Adam Cole has been sidelined due to injury, prompting a former WWE champion to promise retribution on his behalf. This development comes amid ongoing concerns about Cole’s health, following a significant setback during an AEW event in Jacksonville.
Close Allies Stand United After Adam Cole’s Injury
Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong have cultivated a deep friendship throughout their wrestling careers, originally bonding during their tenure in NXT. Their alliance remained intact as they transitioned to AEW, where they formed the faction known as Paragon. Just as Cole’s momentum appeared to be building within the promotion, he suffered a severe injury after receiving a lariat from Kyle Fletcher during the July 10 episode of Collision. This injury forced Cole to relinquish the TNT Championship, which Kyle Fletcher currently holds as part of The Don Callis Family. In the forthcoming episode of Dynamite, Fletcher is set to defend the TNT Title against Kyle O’Reilly, setting the stage for a personal and professional confrontation.
AEW recently shared a clip showing Kyle O’Reilly backstage with Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong, where he vowed to humble the reigning TNT Champion and avenge Adam Cole by capturing the title himself.
“But here’s something they don’t serve in Australia, Kyle, and you probably never even heard of it. It’s called humble pie. And I know you’re not gonna like it, Kyle. You’re gonna go, ‘oh, yucky. I don’t wanna taste this. It’s yucky.’ But Kyle, you’re gonna eat it. Not only will you eat your humble pie, not only will we avenge our friend Adam Cole, but I get to call myself the TNT champion.”
— Kyle O’Reilly
Adam Cole’s Injury History and Its Effect on His Career
Throughout his career, Adam Cole has faced multiple injuries that have interrupted his time in the ring. Not long ago, a severe concussion sidelined him for several months. Though he made a return in 2023 and managed to claim the TNT Championship, another leg injury soon followed, again causing a lengthy absence. The latest injury has cast more doubt on his wrestling future, raising questions regarding his ability to continue performing at the highest level.
Discussion About Adam Cole’s Possible Career Path Beyond Wrestling
Bill Apter, an experienced wrestling journalist, weighed in on Adam Cole’s potential direction if he is unable to continue wrestling. Appearing on Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Time Machine podcast, Apter suggested that Cole could transition into a commentary role, highlighting the skills that would make him well-suited for broadcasting.
“It was very heartwarming to see real tears from him to show how much he loved the fans and how much he loved the business and the title. So, he may be out for a long time and he may decide that, you know, with this other concussion now, not to keep going on in doing this. I think he’d be a great commentator. He’s got a great personality,”
— Bill Apter
With this in mind, fans remain eager to see when and if Adam Cole will make his return to active competition. His injury update remains a significant point of interest in the wrestling community, especially given the uncertainty around his capacity to continue wrestling long-term.
Upcoming TNT Title Match Adds Another Layer to Cole’s Injury Story
The scheduled TNT Title match between Kyle Fletcher and Kyle O’Reilly on Dynamite carries extra weight, given the personal stakes involved. O’Reilly’s motivation to win the title is fueled not just by championship ambitions but also by loyalty to Adam Cole and their shared history. This storyline intensifies the rivalry between factions, highlighting the emotional and competitive tensions within AEW’s Jacksonville-based promotion.
Impact on AEW and Wrestling Fans Moving Forward
Adam Cole’s repeated injuries and the subsequent shifts in the TNT Title landscape demonstrate the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. Cole’s circumstance has triggered solidarity among his closest allies, eventually fueling storylines that deepen character development and rivalries on AEW programming. If Cole is unable to return to in-ring competition, his potential move into commentary could keep his presence within the wrestling world, providing fans with insight and personality from a respected figure.
Meanwhile, the upcoming title defense between Kyle Fletcher and Kyle O’Reilly will reveal how these intertwined personal and professional dynamics unfold on screen, continuing to captivate wrestling audiences while paying tribute to Cole’s influence within AEW and beyond.
EXCLUSIVE: "Not only will we avenge our friend Adam Cole, I get to call myself TNT Champion."
With the TNT Title on the line, it’s KYLE vs. KYLE 2 as @KORcombat sets his sights on Champion @kylefletcherpro this Tuesday on #AEWDynamite: Title Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/bmASAJk1eh
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 5, 2025
