44-year-old AEW star undergoes surgery; provides big update
AEW has lost another top talent to injury. Many pro wrestlers view health issues and ailments as the most unfortunate part of the business, and now a veteran star has finally provided an update on moving forward after being away for so long.
The Blade has not wrestled since defeating Kody Lane at an Apha-1 event on February 4. Three weeks earlier he and The Butcher lost to Top Flight on ROH, and one week before that they teamed with Kip Sabian in a losing effort against The Hardys and Mark Briscoe on AEW Rampage.
The 44-year-old announced in April that he had two bulging discs and two ruptured discs in his back. He also thanked Tony Khan for allowing him time off to heal. Blade noted in June that he was still under contract to AEW, while blaming the injury on a lot of wear and tear. He also added that surgery was possible, but he hoped to be back in a few months.
Buffalo's Favorite Son took to Instagram today to reveal that he recently underwent fusion surgery on his back. Blade also thanked his supporters. The 24-year industry veteran included a post-surgery clip with a few photos from the hospital.
"Back fusion was a success [thumbs up emoji] Thank you to everyone for your continued support [heart emoji] Means a lot to this Grizzled Vet Utility Brother," The Blade wrote with the video and photos below.
The Butcher has continued to wrestle singles matches and also teams up with others, while his partner is on the shelf. His last match came at Rampage on 16, where he teamed with The Outrunners for a loss to The Conglomeration. This came one week after his last singles match: a loss to Darby Allin on Rampage.
AEW Dynamite updated lineup for tonight
All Elite Wrestling will return to the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky for tonight's Dynamite. The show will feature All Out fallout, plus the build to WrestleDream.
AEW has announced that Jack Perry will defend the TNT Championship tonight, while Ricochet will also be in action. Below is the updated lineup:
- Jon Moxley will address recent actions
- Ricochet vs. Sammy Guevara
- Eliminator Match: Women's World Champion Mariah May vs. Queen Aminata
- TNT Championship Match: Jack Perry (c) vs. Lio Rush
- Tag Team Casino Gauntlet Match: Teams TBA to determine challengers to World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks at Grand Slam
AEW's next pay-per-view is WrestleDream on Saturday, October 12. However, the Grand Slam editions of Dynamite and Rampage will be taped on Wednesday, September 25.