The broadcast booth for AEW Dynamite felt whole again on January 21, as “The Human Suplex Machine” Taz made his long-awaited return to commentary. Taz rejoined his broadcast partners, Excalibur and Tony Schiavone, bringing back his unique blend of technical analysis, humor, and New York attitude to the show. His absence had been felt since October, when he stepped away to address lingering physical issues from his in-ring career. On October 8, Taz had announced to fans that he required total shoulder replacement surgery, a procedure he underwent successfully on October 15. This surgery came on the heels of a total knee replacement he had earlier in 2024, marking a year of significant physical rehabilitation for the ECW legend.
During his recovery period, the commentary role was filled by none other than “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson. While Danielson provided expert insight, particularly regarding submission grappling and ring psychology, fans missed the specific chemistry that Taz has developed with Excalibur over the years, especially their banter which has become a staple of AEW programming. Taz has been a fixture in AEW since 2019, evolving from a manager to one of the most beloved voices in the company, making his return a welcome sight for long-time viewers.
Taz’s return comes at a perfect time as AEW builds toward Revolution. His ability to explain the danger of suplexes and submissions adds gravity to the matches, a skill that will be crucial as the intensity of rivalries heats up on the road to the pay-per-view. With his health issues now hopefully in the rearview mirror, Taz looks poised to resume his tenure as the definitive voice of AEW’s harder-hitting action.
The commentary dynamic is expected to settle back into its familiar rhythm immediately. With Taz back in the headset, the trio of Schiavone, Excalibur, and Taz provides the soundtrack for AEW’s flagship show, balancing play-by-play with color commentary that enhances the storytelling in the ring. As the calendar moves deeper into 2026, his presence will help guide fans through the complex narratives of the “Triangle of Madness,” the rise of new stars like Alec Price, and the reign of champions across the board.
Welcome back to the announce desk @OfficialTAZ!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/UHxSa0oZk5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 22, 2026
