Adam Cole had plenty of people in his corner when he was facing an uncertain future following two head injuries.
Cole suffered the second of two concussions within a short period at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2022. As a result, he was out of action for the next several months, and it was unclear whether he would be able to wrestle again. Throughout the process, he dealt with some setbacks, but he received support from fans and peers.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Cole described how he received plenty of support from around the wrestling world as he was dealing with a challenging road to recovery. He also recalled how Bryan Danielson and Christian Cage, who have dealt with head injuries of their own, gave him advice.
“It is miraculous how many people reached out,” Cole said. “It would be easier if I told you the people who didn’t. “Britt was incredible. My family, my close friends within wrestling, like Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong. Austin Creed, Tyler Breeze and Claudio, were all in my corner. Christian [Cage] and Bryan Danielson.
“Bryan had suggestions to help the recovery process, and Christian kept telling me not to rush back and to make sure I was healthy. If I learned anything from the entire recovery process, it’s that I am very lucky to have the people in my life that I do. I’m surrounded by love and support.”
Cole noted that he didn’t initially want to be featured on AEW All Access, but after feeling the fans’ support, he’s happy they can see his journey on the show. Since his return, Cole has been engaged in a budding rivalry with Chris Jericho, which reached a new level when The Jericho Appreciation Society and The Outcasts attacked Cole and Britt Baker on the April 19 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Looking beyond the feud, Cole made it clear that he wants to be the world champion, but he’s enjoying the ride and appreciating the ability to keep wrestling in the first place.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always said my goal is to be the world champion,” Cole said. “I want to be AEW world champion. But at this point, I have a whole new appreciation for this job. Every single week, I get on an airplane and go to a show. I’m so thankful for that. Wherever else that lands me is icing on the cake. My goal is to keep wrestling for a long time. This is me. I’m back where I belong.”
On the April 26 episode of AEW Dynamite, Cole is set to speak for the first time following the J.A.S.’s attack. WrestleZone will have coverage of the show as it airs on Wednesday.
