AEW star Adam Cole’s wrestling future has been cast into serious doubt following recurring concussion issues, with a renowned journalist suggesting the former TNT Champion may be forced into permanent retirement. Cole has been ruled out of action indefinitely since suffering his latest concussion at All In: Texas.
AEW CEO Tony Khan recently expressed hope that Cole could return to the promotion in the near future while speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show. “I think it would have to be the right situation for Adam to wrestle again. I think it’s at least possible we would keep Adam as part of the family. I want to get to where he feels good about traveling and doing things every week again. I’ve been open with him that when he’s ready, there’s always a role in AEW for him.”
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez revealed the general sentiment regarding Cole’s condition and future. “He’s still having a lot of problems and as you can hear from the interview here, I mean, he’s still not flying, which is bad. And you know, the day that it happened, Adam Cole was considering going out and just retiring. And he was essentially talked out of it cuz you just never know. But I think the feeling is that he may not ever wrestle again, and it’s a very strong feeling in that direction,” Alvarez said. “We shall see, but he’s still dealing with a lot of different things. All the best to him. What’s most important is the brain in his head. Wrestling is wrestling. My guess is he’s probably done even though it has not been made official, but we’ll wait and see.”
If Cole is forced to retire due to recurring injury issues, he could transition into a non-wrestling role within the promotion. Bryan Danielson took this type of position in AEW and Ring of Honor, where the veteran star became a commentator and producer after ending his full-time in-ring career due to concussions.
Cole remains on the sidelines along with other top AEW stars dealing with long-term injuries. Swerve Strickland is working his way back from knee surgery, with Khan expressing optimism for a “relatively soon” return. Meanwhile, Will Ospreay is out of action until well into 2026 as he recovers from a neck injury.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Wrestling Observer Live and the sources noted with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
