Former AEW Champion Returning To The Ring Soon
Good news for AEW: Orange Cassidy has been medically cleared and is expected back “sooner than later,” per multiple reports. The former AEW International Champion has been out roughly five months following shoulder surgery (suspected torn labrum) but has remained a consistent backstage presence during his recovery.
Before the injury, Cassidy was in the midst of a career run: a 326-day first reign with the International Title built on near-weekly defenses and big-match consistency. His blend of deadpan charisma and sudden-fire offense turned him into one of AEW’s most reliable needle-movers—and his absence forced creative reshuffles throughout spring and summer.
Why it matters now: AEW’s dealing with a banged-up top end, with several marquee names sidelined. A healthy Cassidy gives the company an immediate main-card stabilizer—someone who can plug into title scenes, anchor TV main events, and juice live crowd energy the second his music hits.
What we’re hearing
- Cleared and tracking for a 2025 return window barring setbacks.
- Backstage regularly during rehab—read: ring shape shouldn’t be a long ramp.
- Not expected to miss the rest of the year unless there’s an unforeseen issue.
🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Cassidy’s return is timely. With injuries piling up, AEW needs a dependable workhorse who also moves merch and metrics. Expect AEW to reheat the International Title picture quickly—or parachute him into a high-leverage TV feud to spike week-to-week momentum. The safest play: a short runway of showcase wins, then a premium program where his “I’m fine” calm plays perfectly against a loud, aggressive foil.
Note: Initial reports of Cassidy’s clearance were reported by BodySlam.net; timelines can shift if any setback occurs.
