Wardlow returns and joins the Don Callis Family at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025

This evening, AEW and NJPW held the 2025 edition of Forbidden Door, a show that featured great title matches and memorable moments. The event also included a shocking return: Wardlow, who had been away from AEW programming for a long time, suddenly surprised everyone by joining Don Callis' faction.

After the match, Kazuchika Okada's celebration was short-lived as the Unified Champion continued ruthlessly attacking Swerve Strickland's knee. When Prince Nana came running with a metal pipe to defend his client, the arena braced for a confrontation, unaware of what was about to happen.

In a shocking twist, Wardlow made his surprising return to AEW, attacking Prince Nana instead of Okada. With Swerve unable to defend his manager, Wardlow hugged Don Callis and shook hands with Okada on the ramp, thus sealing his alliance with the Don Callis Family.

Wardlow made his last televised appearance on AEW in March 2024, in a World Championship match against Samoa Joe. Since then, his absence had sparked speculation about a possible injury or lack of plans. Now, with his surprising return and joining Don Callis' faction, Wardlow's future seems more promising than ever.