Adam Cole made his surprise return to AEW television last month, announcing that after dealing with serious side effects from concussions, he is finally cleared to return to in-ring competition. Cole’s promo and subsequent vignettes have taken on a much more upbeat, babyface approach compared to the heel-like role he’s played since arriving in AEW at All out 2021. He talked about the decision to make the switch in a new interview with the Observer wrestling this week.

“In this particular situation, if I had gotten through it with a different approach of cutting a heel promotion or acting as a heel from the return, we would have fought upstream. It was one of those things where, of course, the fans would being excited and behind you, especially when they hear the story. In that sense, that process was easier,” Cole explained (h/t combative). “Overall I’ve been a heel 95% of my entire career. I’ve talked and struggled like a heel for a very long time. To even step outside of that comfort zone and talk, the way I feel, like a babyface would, was very intimidating for me mentally. Fortunately, the process of the real journey and the real story makes it easy because it’s all real. It’s all things that I really feel. The whole recovery process was all real. At this point, whether it’s whole or babyface, I’m just worried about telling my story and I’m glad the fans are behind this.”

Cole has hinted that he will return to action next month Revolution pay-per-view. He also discussed his goals for the next step in his career and it wasn’t long before the AEW World Championship came up.

“Right now I’m just so excited to be back. I can’t wait to get back in the ring, and I’m so grateful to actually be able to get back in the ring, especially with that dread of thinking that it may not happen. As for the AEW World Championship of course. I would love the chance to be the AEW World Champion. That’s definitely a goal in the back of my mind. Again, that’s the stamp of approval of the company you work for , saying, “Okay, we’re going to get behind this guy. We’re going to give this guy the ball.” So sure, becoming the AEW World Champion one day is a goal of mine, but right now, right now, I’m just thinking about being able to get back in the ring and wrestle, and be back on the road. for me,” said Cole.