Wardlow returns to AEW at Dynamite Anniversary

Wardlow is back in AEW. 

The former TNT Champion made his surprise return to the promotion after nearly four months off TV in an unannounced squash match on Wednesday’s Dynamite Anniversary show. 

Wardlow defeated Griff Garrison by referee stoppage at Dynamite Anniversary after hitting a series of powerbombs. It was the first match for Wardlow since dropping the TNT Championship to Luchasaurus on the debut episode of AEW Collision back in June. 

At a convention appearance in August, Wardlow spoke about how the time off television had impacted him, noting that he had suffered from depression during the break. 

It has never been reported whether Wardlow’s absence was injury related or a planned sabbatical. 

Wardlow is a three-time former TNT Champion, tying Sammy Guevara for the most reigns with that title in company history. His most recent reign with the TNT title began in April with a win over Powerhouse Hobbs on Dynamite, and ended with the loss to Luchasaurus on the debut Collision in June. 

Wednesday’s match was the first of 2023 for Garrison on AEW television, although he has been active on the ROH brand.