The Butcher Provides Update on AEW Status Amid Prolonged Absence

The Butcher recently revealed his AEW status amid an extended absence from the company. The 48-year-old last competed in All Elite Wrestling during the February 22, 2025, episode of Collision, where he lost to Gabe Kidd.

His tag team partner, The Blade, was sidelined with a spinal injury in early 2024 but has since made his return to in-ring competition. Earlier this year, The Butcher took to Instagram to put the AEW tag teams on notice. Last month, he took to X (FKA Twitter) to express his desire to return to AEW television.

In a recent appearance on Youngstown Studio, he was asked about his current status with the Tony Khan-led company. The New York native said that he remains contracted to AEW. The Butcher expressed frustration with the lack of communication from All Elite Wrestling but also conceded that he is grateful for being paid every two weeks.

“I mean, still under contract. That was the big thing; Blade had his back fused. As a tag team wrestler, how many times can you send a guy out there in singles matches and then you lose? You kind of have to shelve them. I kind of understand and try to be humble, but it does seep into your head, ‘What did I do wrong?’ No one talks to you. It’s not like they are checking up on me every week going, ‘How are you doing, dude?’ It’s just, ‘We’ll call you when we need you.’ This is kind of a headf*ck. At the same time, I’m so grateful because I get paid every two weeks, and Blade is now healthy, so we can book indies. Just waiting for a call to return. Hopefully, it happens soon. I know there are a lot of injuries going on and that’s usually an indicator that they are probably going to bring some guys back who have been sitting.”

Check out The Butcher’s comments below:

Please credit Youngstown Studio and give an H/T to 411Mania for the transcription if you take quotes from this copy.