AEW Dynamite at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Eddie Kingston's AEW return can't come soon enough

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jan 25, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Eddie Kingston has been missing from AEW programming since May 2024. He suffered a leg injury during New Japan Pro Wrestling's Resurgence pay-per-view. Since being out of the picture, AEW has begun implementing some changes to its approach. There is a heavier focus on story-telling, and a lot of veteran talents are receiving a push.

Fortunately for AEW fans, Kingston is likely nearing a return to the ring. During a recent interview with Cezar Bononi, Kingston discussed his unwavering belief that he will return to an AEW ring, before turning his attention toward his eventual retirement.

“I will. I never doubted that I’d come back," Kingston said. "No, I got more s--- to do. Being the top guy in the business is still a goal. Everybody wants to do the Tokyo Dome, which I get, I want to do that too. Somehow, I want to do Budokan. If I do Budokan, I’m retiring. My favorite match ever was in the Budokan. I got more s--- I gotta do before I call it. You know me, once I’m done, [I’ll be in the] middle of nowhere. I don’t want to be nowhere near the business. I just got more s--- I gotta do. I never doubted coming back."

The primary storyline on AEW at the moment is surrounding "The Death Riders," who are trying to take over the company from within. Jon Moxley is leading the charge and has been relentless in attacking those who stand in front of him.

Kingston has a history with Moxley. There's a mutual respect between the two. However, neither have shied away from standing their ground against each other. If Kingston's goal is to reach the apex of the wrestling industry, stepping in as the face of AEW's resistance would go a long way to helping him get there.

With a no-nonsense attitude, a hard-hitting style, and a gritty street-fighter demeanor, Kingston is the ideal opponent to help stop Moxley and his gang in their tracks. Whether Tony Khan sees things that way remains to be seen. Still, there is undoubtedly a part of the fanbase that could get behind Kingston rising up as the face of the company, even if that doesn't completely align with his character.

Regardless of what angle Kingston takes, his return from injury will be a boost to AEW. He gives them something different. He appeals to a different section of the fanbase. And most importantly, he's another talent that will be back from the sidelines.

AEW is close to getting fully healthy. There are fun times ahead. Hopefully, Kingston has a legitimate role to play once he's back in the rotation.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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