Absent AEW Star Spotted Backstage During Double Or Nothing

One absent AEW star was reportedly backstage at AEW Double or Nothing this weekend, but fans hoping for a surprise return ultimately left disappointed.

According to PWInsider, Wardlow was present backstage during Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Despite speculation surrounding his status, the former TNT Champion did not appear on camera during the event.

The report follows earlier claims from Fightful Select that Wardlow had already travelled to New York ahead of Double or Nothing weekend. While his presence immediately sparked rumours of an imminent comeback, there was reportedly never any internal confirmation that AEW planned to use him on the show.

Wardlow Has Been Absent From AEW Due To Numerous Injuries

Wardlow has been away from AEW competition since March 2024 while recovering from multiple injuries. He briefly resurfaced during Forbidden Door 2025 before later revealing he had suffered a torn pectoral muscle around that time.

Earlier this year, Wardlow also disclosed during an interview with BCP+ that he fully tore his left bicep before filming Amazon Prime’s American Gladiator reboot. Rather than undergoing surgery, he opted to manage the injury while filming and wore a sleeve to conceal discolouration in his arm.

Fightful additionally reported that Wardlow has quietly been backstage at several recent AEW events as he continues working toward medical clearance. His appearance backstage at Double or Nothing appears to have been part of that ongoing process rather than the beginning of an on-screen return.

For now, Wardlow’s comeback remains uncertain, despite continued speculation surrounding the former champion’s AEW future.