As previously reported, AEW star Wardlow suffered a torn pectoral muscle shortly after his return at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in August. This injury follows a significant absence of over a year due to a prior injury. After being cleared, Wardlow chose to stay away longer to film the American Gladiators reboot for Amazon MGM Studios.

According to Sean Ross Sapp in the latest edition of Fightful Select Answers, following a fan question about the former TNT Champion, Wardlow is not expected to return before the end of the year. The report indicated that many people within the company were disappointed when Wardlow sustained his injury shortly after making a return after such a long time away from AEW.

Previously, Fightful Select reported that there was a possibility of Wardlow being featured on TV in an enforcer role; however, that has not materialized. Additionally, it has been rumored that Wardlow’s injury impacted creative plans for AEW, as he was reportedly scheduled to face Hangman Page for the AEW World Title at All Out. That match was instead given to Kyle Fletcher.

The New York Sports Medicine Institute noted that the healing and recovery time for a torn pectoral muscle can vary depending on the severity of the tear. If the injury requires surgical repair, it can take anywhere from six months to a year to heal. As of now, there is no update on when Wardlow may return to the ring, but more information will be provided as it becomes available.