AEW star Wardlow has not been seen since losing the TNT Championship to Luchasaurus on the debut episode of AEW Collision – until tonight, that is. Wardlow made his return with a short but brutal match against Griff Garrison, landing a series of five powerbombs before referee Paul Turner put a stop to the match. The former TNT Champion then stormed off through the crowd.
Though Wardlow has long had the support of AEW fans, it’s safe to say the character has had a rocky go of things in 2023 thus far. Wardlow was involved in the TNT Championship picture throughout the early part of the year, picking up a number of victories. However, many would argue that his storylines with Powerhouse Hobbs and Samoa Joe were still less than satisfying when all was said and done. With his return tonight, the 35-year-old has a chance to start fresh, and with the way he treated Garrison, it’s clear he’ll be presented with a strong chip on his shoulder.
Wardlow got his AEW start as MJF’s bodyguard, with an impressive performance in a steel cage match against Cody Rhodes helping first put him on the map. He went on to become a member of The Pinnacle alongside MJF, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, and Shawn Spears before the group eventually dissolved. After severing ties with MJF, the two would have a feud that culminated in a short victory at AEW Double or Nothing 2022. He then entered the TNT title picture.
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