Kyle O’Reilly is thankful to get back in the ring after a career-threatening injury.
In September 2022, Kyle O’Reilly underwent neck fusion surgery. Unfortunately, his recovery was seriously hampered by a rare post-surgery complication. On the March 26th edition of Collision, the star finally completed a lengthy comeback journey that seemed almost impossible two years ago.
On the show, O’Reilly defeated Bryan Keith in his first match since June 8th, 2022. After the bout, the Undisputed Kingdom came to the ring to congratulate their friend and raised him on their shoulders despite his insistence that he doesn’t want to join the group.
“I’m Reminded Of Why I Fell In Love With This Sport To Begin With” – Kyle O’Reilly On In-Ring Return
Now, AEW has posted a backstage interview with O’Reilly where the star opened up on his return, noting that it reminded him of why he fell in love with wrestling.
“In moments and times like these, I’m reminded how much it hurts to be a professional wrestler. How much it hurts to hit the mat, how much it sucks to get chopped and to get kicked. I’m reminded of why I fell in love with this sport to begin with, man. I’m reminded of how deep of a roster we have, how talented a guy Bryan Keith is. I’m reminded how great the AEW fan base is.
O’Reilly went on to admit he is “really lucky” to get the chance to get back in the ring again.
“I know I said, you know, I mentioned at the time I didn’t want to join the Undisputed Kingdom, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t want the support of my best friends. Before I knew it, those guys were out there and they’re hugging me and it really, really felt good. I’m a really lucky guy. I get a chance to do this again.”
EXCLUSIVE: After a spectacular fight on #AEWCollision, Kyle O'Reilly reflects on how it feels to be back in the ring@KORCombat | @K_Shibata2022pic.twitter.com/pmcohq333Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 17, 2024
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.