AEW teases return of fan favorite

In recent weeks, AEW has lost two key members of its programming due to injury. Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay will both miss time due to injury. Kenny Omega is also expected to take a break from AEW programming. 

As such, Tony Khan will undoubtedly be looking for talent to step up and help fill the void. The recent return of Darby Allin has come at the perfect time. And now, it would appear Eddie Kingston is nearing a return.

Kingston has been absent for over a year after suffering a leg and knee injury against Gabe Kidd at NJPW STRONG Resurgence in May of 2024. 

Eddie Kingston got called out on AEW Collision

On the Sept. 6 edition of AEW's Collision, Big Bill called out Kingston, as he asked to face a "real tough guy." 

"I come from a place where real tough guys are made: New York City," Big Bill said. "And there's another guy here in AEW from New York City who claims to be a tough guy. He loves to run his mouth, but I haven't heard from him in a long time; I haven't seen him in a long time. Hell, I don't even know where he's at, so I'm officially calling you out, Eddie Kingston." 

Khan wouldn't have sanctioned that promo if Kingston wasn't nearing a return to the ring. By putting the segment on TV, AEW is giving Kingston a platform to return, ensuring he has a ready-made storyline to help him hit the ground running. 

Kingston is "willing and able" to get back in the ring

In a recent interview with Cezar Bononi on his YouTube channel, Kingston gave an update on his current status. He admitted that he's "willing and able" to get back in the ring. However, he's currently waiting for a potential matchup to surface, with Khan needing to find the right opponent. 

"Be patient. Things are moving. I have no control, neither do any of you guys, over who signs the contract to fight me or who says okay to what has to be done," Kingston said. "I'm willing and able. I talked to the boss. He said, ‘I know you're willing and able.' When it's signed to go, it's signed to go. Just be patient. It's no one's fault, just timing. People are in different parts of their careers. Me, I'm at the part where I want to fight everybody before it's said and done. Others are more calculating on who they fight because of the rankings they have backstage."