Shelby Reeves/Chillicothe Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wardlow Suffers Potential Pectoral Tear

Originally posted on The Sportster | By Kellie Crawford | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 6:27 PM ET

Wardlow likely suffered a torn pectoral at Forbidden Door; AEW sources fear a lengthy absence.
Injury reportedly occurred during his Aug 24, 2025, Forbidden Door return; severity still unclear.
Wardlow just finished filming American Gladiators; could miss weeks to months after prior shoulder labrum injury.

In some unfortunate news, it appears that All Elite Wrestling is dealing with more injuries within its company. According to Fightful Select via F4WOnline, sources within the promotion are worried that Wardlow has potentially suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

Wardlow Could Be Out For Some Time

As per the outlet, if that is the case, Wardlow could be out of action for some time. The injury reportedly happened during his return at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, which was on August 24, 2025, at the O2 Arena in London, England. During his return, Wardlow attacked former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana. He was Don Callis’ “backup plan.” So now he’s aligned with The Don Callis Family.

The last time Wardlow had a match was against Samoa Joe on the March 13 episode of AEW Dynamite. Sadly, his return at the Forbidden Door PPV was a mix between returning from filming American Gladiators and an injury.In the spring of 2024, he suffered a torn labrum injury.

Wardlow Just Finished Filming American Gladiators

Prior to returning, Wardlow had just finished filming two seasons of American Gladiators.The reboot series was filmed in France this past summer and is set to stream on Amazon Prime. A release date has yet to be announced. Wardlow is one of the gladiators on the show, along with former WWE star Rick Boogs, former TNA star Jessie Godderz, and AEW star Kamille.

WWE Superstar The Miz is hosting the series. This upcoming series is the third version of American Gladiators.The original one aired in 1989 and lasted for a total of seven seasons, ending in 1996. The second version didn’t last as long. It started in 2008 and lasted for two seasons on NBC. The 2008 series was hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and former professional boxer Laila Ali.

Anyway, Wardlow has been with All Elite Wrestling since November 2019. He started as a bodyguard for MJF. His in-ring debut was against former AEW EVP and current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in February 2020 on an episode of Dynamite. It was actually AEW’s first steel cage match.As noted, it’s unclear the severity of the injury, so Wardlow could be out for weeks to months. It’s another setback for the 37-year-old. Hopefully, he heals up fast and can be back in no time. Wardlow is one of the last remaining original AEW stars.

This article first appeared on The Sportster and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: