One AEW star is exploring other career options during his recovery from surgery.
The Blade, otherwise known as Pepper Parks, has been out of action since February of 2024 with a lower back injury. His last appearance on AEW television took place on the January 5th episode of Rampage, where he teamed with The Butcher and Kip Sabian in a loss to The Hardys and Mark Briscoe.
Back in June, Blade made it clear that he was still with All Elite Wrestling and disclosed the extent of his back injuries, indicating that he has two bulging discs (L2 L3 and L4 L5) and two ruptured discs (L3 L4 and L5 S1). At the time, he emphasized the role of physical therapy in aiding his recovery and staying on track. In September, The Blade took to social media to reveal he’d undergone back fusion surgery, and that surgery had been a success.
The Blade Focusing On Comedy Amidst AEW Hiatus
Recently, the star’s wife Allie (otherwise known as The Bunny) gave an update on Blade’s progress during a virtual signing with RDP Promotions. According to Allie, her husband has begun physical therapy and is doing a lot of stand-up comedy while he works toward getting healthy. She said:
“He’s hanging in. He just started his PT. His back surgery went really well. I’m really proud of him. He’s doing a ton of stand-up comedy right now. He’s really just focused on getting healthy.”
There is currently no timetable for the star to return to in-ring action.
During another appearance, Allie reflected on the positives of her time in AEW, saying she was “a lucky girl.”
h/t WrestleTalk