Fan-Favorite AEW Star Breaks Silence On Long Absence

Newsweek

2 days ago

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Keith Lee has addressed his ongoing absence from AEW television. After months of speculation, Lee stated that his return to the ring is not up to him.
The "Limitless One" took to social media to provide an update. He responded to fans who were wondering about his status with the company.
Keith Lee Says AEW Return Is Out Of His Hands
Lee was pulled from the Worlds End pay-per-view in late 2023 due to an injury. He later revealed he had been dealing with the issue since 2022.
When a fan wished him well, Lee offered a direct response. He clarified that he is feeling fine but is not in control of his comeback.
"I am quite fine," Lee posted. "It is not up to me when it comes to a return. But blessings to you as well."
When another fan suggested a campaign to push for his return, Lee declined. He said that things will happen as they are meant to.
"I've been good for quite some time, though I do appreciate the concern," he wrote. "But no campaign required. Things happen the way they are suppose to, and eventually, the purpose will show itself."
All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023.
All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023.
Courtesy of AEW
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I've been good for quite some time, though I do appreciate the concern.
But no campaign required. Things happen the way they are suppose to, and eventually, the purpose will show itself. https://t.co/UqGjH1nU1P — Loving Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 26, 2025
Again, I am quite fine. It is not up to me when it comes to a return. But blessings to you as well. https://t.co/09zb5yQHwn — Loving Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 26, 2025
AEW's Keith Lee Still Not Medically Cleared
Lee's comments suggest that he is waiting for either medical clearance or a creative decision from AEW management. As of early 2024, reports indicated he was still not medically cleared to compete.
His last match took place in December 2023 on an episode of AEW Collision. He defeated Brian Cage at the Holiday Bash special.
Aside from a brief backstage appearance at an AEW event in Texas earlier this year, Lee has been completely absent from television.
Lee's WWE career began with a dominant run in NXT. His unique blend of size and agility made him a breakout star, culminating in a historic moment where he became the first person to hold both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship simultaneously. His main roster run was less successful, plagued by inconsistent booking before his release.
In 2022, Lee debuted in AEW, where he quickly formed a tag team with Swerve Strickland known as Swerve in Our Glory. The duo captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship, marking Lee's first major title in the company. After the team imploded, Lee engaged in a feud with Strickland before being sidelined by an injury in late 2023, where he has remained since.
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