AEW Commentary Shakeup: Taz Confirms He Will Miss Dynamite & Forbidden Door
One of AEW’s most familiar voices will be missing from the booth this week. Taz announced on X that he won’t be making the trip overseas as AEW heads to the United Kingdom for both Dynamite in Scotland and the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London.
Taz Explains His Absence
The ECW legend revealed that the decision comes down to health and travel limitations.
“I will be off this week. A combo of doctors appointments/imaging test[s] on a couple of future surgeries, some rest and relaxation, and most importantly my new knee does not cooperate too well with very long flights at the moment,” Taz wrote on social media.
He also encouraged fans to enjoy what promises to be a monumental week for AEW, with Dynamite airing from Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and Forbidden Door emanating from London’s iconic O2 Arena this Sunday.
I will be off this week, a combo of doctors appointments/imaging test on a couple of future surgeries, some R&R & most importantly my new knee does not cooperate to well w/very long flights at the moment.
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) August 19, 2025
Hope u all enjoy #AEWDynamite & #ForbiddenDoor !
The Road Back From Surgery
Taz underwent knee replacement surgery last year, briefly stepping away from the commentary desk. In storyline, he was written off after being attacked in a parking lot by a masked figure—later revealed as Christian Cage. His absence didn’t last long, as he returned to the booth in December, with his son Hook eventually avenging the ambush.
This time, however, the setback appears to be rooted in real-life recovery rather than storyline.
Who Fills the Chair?
AEW has yet to announce who will join Excalibur and Tony Schiavone on commentary this week. With Nigel McGuinness busy preparing for his match against Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door, the company will likely turn to another familiar voice to provide color on both Dynamite and Collision.
🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Taz’s voice has become synonymous with AEW programming, bringing credibility and grit that only a veteran of his stature can deliver. His absence this week will be felt, but AEW has proven depth at the commentary table. The bigger story here is Taz’s ongoing battle with knee issues—reminding fans that even legends who’ve transitioned to the booth are still paying the price of their wrestling past. Hope he gets the rest he needs, we see him back next week and there is nothing more serious going on.
