Adam Cole is back, Bay Bay. The Panama City Playboy returned to All Elite Wrestling on January 11 AEW dynamite, ending a months-long absence from live programming. Cole went down with a concussion during his IWGP world title match at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door and has since been disabled. During his absence from the company, reports circulated that Cole’s injury could force him into retirement. While he has yet to tie his boots, all eyes are focused AEW Revolution as the likely location for Cole’s return to the ring.
Fortunately for Cole, his circumstance was not unique as many wrestlers have suffered head injuries and come out perfectly healthy on the other side. Among them is AEW star Bryan Danielson, who was forced to stay away from the ring for two years due to his concussion history. Despite his initial retirement, Danielson was able to gain medical clearance and has been an active talent in the professional wrestling industry ever since.
“I spoke briefly [Danielson]and he obviously has a ton of information about that whole process,” Cole continued Wrestling Observer radio. “He was really helpful, gave a lot of information, just wanted to make sure I was doing the right things to get back and feel healthy. He was amazing.”
Cole noted that Danielson retiring in 2018 and then performing at top level helped him through his recovery process.
“That was incredibly motivating,” Cole said. “Of course there are similarities [with our injuries], but at the same time they were also very different. It motivated me to think [that] he was told, “You’re not stepping into a ring again.” It’s just not going to happen.’ Then Bryan did everything he could to get to a point where a bunch of doctors are now saying, ‘Yeah, you’re good to go. You’re ready to go.’ He’s proven that now, week after week, just with absolutely incredible matches.”
Cole has not appeared live on AEW programming since his return promotion on January 11 AEW dynamite, but he has shown his face in a series of pre-recorded segments. As mentioned, all signs indicate that Cole will struggle at March’s AEW Revolution but there is no word as to who his adversary will be.
