The Blade Nears Medical Clearance After AEW-Funded Spinal Fusion

The Blade, a veteran professional wrestler, said he underwent spinal fusion surgery on September 10, 2024, and is nearing medical clearance to return to the ring. Speaking on the Talk N Shop podcast, he said the procedure and his subsequent physical therapy were paid for by All Elite Wrestling and that he hopes to see doctors soon to begin the formal clearance process.

The 45 year old, who has wrestled for roughly 25 years, has not appeared for AEW or Ring of Honor since early 2024. He described a long history of back problems that culminated in the surgery last fall. "I had a back fusion, spinal fusion on September 10, of 2024," he said. "Its been about a year now and Im getting close to going back to the doctors, getting cleared, the whole thing." He added he was "really, really grateful" for AEW's support during his recovery.

Blade recounted that the injury worsened after a past Falls Count Anywhere match involving his partner The Butcher and the Young Bucks, when he attempted a front flip over a table. He said the move produced an immediate numbness on the right side of his back but that he continued wrestling through the match. Over time he sought nonoperative treatments...