It’s safe to say that the significance of AEW All In isn’t lost on anyone involved. If it is, what could end up being the largest crowd in wrestling history at London’s Wembley Stadium this weekend will make them realize it real quick. Yet for Adam Cole, the road to the main event has been even more special — because just months ago, there was real doubt about whether he’d ever have an opportunity like this again.
Cole battled back from severe concussion symptoms that kept him out of action from June of 2022 until this March. After finally being cleared to return, he’s been one of AEW’s top stars, leading to his super popular pairing with AEW World Champion MJF.
Ahead of a night that will see him both team with and battle MJF, Cole told Under the Ring host Phil Strum that he battled some self-doubt early in his return but now feels absolutely ready for what’s in front of him.
“I feel great,” Cole said. “I feel really, really good. I’ve been wrestling for 15 years, and I remember thinking nine months is both a long time, and I would also trick myself into thinking ‘nine months isn’t that long.’ You know, I’ll jump right back into it and I’ll be totally fine.”
“And there definitely was a relearning curve when I came back,” he continued. “I think a lot of it had to do with the severity of what I went through. I remember being totally relieved and so happy that I was cleared by multiple doctors. But there still was that like, ‘God what if something else happens?’ type of fear, and I’m just being totally transparent and honest when it comes to that.
“But now as time has gone on, specifically, these past few months, I feel the best I have felt in years, honestly — in the ring, on the microphone, while traveling, in my personal life. Everything that’s happening right now, I could not be happier.”
A star in ROH, NTX and other promotions before joining AEW, Cole has seen and been through almost everything in the business. Check out his full discussion with Strum above to hear him talk about:
- What it means to him to headline a show the magnitude of All In
- Why he felt MJF would be a big star as soon as they first met
- The crowd response he expects at All In
- What it was like looking in from the outside when the first All In planted the seeds for what became AEW
- How important a successful and viable AEW is to the entire wrestling business
- The joy he gets from being in the same company as girlfriend Britt Baker, allowing them to travel and discuss wrestling together and simply be there for each other
- What made the “black and gold” era of NXT so special, and how history will view it
- The uniqueness of PWG and why its audience deserves credit for its rise to prominence on the independent scene
- Who his mentors were at different stages of his career
Under the Ring drops new episodes every week, with Strum utilizing contacts gleaned from years of pro wrestling fandom and coverage to have an in-depth conversation with a wrestler or other notable personality. Recent guests have included AEW referee Aubrey Edwards, Lucha Libre (and WCW) legend Konnan, and WWE superstar Drew McIntyre,
To make sure you don’t miss an episode, subscribe to Under the Ring on Apple Podcasts or your podcast provider of choice, or check out the Under the Ring YouTube channel to see all of the interviews in video form.