Wardlow and Jamie Hayter Make Surprise Returns at AEW Forbidden Door – AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door delivered more than just inter-promotional dream matches, as the show also featured the long-awaited returns of two former champions. Wardlow and Jamie Hayter, both sidelined for extended periods, made surprise appearances that immediately shifted momentum in their respective divisions.
Wardlow, who had been absent for over a year, resurfaced after Kazuchika Okada successfully defended the AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland. With Strickland already nursing a knee injury aggravated by Okada, Wardlow stormed the ring in a black suit and went straight after Prince Nana, leveling him with a clothesline before unleashing a ground-and-pound assault. Security attempted to intervene, only to be dispatched by the returning powerhouse.
The post-match chaos took another turn when Wardlow left the ring and aligned himself with Don Callis, Okada, and the Don Callis Family. Notably, Konosuke Takeshita was the last to join the group, refusing to embrace Wardlow and instead staring him down, adding more fuel to the speculation surrounding Takeshita’s growing rift with the faction.
Wardlow’s return marks his first AEW appearance since March 2024, when he fell short against Samoa Joe in a World Title match. Rumors of a lingering knee injury and his involvement with the upcoming American Gladiators reboot explained his long absence.
Jamie Hayter also reemerged during the show in London, ending her two-month hiatus. Hayter made the save for Queen Aminata, who was being attacked by Julia Hart, Skye Blue, and Thekla backstage. After taking down Hart and Blue, Hayter stood tall while Thekla narrowly escaped, ensuring the feud between the two is set to continue.
Hayter’s comeback is significant, especially since her last major return also took place in London at All In, when she confronted Saraya following an 18-month recovery from herniated discs. This time, she returns to settle unfinished business with Thekla, who had previously taken her out in an injury angle to mark her Dynamite debut.
With Wardlow back in the fold and aligned with one of AEW’s most prominent factions, and Hayter reestablishing herself in the women’s division, both returns add major intrigue heading into AEW’s next chapter.
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Wardlow and Jamie Hayter Make Surprise Returns at AEW Forbidden Door
