Baker come back,” said Khan. [H/T: Drainmaker on X]
Looking Ahead: Britt Baker’s Role in AEW’s Future
Currently, there is no detailed update regarding the status of Britt Baker’s contract with AEW or the exact timing of her return to wrestling action. As fans and industry insiders await further developments, her recent public appearance and Khan’s positive remarks suggest that Britt Baker’s reemergence in the promotion may be on the horizon. Watching these situations unfold will be key to understanding the direction of AEW’s women’s division and Baker’s impact moving forward.
Tony Khan says Britt Baker is still with AEW and hopes she returns soon:
“What a great star in AEW Dr. Britt Baker has been. She is still a fantastic wrestling star. She's been away from AEW for a while, but still very much with us, and at some point hopefully soon, I'd love to… pic.twitter.com/9L9F1LSX6e
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) October 21, 2025
