AEW All In: Texas, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Globe Life Field, was poised to be a landmark event for All Elite Wrestling. However, a cloud of uncertainty and heartbreak descended upon the proceedings with the unexpected and emotional announcement from former TNT Champion, Adam Cole.
Hours before the pay-per-view officially began, news broke that Adam Cole would not be medically cleared to compete in his scheduled TNT Championship defense against Kyle Fletcher. This immediately raised concerns among the AEW faithful, but the full gravity of the situation became clear when Cole himself made a tearful address to the live audience during the main show.
With visible emotion, Adam Cole informed the stunned crowd that he was dealing with significant "health issues" that would sideline him for an extended period. In a moment that resonated deeply throughout the stadium and with viewers worldwide, Cole admitted that he was unsure if he would ever be able to wrestle again, hinting at a potential career-ending injury.
Sources close to the situation, as reported by Fightful Select, have since confirmed that Cole is grappling with concussion-related issues. This unfortunately marks another chapter in his recent injury-plagued career, a stark reminder of the physical toll professional wrestling takes on its athletes. Cole had previously endured a lengthy absence in 2022 due to multiple concussions, making this latest setback all the more concerning for his long-term health and in-ring future.
The announcement led to the immediate vacating of the TNT Championship, with AEW President Tony Khan confirming the change. A hastily arranged four-way match featuring Daniel Garcia, Dustin Rhodes, Kyle Fletcher, and Sammy Guevara was then held to crown a new champion, with the veteran Dustin Rhodes ultimately emerging victorious.
The wrestling world quickly rallied around Adam Cole, with an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers, promotions, and fans across social media. Messages of well wishes and encouragement flooded in, highlighting the widespread respect and admiration for Cole's talent, resilience, and character within the industry.
While the future remains uncertain for Adam Cole, his courageous and raw announcement at AEW All In: Texas served as a poignant and unforgettable moment, underscoring the human element behind the larger-than-life personas in professional wrestling. The hope now is for a full and complete recovery for the "Bay Bay," with the entire wrestling community wishing him the very best on his challenging road ahead.