AEW Star Needs Another Surgery — Shares Heartbreaking Injury Update
Brian Cage, one of AEW’s most powerful and athletic performers, has shared disappointing news about his recovery process. The former ROH World Television Champion confirmed on social media that he’ll need a second surgery on his right knee before he can return to action.
Cage, who’s been sidelined since tearing his quadriceps earlier this year, admitted that despite extensive therapy and treatments, his first operation didn’t resolve the issue.
“There is an issue on the operation I had on my right knee,” Cage wrote. “I was fighting an uphill battle that no amount of therapy, modalities, stem cells, peptides, etc., were going to fix. I have to go back under the knife for them to try to fix or correct the situation.”
For the powerhouse known as “The Machine,” this is the longest layoff of his career — but he remains hopeful that he’ll return stronger than ever.
Cage’s Injury Timeline and AEW Absence
Cage has been out of AEW action since March, when he last competed in a six-man tag match on Collision against Powerhouse Hobbs and The Conglomeration. Shortly afterward, he suffered the quadriceps tear during an independent show in Los Angeles.
The injury was expected to sideline him for roughly a year, but this latest development could extend that timeline.
Since joining AEW in 2020, Cage has been part of several key storylines — from Team Taz to The Embassy, and most recently aligning with The Don Callis Family. His absence has left a noticeable gap, particularly as internal friction builds within Callis’ group on AEW television.
Other AEW Stars on the Mend
Cage isn’t the only AEW name currently on the shelf.
- Will Ospreay continues his own recovery process but remains a ways off from full in-ring clearance.
- MJF, meanwhile, has been absent due to filming Violent Night 2, though production is reportedly wrapping soon — raising hopes for a return later this year.
With AEW’s roster depth being tested, fans are eagerly awaiting the comeback of several key players, and Cage’s eventual return could add a much-needed jolt of power and intensity.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Brian Cage’s setback is tough news for AEW — especially given how reliable and versatile he’s been over the years. Internally, sources tell Wrestling.news that AEW creative still views Cage as a valuable long-term piece, particularly once he’s healthy enough to return to the Don Callis Family storyline.
Cage’s combination of freakish strength and athleticism makes him one of AEW’s most underutilized assets. This latest surgery might delay his return, but if there’s one thing “The Machine” has proven time and again, it’s resilience. When he’s cleared, expect AEW to make a statement with his comeback.
