AEW CEO Tony Khan recently opened up about the injuries Adam Cole sustained, which forced him to make last-minute adjustments to his plans. Cole had to vacate the TNT Championship and announced during the show that he needed time off to recover. Khan revealed that the decision came early on a Saturday morning, after Cole admitted he was struggling with his health and sleep. Khan called it a tough but necessary conversation and expressed relief that Cole was honest about his condition.
Khan also shared that having Dustin Rhodes win the now-vacant TNT title was fitting, given Rhodes’ longstanding connection to the championship and his many previous near-misses at claiming it. Rhodes, a veteran and fan favorite, eventually captured the title, which resonated well with the audience.
In addition, Khan praised Cole’s heartfelt speech where he spoke directly to fans about the possibility of retirement due to his injuries. While Khan disagreed with Cole’s notion that he might disappoint people, he emphatically affirmed Cole’s value to AEW. He described Cole as an immensely popular star both with fans and within the locker room, highlighting his leadership and importance across all promotions he’s worked with. Cole’s reign as AEW TNT Champion lasted just under 100 days and remains his sole title run in AEW.
Fan Take: This unexpected title change underscores how unpredictable professional wrestling can be, especially when real-life injuries come into play. For AEW fans, it highlights the resilience and respect within the sport, with veterans like Dustin Rhodes stepping up during challenging moments, promising an exciting and heartfelt future for the promotion.
