What Happened to Adam Cole: Professional wrestling is a world of high-flying action, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments, but it’s also a place where the physical toll on performers can lead to unexpected and emotional twists. On July 12, 2025, the wrestling community was hit with a gut punch when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Adam Cole was forced to vacate his TNT Championship due to health issues, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated All In: Texas pay-per-view. As fans, we’re left wondering what happened to one of wrestling’s brightest stars and what this means for his future. Let’s dive into the details of this emotional story, from the shocking announcement to its impact on AEW and Cole’s uncertain path ahead.
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The Shocking Announcement at All In: Texas
Just hours before AEW’s All In: Texas event kicked off at Globe Life Field in Arlington, AEW President Tony Khan dropped a bombshell during a social media livestream. He revealed that Adam Cole, the reigning TNT Champion, was not medically cleared to compete in his scheduled title defense against Kyle Fletcher. Khan didn’t disclose the specifics of Cole’s condition but emphasized the need for Cole to take time away to recover, leading to the decision to vacate the championship. This last-minute change stunned fans who had been eagerly awaiting Cole’s match, as the feud with Fletcher had been building since AEW’s Double or Nothing event. Instead of the anticipated one-on-one showdown, AEW pivoted to a fatal four-way match featuring Fletcher, Daniel Garcia, Sammy Guevara, and Dustin Rhodes to crown a new champion. Cole’s absence was deeply felt, but the real heartbreak came later during the event.
An Emotional Farewell and Retirement Hints
During All In: Texas, Adam Cole took to the ring for an in-ring address that left fans in tears. The 36-year-old wrestler, visibly emotional, announced he would be stepping away from wrestling for an indefinite period due to undisclosed health issues. Fighting back tears, Cole hinted that this could be his final time addressing the AEW audience as a wrestler, sparking fears of a potential retirement. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support since he was nine years old and shared an emotional embrace with his Paragon teammates, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong, as well as Daniel Garcia. Cole’s signature “Adam Cole Bay Bay” chant echoed through the arena one last time, a bittersweet moment that highlighted his deep connection with the audience. His heartfelt words underscored the gravity of his situation, leaving many to speculate about the severity of his health concerns.
A History of Injury Setbacks
Adam Cole’s journey in AEW has been marred by injuries, making this latest setback all the more devastating. Since joining AEW in 2021, Cole has faced significant challenges, including a concussion in June 2022 that sidelined him for nine months and a severe ankle injury in September 2023 that required two surgeries and kept him out for over a year. That ankle injury, sustained during a non-contact incident while protecting MJF, was particularly brutal, with Cole breaking his ankle in three places and tearing ligaments. Despite these setbacks, Cole made a triumphant return in 2025, capturing the TNT Championship and holding it for 97 days with three successful defenses. Reports suggest his latest health issue may be linked to a lariat he took during a trios match on the July 10 episode of AEW Collision, though no official confirmation has been provided. This pattern of injuries has raised concerns about Cole’s long-term in-ring future.
What’s Next for Adam Cole and AEW?
The uncertainty surrounding Adam Cole’s health has left fans and AEW in a state of limbo. Tony Khan, speaking at the All In: Texas post-show media scrum, noted that Cole’s health issues came to light at the last minute, with plans for his title defense still in place as late as the night before. AEW officials were reportedly unaware of the extent of his condition until the announcement, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wrestling injuries. For now, Cole’s focus is on recovery, but with no estimated return date, questions linger about his role in AEW and the future of his Paragon faction with O’Reilly and Strong. Fans have flooded social media with support, with hashtags like #GetWellSoonAdamCole trending globally, reflecting his immense popularity. As AEW moves forward with a new TNT Champion, the wrestling world waits anxiously for updates on Cole’s health, hoping this isn’t the end of his storied career.
In the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, Adam Cole’s latest health setback is a reminder of the sacrifices performers make for our entertainment. His emotional address at All In: Texas was a testament to his passion for the industry and his gratitude for the fans who’ve supported him through every “Bay Bay” chant. While we don’t know when—or if—Cole will return to the ring, his legacy as a charismatic and skilled wrestler remains undeniable. For now, we join the wrestling community in wishing Adam Cole a speedy recovery, holding onto hope that he’ll overcome this challenge and return to thrill us once more.