After more than 18 months out of action, an AEW star could be looking at an onscreen return in the near future.
As reported by Fightful Select, Kyle O’Reilly, who has been sidelined with injury for over a year, has been seen backstage at recent AEW tapings and could be nearing closer to a long-awaited return. O’Reilly underwent neck fusion surgery back in September 2022 but sadly experienced complications from the surgery. However, it has also been reported by Fightful that O’Reilly has been recently working with a strength and conditioning specialist.
As recently as the summer of 2023 the update on O’Reilly did not sound good, as he was not factored into creative and there was no timetable for his return. O’Reilly’s last match took place back in June 2022, losing to Jon Moxley in a tournament to crown an interim AEW World Champion.
During a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Adam Cole stated that O’Reilly is doing everything he can to get healthy and get back to the ring. While there was no definite timetable, O’Reilly was said to be progressing well.
An update has also been provided by O’Reilly via social media. With AEW announcing return dates to Canada beginning in March 2024, O’Reilly posted the following caption on his Instagram story:
“I might be a wrestler again by this time [fingers crossed emoji],”
Multiple AEW Talents Dealing With Injuries
All Elite Wrestling has seen many talents suffer injuries recently, with some requiring major surgery, much like O’Reilly. Adam Cole recently underwent ankle surgery and has been on crutches while appearing on Dynamite, also with no timetable for return. Cole’s onscreen best friend and the World Champion MJF is also dealing with shoulder and hip injuries that were suffered at Full Gear, but is choosing to avoid surgery at all costs to make sure he doesn’t miss the Worlds End pay-per-view.
Another injury scare came as recently as December 5th as Bryan Danielson seemingly suffered another injury at a Collision taping. Following the reported injury, an update on Bryan Danielson’s status has been provided.
Inside The Ropes would like to continue to wish Kyle O’Reilly a full and speedy recovery.