A new report has provided a significant update on the status of AEW star Wardlow, who has been absent from television for over a year. According to the report, the former TNT Champion has now completed filming for the upcoming reboot of the American Gladiators series, and discussions are underway within AEW about how to bring the dominant powerhouse back to the company.
The Latest Update on Wardlow’s AEW Status
According to a new report from Fightful Select, Wardlow has finished his filming commitments for the American Gladiators series, for the time being. The report notes that he was recently backstage at an AEW event in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. More significantly, it states that those within AEW claim there have been discussions about how to bring him back to television, though no specific creative plans have been revealed yet. This is the most positive news regarding Wardlow’s status in some time and suggests that his long-awaited return to the ring could be on the horizon. The report also adds an interesting detail, with sources stating that the American Gladiators production has already filmed two full seasons’ worth of content, which could impact Wardlow’s future availability.
From the Sidelines to ‘American Gladiators’
Wardlow’s long absence from AEW has been the result of a series of unfortunate events. He has been off television since his last match in March of 2024. According to the report, he was initially sidelined with a shoulder injury, which was then compounded by a car accident. While he has reportedly been medically cleared to compete since earlier this year, his return was further delayed by a major opportunity outside of wrestling. The report states that Wardlow met with AEW President Tony Khan earlier this year, and they mutually agreed that it would be best for him to film the American Gladiators series before making his comeback. The logic was that it wouldn’t make sense to bring him back for a short period, only to have to take him off television again for the filming of the show.
A Dominant Force Awaiting a Return
Before his long hiatus, Wardlow was one of the most dominant and popular homegrown stars in All Elite Wrestling. He first rose to prominence as the stoic and powerful bodyguard for MJF, a partnership that eventually exploded in a massive, fan-favorite babyface turn. After breaking free from MJF, Wardlow went on a dominant run that saw him capture the TNT Championship on three separate occasions. His last major program before his injury saw him locked in a feud with the then-AEW World Champion, Samoa Joe, a feud that culminated in a world title match at the Dynamite: Big Business event in March 2024. A healthy and motivated Wardlow is a massive asset to the AEW roster, and his return will be a huge moment for the company.
With his filming commitments for American Gladiators now complete and his body fully healed, the path is finally clear for the return of the “War Dog.” The report that discussions are now underway for his creative direction is a promising sign that fans may soon be witnessing the return of the Powerbomb Symphony to AEW.
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