AEW and WWE stars always carry a high risk of injuries. Some pro wrestlers are fortunate enough to experience minor injuries only, while others suffer severe wounds that never fully heal.
There have been many instances where a pro wrestling athlete has had to retire because of the severity of their injuries. But some lucky ones have also made it back to the ring despite the slim chances of their return.
Here is a list of four AEW stars who returned to action from career-threatening injuries.
#1. Adam Copeland
Adam Copeland has suffered tons of injuries in his vast wrestling career. All the hard bumps he took on the mat and the floor finally caught up to him in 2011, when he was forced to retire because of a severe neck injury.
He officially relinquished the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the April 15 episode of SmackDown, addressing his fans and expressing his gratitude for all their love and support throughout the years.
He was on a hiatus for around nine long years. He made his surprise return at the 2020 Royal Rumble on January 26 and entered the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the number 21 spot. He has been an active competitor ever since and is now a member of Tony Khan’s AEW roster.
#2. Saraya
Saraya had to undergo neck surgery in 2016, which put her on the shelf for around a year. She returned to WWE in September 2017 but soon suffered another neck injury at a house show on 27 December because of a kick from Sasha Banks (aka Mercedes Mone) in a six-woman tag team match.
She couldn’t continue her in-ring career for years and was given non-wrestling roles in the Stamford-based promotion. She left WWE in June 2022 and joined AEW in September of the same year.
In November, Saraya revealed the doctors had cleared her for in-ring action and she returned to the ring at 2022 AEW Full Gear, where she wrestled and even defeated Britt Baker.
#3. Katsuyori Shibata
Katsuyori Shibata suffered a loss to Kazuchika Okada on April 9 at Sakura Genesis 2017. Following the match, he collapsed backstage. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where the doctors found out that he had a subdural hematoma because of repeated use of a headbutt as his signature move.
The AEW star immediately went under the knife and later it was announced that he might never return to action. But he made a powerful comeback on the final night of G1 Climax 31 on October 21, 2021. He faced off against Zack Sabre Jr. in a five-minute UWF rules exhibition, which ultimately resulted in a draw.
#4. Christian Cage
In September 2016, Christian Cage confirmed he had retired from wrestling due to suffering multiple concussions. He began appearing sporadically for WWE in a non-wrestling role alongside Edge, who was also retired.
He returned to action in June 2020 and had his return match against Orton. It was an unsanctioned bout which he lost after a low blow from Ric Flair, which was followed by a punt kick from The Viper. Later in 2021, he made the jump to AEW and has been a part of Tony Khan’s roster since then.
