Adam Cole Steps Away from AEW, Cites Ongoing Health Struggles
Wrestling fans packed Globe Life Field on July 12, 2025, for AEW's All In: Texas, expecting to see Adam Cole defend the AEW TNT Championship. Instead, they witnessed a different kind of headline—one that no one was ready for. With the spotlight shining bright, Cole took the microphone and courageously spoke about health challenges that have put his wrestling career on pause. Choking back emotion, he announced he wasn’t medically cleared to wrestle, which meant vacating his title and taking a break for an uncertain length of time.
This moment hit hard—both for Cole and his fans. Anyone who follows wrestling knows he’s dealt with a rough injury history since arriving in AEW. Back in 2022, a concussion took him out for nearly a year. Just when fans thought he was back for good, a serious ankle injury in 2023 added another year to his recovery timeline. So hearing him say, 'I don’t want to think about retiring because you are the best fans in the world,' drew tears, cheers, and a massive standing ovation. The only thing louder than the crowd was their chant: 'Thank you, Adam.'
Title Scene Shaken Up, Fans Rally for Cole
With Adam Cole unable to compete, AEW’s plans flipped in real time. The TNT Championship match morphed into a four-way battle between Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, Kyle Fletcher, and Daniel Garcia. In a twist nobody expected, Dustin Rhodes seized the moment and captured his first singles title in AEW—a milestone for a veteran who’s given decades to the ring.
AEW president Tony Khan confirmed later that Cole’s health problem came up suddenly. Khan made it clear: Adam needs serious recovery time, and nobody can say when—or if—he’ll return. The promotion is keeping details private to protect Cole’s well-being, but it’s clear these aren’t small bumps and bruises. The mood backstage has been a mix of admiration for Cole’s honesty and concern for his long-term health.
Cole’s exit wasn’t a solo act. Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong, his close friends and teammates in the Undisputed Elite, joined him in the ring for a final emotional handshake and hug. You could see all three men fighting back tears, a rare moment of vulnerability in the world of pro wrestling. As Cole walked out, his parting words—'I will love you forever'—echoed through the stadium, a reminder of just how connected wrestlers and their fans become, even beyond wins and losses.
The uncertainty now hangs in the air. Adam Cole’s career has always been about the comeback, the unexpected victory, the extra spark in the arena. But against something as unpredictable as serious injury, even the most resilient athletes need to put their health first. For now, fans are left with gratitude and hope, wondering what comes next for one of wrestling’s most beloved stars.
