• Backstage News On Adam Cole’s Potential Retirement
Adam Cole’s AEW run has been repeatedly disrupted by major injuries, and his most recent setback may be the worst of his career. He was forced to vacate the TNT Championship at All In: Texas in July after suffering a concussion, an injury that reportedly brought him very close to retirement at the time.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, AEW President Tony Khan spoke with uncertainty about Cole’s status, admitting that his health situation remains delicate.
Khan noted that Cole’s well-being comes first and made it clear that the company will not rush him. He said that AEW would love to keep Cole involved in any capacity he is comfortable with, but emphasized that a return to the ring would only be possible if the circumstances were absolutely safe.
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, many people within AEW believe Cole may never wrestle again. There is a strong belief behind the scenes that his in-ring career could be over, though nothing is official.
The 36-year-old has not wrestled since July, and AEW has not announced a timetable for his return.
• “Logan Paul is not better than the AEW roster” – Former International Champion
AEW star Orange Cassidy has pushed back on Stevie Richards’ recent claim that WWE’s Logan Paul is better than the entire AEW roster.
In an interview with Adrian Hernandez, Cassidy said that he respects what Logan has done as a pro wrestler so far, especially with how quickly he picked things up, but made it clear that the comparison is over the top.
“They’re saying Logan Paul is better than the entire AEW roster? I think Logan Paul is good. He’s doing very well for his limited experience and yeah, you can get annoyed at someone who comes in and makes it look effortless. But he’s not better than the AEW roster. That’s just another counterprogramming line.”
Cassidy isn’t the only AEW star to disagree with Richards. AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher recently said that Stevie probably doesn’t even believe his own words and just made the comment for attention.
• Zack Ryder Sh*t His Tights On SmackDown, Claims Ex-WWE Star
On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Zack Ryder returned to the WWE main roster after 5 years as LA Knight’s surprise opponent in John Cena’s Last Time Is Now tournament. Knight defeated Ryder to advance in the tournament.
Ryder posted the following about his new merch being a top seller on the WWE Shop:
“I don’t know how accurate the Top Sellers filter is on @wweshop, but it shows that the 3 new Zack Ryder shirts are the top selling shirts. (I won’t let it get to my head like @realkillerkross did)
Thank YOU for the support. It’s much appreciated. If you haven’t, please consider buying one of the new shirts.
WOO WOO WOO…YOU KNOW IT!”
Karrion Kross replied the following to Ryder:
“Hi Matt.
Been very busy this weekend making an honest effort in restoring the independent market unlike you. Noticing all your incessant tweets now.
Very happy for you.
Also, Ricker said you sh*t your tights on the powerbomb live on tv.
What happened there bro?
#ZackPoopyass”
For those who don’t know, LA Knight’s real name is Shaun Ricker.
On this week’s RAW Recap podcast, Intercontinental Champion John Cena had the following to say about Ryder’s return:
“I was very, very glad to see Zack Ryder come back. Matt is a personal friend of mine, I can speak candidly like that, and I’ve seen his mind grow. You wanna talk about always being curious and the quest for growth, the Zack Ryder I knew from a long time ago has accrued so much sports entertainment wisdom.
I like rooting for people who are humble enough to admit when they’re wrong, and always want to grow, and are doing things for the greater good of the business.
Matt is certainly one of those guys, his wife Chelsea (Green) is one of those folks, who take an opportunity and get the absolute best out of it. I was really happy to see Zack Ryder back.”
