The future of Adam Cole is in serious doubt after a concussion forced him to relinquish the AEW TNT Championship and withdraw from his scheduled defense at AEW All In: Texas on July 13.
The injury reportedly occurred during the July 10 episode of AEW Collision. In a six-man tag team match pitting Cole’s Paragon stable against members of The Don Callis Family, Cole sustained the concussion during a lariat exchange with Kyle Fletcher. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, Cole was visibly hurt following the move.
This led to AEW President Tony Khan announcing hours before All In: Texas that Cole was not medically cleared to compete. Cole appeared at the event to address the audience directly, confirming he would be “gone for a while” and vacating the championship. In an emotional speech, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his career and hinted at the possibility of retirement, though he stated he was not prepared to make that decision yet.
The situation is particularly alarming given Cole’s medical history. He previously missed nine months of action in 2022 following two serious concussions. His latest title reign, which began at Dynasty in April 2025, marked a triumphant period after he had only recently returned in May 2024 from a six-month absence due to a severe ankle injury.
With the title vacated, a four-way match was held at All In: Texas to crown a new champion. Dustin Rhodes defeated Daniel Garcia, Sammy Guevara, and Cole’s originally scheduled opponent, Kyle Fletcher, to capture the championship.
The news of Cole’s injury prompted an outpouring of support from across the wrestling community. Numerous peers, including Johnny Gargano, Britt Baker, and Tommaso Ciampa, shared messages wishing him a full recovery, regardless of his future in the ring.