Wardlow has officially broken his silence following his return to AEW. In a video posted to X, the former TNT Champion appeared in a suit with a clean-cut look, a sharp contrast to his previous presentation.
He accompanied the post with a bold caption, declaring himself “the most attractive man in the history of professional wrestling and it’s not even close.”
This new persona was unveiled just days after his shocking appearance at Forbidden Door on August 23, which marked his first time in an AEW ring in over a year. The return took place after Kazuchika Okada successfully defended the AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland.
Following his victory, Okada launched a vicious post-match assault on Strickland, targeting his knee with a steel chair. As Prince Nana attempted to intervene, Wardlow emerged and attacked Nana before powerbombing a member of the security team.
He then walked up the ramp and officially aligned himself with The Don Callis Family, embracing Don Callis, Kazuchika Okada, and Kyle Fletcher. The moment included a tense staredown with fellow member Konosuke Takeshita, who eventually gave a nod of approval.
Wardlow’s last televised match was on the March 13, 2024, episode of Dynamite, where he failed to capture the AEW World Championship from Samoa Joe. His prolonged absence was due to recovery from a torn labrum and injuries from a car accident, as well as his commitment to filming for the American Gladiators reboot. Reports indicated he had been medically cleared for some time prior to his return.
The attack on Strickland is speculated to be a way to write the former champion off television, as he is reportedly dealing with a torn meniscus that may require surgery, potentially setting up a future feud between the two upon Strickland’s own return.