AEW star Eddie Kingston faced a tough road to recovery after suffering a broken leg, torn ACL, and torn meniscus in May 2024 during a match against Gabe Kidd on NJPW Strong Resurgence. Kingston endured a dangerous suplex through a table at ringside, with his leg crashing violently against the steel guard rail. Although Kingston is nearing a return to wrestling, his journey has been complicated by several obstacles, primarily insurance issues.
The challenges began immediately after his injury, as Kingston encountered problems with insurance coverage for his knee surgery. On the day of the operation, he was informed that his insurance company would not cover the costs, leaving him in a difficult position. Fortunately, his surgeon reached out to AEW president Tony Khan, who intervened and resolved the matter, allowing Kingston to continue his treatment and rehabilitation.
Kingston shared details of his struggles during a recent video with training partner Cezar Bononi, revealing the frustration and anxiety caused by insurance delays. He described how the lack of physical therapy (PT) for over two months hindered his progress, forcing him to rely on limited home exercises like squats and deadlifts with a sandbag instead of professional rehab sessions.
“Working out in the gym, I didn’t know what to do. It’s just squats, deadlifts, and walking for half an hour. That two and a half months of no PT [Physical Therapy] really just [shakes head]. It had nothing to do with the place I was going to, it was all insurance. They all had to wait for my insurance. That’s why in January I switched. It’s expensive, but I don’t want to go through any of that ever again.When I had hernia surgery three years ago, my insurance at the time said they would cover it. The day of the surgery, they said they couldn’t cover it. Thank God other people took care of that one. I’m still paying for the anesthesia. I get a pop-up on my credit card, ‘This amount out for anesthesia.’ It happened again, same insurance, with the knee surgery.The day of the knee surgery, they said, ‘No, we’re not covering it.’ The surgeon knew, because he’d seen this before with this insurance, he was like, ‘Let me make a couple of calls.’ Tony took care of it, thank God. That was it.After that, I was like doing my insurance, but they would give six days of PT and then wait two weeks for my insurance to kick back in to cover the next six. Wait two weeks, sometimes three weeks, and then it would kick back in. I’m doing stuff at home, but it’s not the same stuff as I’m getting there. All it was were squats and deadlifts with a sandbag. That’s all I knew to do.At one point, it became two months. That was it. Arguing with them on email, my exact words were, ‘Do I pay every month? Yes. Do I ever disturb or do anything to f*ck up this company? No, I don’t. If I’m paying and I’m not doing anything wrong, why the f*ck are you bothering me?’ They never answered back. I just waited and then got the insurance finally in place.”
Kingston’s ordeal with insurance was not new. He recalled a similar situation three years earlier with hernia surgery where coverage was denied at the last minute, resulting in ongoing costs for anesthesia. The repeated insurance issues with the knee surgery only added to his frustration and anxiety during recovery. Thanks to Tony Khan’s assistance, these roadblocks eventually cleared, allowing Kingston to move forward with his rehabilitation.
However, even after initial coverage was approved, his physical therapy was limited to six days at a time, with waiting periods of up to three weeks before continued sessions were authorized by the insurer. This inconsistency forced Kingston to continue his recovery largely on his own, impacting the pace and quality of his healing process. He expressed his exasperation over the situation in emails to the insurance company, questioning why he was being impeded despite fulfilling his obligations.
Eddie Kingston Announces His AEW Return Amidst Injury Battle
Despite the setbacks he faced during recovery, Eddie Kingston confirmed his return to the ring on the September 6 episode of AEW Collision. In a surprising moment, Big Bill challenged Kingston, calling out a fellow proud New Yorker known for being outspoken and tough. This led to Kingston quickly responding with his characteristic straightforwardness, informing Big Bill that he had signed the contract and was ready for the fight, only awaiting the match location.
While the exact date and venue for this match have not yet been announced, Kingston’s announcement serves as a hopeful sign that his recovery is progressing and that AEW fans can expect his full return soon. His comeback showcases not only his physical resilience but also his determination to overcome the administrative and medical hurdles that threatened to sideline his career indefinitely.
Related Developments in Pro Wrestling
Alongside Eddie Kingston’s journey, notable news has emerged within the wrestling world. AEW has added a match for the AEW Unified Title to the upcoming All Out event, with a tournament set to determine the three contenders. This announcement has raised anticipation for the championship’s next chapter.
In WWE circles, Triple H has teased an imminent major announcement, exciting fans eager for new developments. Meanwhile, a former WWE Universal Champion recently revealed a severe injury on social media, bringing attention to the physical toll wrestling takes on athletes.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle opened up about worsening motor skill difficulties linked to neck injuries, underscoring the lasting consequences of a career in wrestling. Bryan Danielson also shared insights about a creative storyline featuring Roman Reigns that never materialized during his time working behind the scenes.
Additionally, a wrestling legend expressed interest in taking control of Ring of Honor, currently overseen by Tony Khan, signifying ongoing shifts within the industry. Chelsea Green voiced her disappointment over a former champion’s WWE comeback after a four-year absence, reflecting the complex emotions surrounding wrestling returns and loyalty.
Finally, a former WWE star expressed excitement over re-entering wrestling after a 12-year hiatus, illustrating the enduring passion many wrestlers retain for the sport, despite personal challenges and time away.
The Importance of Tony Khan’s Role in Kingston’s Recovery
Tony Khan’s intervention in resolving Eddie Kingston’s insurance issues was vital in enabling Kingston’s continued treatment and eventual comeback. Without Khan’s direct involvement, Kingston’s rehabilitation might have been further delayed or derailed, underscoring the importance of strong leadership and support within pro wrestling organizations.
This situation highlights the broader challenges athletes face when managing serious injuries, including navigating healthcare systems and insurance complexities that can exacerbate physical and emotional stress. Kingston’s story serves as a reminder that recovery extends beyond physical healing—it requires administrative support and responsive care networks.
As Kingston prepares to re-enter the AEW ring, his perseverance and Khan’s assistance stand as key elements in overcoming adversity. Kingston’s return will likely inspire many within the wrestling community, demonstrating resilience in the face of physical setbacks and industry obstacles alike.
