Wardlow was backstage at AEW Revolution earlier this month, though Fightful Select notes the visit was social in nature and he was not actively planned for the event. The outlet has not been told there are imminent plans for Wardlow’s return to the ring, nor whether he has received medical clearance to compete.
Wardlow has been sidelined since suffering a torn pectoral muscle upon his one-night return at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025, where he hit Prince Nana with a lariat that immediately caused the injury. The timing was significant — Wardlow had been set to play a role in the AEW World Title programme involving Hangman Page and Kyle Fletcher heading into All Out, and the injury disrupted those creative plans.
Wardlow’s Injury History and American Gladiators Role Add Context to His Absence
This marks Wardlow’s second extended absence in recent memory. Prior to his Forbidden Door return, he had been off AEW television since March 2024 due to a labrum injury that was aggravated by a car accident. During his time away in 2025, he also traveled to France to film the revival of American Gladiators for Amazon Prime Video, where he performs as one of the gladiators. That series — hosted by The Miz and featuring Rick Boogs, Kamille, and Jessie Godderz — is set to premiere on April 17, 2026.
