AEW Star Wardlow Absent Since March 2024 Due to Injury, TV Role, Contract Secured

AEW star Wardlow has been absent from television since March 2024 due to a labrum injury sustained in spring 2024, which was worsened by a subsequent car accident. Despite being medically cleared to compete early in 2025, Wardlow secured a "very appropriate and special" television role outside AEW, leading to an agreement with AEW President Tony Khan to delay his return to wrestling to avoid an interrupted comeback. Wardlow remains under a long-term AEW contract and is expected to continue with the promotion. His last AEW match was a World Title bout against Samoa Joe, and he was backstage at AEW Revolution 2025 but not scheduled to appear on TV due to his ongoing recovery and external commitments. The decision to postpone his return aligns with AEW's long-term plans and Wardlow's other projects, ensuring a more stable and beneficial return in the future.