AEW to get major boost as star is nearing return from injury

Adam Cole broke his ankle at AEW Grandslam on Sept. 20, 2023. He was running into the ring to help MJF against Samoa Joe when he had a freak accident. Since then, Cole has sporadically appeared on AEW programming, particularly during the end of the "mask" storyline with MJF. He also made some appearances with the Undisputed Kingdom.

However, Cole has been at home recovering from his injury for the most part. Yet, according to Fightful Select , he could be set to finally return almost 12 months later.

"A more promising sign of return was word that emerged from backstage that Cole was set to resume training for a hopeful return as soon as next week," Fightful Select reported. "Adam Cole last wrestled on September 3, 2023. Shortly after that, he sustained an ankle injury in a freak accident during a show closing segment that ended up heavily derailing AEW’s plans, which Cole factored heavily into."

Cole's return to AEW will instantly boost its storylines. He has unfinished business with MJF, which could either be dealt with as its own story or be intertwined with his current feud with Will Ospreay.

Furthermore, Cole's return could finally provide some direction to the Undisputed Kingdom. That faction has lacked direction since his injury and has rarely provided anything of substance when given TV time. Cole's return should quickly bring that faction back to prominence, especially if he maintains his thirst for championship gold.

Another wrestler who could benefit from Cole's return is Wardlow, who has rarely been seen in recent months. A subplot story developed between the two during the early days of the Undisputed Kingdom; it will be interesting to see if Tony Khan brings the plot back or leaves it to fade away.

Cole's return will be a significant boost to AEW, as another one of its top stars will be back in the rotation and on weekly programming. Khan's promotion is without multiple high-level talents due to injury.

It will be interesting to see how quickly Cole is integrated back into the company's creative decisions or whether he will be forced to show patience before getting his chance to shine at the top end of the roster again.