Brian Cage has revealed that original creative plans called for him to make his return to All Elite Wrestling at Full Gear in November, but a significant setback forced him to undergo a third surgery instead. The “Machine” has had a difficult 2025, undergoing three separate procedures on his knee throughout the calendar year.
During a recent virtual signing for East Coast Autograph Auctions, Cage provided a detailed update on his condition. despite the physical toll of multiple surgeries, he remains in high spirits and is working hard on his rehabilitation with a wrestling veteran.
“It’s going fantastic,” Cage said when asked about his recovery. “Crowbar’s been stretching the hell out of — he’s like Stu Hart down here. It’s been terribly painful but it’s been amazing recovery and results so far and just been under a week.”
However, the conversation took a more serious turn when Cage disclosed the timeline of his expected return. He noted that he was supposed to return at Full Gear last month. Unfortunately, medical evaluations called for another operation.
“All things considered, this has been far and away the longest I’ve ever been out. I got some real sh*tty news that instead of coming back, which would have been at Full Gear, that I had to get another surgery, and yeah, to be out this long, three different surgeries,” Cage explained. “I tore my bicep, and within 20 years of wrestling, that was the only surgery I ever had, which is a pretty substantial record, and then to go to this year, and have three surgeries in one year is pretty sh*tty.”
Despite the frustration of a “sh*tty” year regarding his health, Cage noted that he has maintained a positive mental attitude. He is now focused on finding the positives in the situation and ensuring that when he does finally step back through the curtain, it is a moment to remember.
“But, I say all that, and that I’ve actually been in a really good mood, very optimistic. There’s been a couple of down moments, like when I found out the bad news but, overall, I’ve been really good,” Cage said. “There’s been a couple of surprise benefits from being out and being hurt, and I’m hoping a good silver lining would be an epic return so we’ll see what happens.”
H/T to Fightful for the transcription
