After being sidelined for 489 days, Eddie Kingston is finally preparing to re-enter the ring, much to the excitement of AEW fans. The veteran wrestler, who won the inaugural AEW Continental Classic, had built one of the most significant periods of his nearly 25-year career competing with Tony Khan’s promotions. Now, following a serious injury, Kingston is poised to make a major comeback.
Kingston’s time away from wrestling was caused by a torn ACL, torn meniscus, and tibial fracture sustained during his Last Man Standing defeat to Gabe Kidd at NJPW Strong Resurgence on May 11, 2024. That match also ended Kingston’s reign as NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, concluding his remarkable achievement of holding titles simultaneously across AEW, NJPW, and ROH. Though he entertained thoughts of retirement during his recovery, Kingston started signaling his return earlier this year, gaining momentum after being challenged by Big Bill on AEW Collision.
Upcoming Showdown: Eddie Kingston Versus Big Bill in AEW Collision
Big Bill remains allied with Bryan Keith since the breakup of The Learning Tree faction with Chris Jericho, but he has been proving himself as a dominant singles competitor in AEW. Recently, Bill secured several wins on Collision over notable opponents like Mark Andrews, Juice Robinson, and Max Caster.
Bill, hailing from New York City like Kingston, publicly called him out for a first-ever match, linking their shared hometown history. Kingston’s initial response appeared casual and dismissive, but more recently, he addressed the challenge with seriousness by signing the AEW contract.
The wrestler known as The Last of a Dying Breed took to Threads, announcing his signature on the match contract and daring Big Bill to provide a location for their encounter. He also shared this message on his Instagram Stories, highlighting Tupac’s “Against All Odds” as a fitting soundtrack.
“So got the phone call and the money is right contract is signed on my end. So Big Bill you dumb goofy b****rd just send location,” Eddie Kingston wrote in the screenshot below.
What This AEW Match Means for Kingston’s Future
Eddie Kingston’s confirmed AEW return match against Big Bill marks a pivotal moment in his wrestling career. Overcoming his significant injuries, Kingston is now stepping back into the spotlight, ready to prove himself once again among top-tier competitors. This bout will not only offer fans a highly anticipated matchup but could also set the tone for Kingston’s direction within AEW in the coming months.
The added tension between the two New Yorkers, alongside Big Bill’s rising stature in AEW, provides a storyline filled with personal pride and professional stakes. Kingston’s determination to reclaim his position after his forced hiatus reflects both his resilience and passion for wrestling. As the date approaches, AEW audiences will be watching closely to see if Kingston can return to his peak form and rekindle the momentum he previously built in multiple major promotions.
