The future of Wardlow in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been a major talking point in wrestling circles for several months. The experienced wrestler, who has occupied the industry for over a decade, was expected to receive a significant push but faced multiple setbacks, including injuries and outside projects, delaying his main event breakthrough. Sources now suggest that Tony Khan is close to finalizing plans for Wardlow’s comeback after his recent involvement with a mainstream television show.
Wardlow, known as Mr. Mayhem, made a rare appearance backstage at AEW’s Dynamite event held at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This location is significant as Wardlow hails from nearby Middlefield, Ohio. At 37 years old, Wardlow has been absent from in-ring competition since March 13, 2024, when he unsuccessfully challenged Samoa Joe for the World Championship during AEW Dynamite’s Big Business edition.
Injuries and External Projects Influencing Wardlow’s Absence
Wardlow’s absence has been attributed primarily to a torn labrum injury sustained in early 2024, compounded by a car accident shortly afterward that aggravated his recovery process. According to Matt Taven, a former ally of Wardlow in wrestling, the star was also managing a knee injury as of September last year. Fightful Select clarified that while the car accident did not initially cause an injury, it worsened his existing condition.
Tony Khan reportedly met with Wardlow earlier this year, granting him approval to take part in the American Gladiators reboot, filmed recently in France and hosted by WWE’s The Miz. Wardlow appears alongside notable figures such as former WWE star Rick Boogs and ex-TNA competitor Jessie Godderz on the male Gladiators team. The female Gladiators roster includes AEW’s Kamille and Jessica Roden, recognized from OVW. The series is scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Video, anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026. This involvement reportedly created some challenges due to the crossover between WWE and AEW talent.
Steps Toward Wardlow’s AEW Return
Although Wardlow has been medically cleared to compete for several months, AEW management opted to delay his in-ring return to avoid interrupting his filming commitments. Fightful Select notes that Tony Khan felt it was unwise to reintroduce Wardlow into storylines only to remove him shortly after for more filming duties. Wardlow’s presence backstage at various AEW events, including the marquee All In show, indicated ongoing ties but not an immediate comeback plan.
During the recent Dynamite event in Cleveland, it was revealed that Wardlow signed for two seasons of American Gladiators, with both seasons already filmed. Insider reports confirm that AEW officials have held conversations about re-integrating Wardlow into current storylines. Although rumors of a renewed feud with MJF surfaced previously, no concrete details from these discussions have been shared publicly.
Potential Impact of Wardlow’s Return
Wardlow’s return to AEW could significantly affect the promotion’s main event landscape, resolving months of uncertainty surrounding his status. As an accomplished three-time TNT Champion and respected industry veteran, his comeback is highly anticipated by fans and insiders alike. Tony Khan’s strategy appears to balance Wardlow’s healing process with television engagements, suggesting a carefully timed return that could coincide with fresh storylines later this year.
This approach aims to avoid past disruptions caused by injuries and external projects, allowing Wardlow to reestablish himself as a central figure within AEW. Given his previous near-main event pushes and marketability, Wardlow’s reintegration might inject renewed energy and creativity into ongoing AEW programming.
