Just hours before the event, Keith Lee put an end to fan speculation, confirming he will not be making a surprise return at tonight’s AEW All In: Texas. The former champion has been absent from programming since late 2023.
In a social media exchange on July 12, Lee directly addressed his status for the show at Globe Life Field. While expressing hope for an eventual comeback, he made it clear his return to the ring is not his decision to make.
Lee’s last match was a victory over Brian Cage on the December 23, 2023, episode of AEW Collision. He was subsequently pulled from a scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at the Worlds End pay-per-view due to health issues. Lee later disclosed that he underwent “double surgeries” in early 2024 to address a lingering injury that dated back to 2022.
Despite his prolonged absence, Lee has recently stated that he is now medically fine and not dealing with any injuries. The delay in his return appears to be a creative matter, with reports indicating that despite being physically ready, AEW has not yet incorporated him into any upcoming storylines.
Throughout his time away, Lee has remained transparent with his fanbase, discouraging campaigns for his return and reiterating that he is patiently waiting for the company’s decision.