Fightful Select has reported that Wardlow, who last competed in AEW in March 2024, has temporarily shifted his focus away from wrestling but remains with the company under a long-term contract.
Wardlow sustained a torn labrum in the spring of 2024 as confirmed by Matt Taven, which was later aggravated in a car accident at some point during his recovery which kept him out of action.
The former TNT Champion reportedly secured a “very appropriate and special” role for television in early 2025, with discussions between he and Tony Khan resulting in a mutual decision to hold off on Wardlow’s return despite being medically cleared to compete to avoid a short-term comeback interrupted by outside commitments.