"I’m very grateful I can still perform" - AEW star finally returns after 2 years

An absent AEW star recently stepped foot into the squared circle after almost 22 months. 45-year-old star Blade has been tagging with Butcher for the past few years. The heel tag team has delivered some top-notch performances recently. However, Blade hasn't been featured on TV for a major reason. His last appearance in the Jacksonville-based promotion took place in January 2024.

Blade has suffered from back issues since 2024. He went on a hiatus in February last year to work on his health issues. In September 2024, the tag team star underwent spinal fusion surgery. He spent over a year recovering from the operation. The dynamic star returned recently. He and Butcher teamed up at the Blissman 2025 show.

After the 45-year-old star's blockbuster return, he took to Instagram and thanked everyone who contributed to his comeback.

"This past weekend I had my first pro wrestling match in almost 2 years after getting my lower back fused. I’d like to thank everybody who was there for sharing the experience with me. I’m very grateful I can still perform. I’d also like to thank everybody on here for your support these past 22 months. To everyone that reached out, I appreciate it. It really went a long way. It feels good to be back," he wrote.

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AEW star Blade thanked AEW for its help

Tony Khan is often known for helping wrestlers financially, especially when they are injured and sitting on the sidelines.

While speaking on Talk'N Shop, Blade revealed AEW took care of some of the bills during the major crisis.

“I had a back fusion, spinal fusion, on September 10th of 2024. It's been about a year now, and I'm getting close to going back to doctors, getting cleared. AEW took care of my surgery, they took care of my physical therapy. They've been taking care of me for like over a year now. I'm really, really grateful for that job,” said Blade.

Fans are now wondering when he will return to the Jacksonville-based promotion now that he is cleared to wrestle.

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Edited by Angana Roy