Adam Cole recently stepped away from defending the TNT Championship in Texas, making it clear to AEW fans that he had not yet been medically cleared to compete. According to a Sunday report from Fightful Select, Cole will be sidelined for the “foreseeable future” due to concussion-related issues. The report mentioned that Cole likely sustained the injury earlier in the week, feeling unwell on Saturday morning, which led to his decision to temporarily step back. Although Cole told fans it might be a lengthy break, he did not specify if retirement was being considered.
Cole, the current TNT Champion, is no stranger to concussion problems, having suffered two in the summer of 2022. At that time, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer newsletter that Cole appeared dazed after a kick from “Hangman” Adam Page during a match. Additionally, Cole made a comeback in September 2023 from a serious ankle injury he had sustained. During the AEW Grand Slam event that year, he notably jumped off the ramp while protecting his then-friend MJF in a bout with Samoa Joe, despite his injury.
Fan Take: Adam Cole’s absence is a significant blow to AEW, as he remains one of the company’s top talents and TNT Champion. His recovery and return will be crucial for AEW’s storytelling and the future landscape of the sport, emphasizing the ongoing risks and physical toll in professional wrestling.
