Long-Missing AEW Star Opens Up On Absence From TV (AEW News)
The Butcher has been absent from AEW TV for over a year.
Having been absent from AEW programming for over a year by this point, the Butcher has discussed his ongoing absence from TV.
Speaking during an appearance on Youngstown Radio (via f4wonline), the powerhouse noted his partner, the Blade's, back fusion surgery, and added how there's only so many times you can put a tag team performer - in this case, himself - out there to lose in singles matches.
On his AEW status, the Butcher stated:
"I mean, still under contract. That was the big thing, is Blade had his back fused. So, like, as a tag team wrestler, it’s like how many times can you send a guy out there in singles matches and then they lose after, you know what I mean? Like, you kind of have to shove them, and I kind of understand and try to be, like, humble with that. It does seep into your head like, ‘Dude, what did I do wrong?’ You know what I mean? 'Cause, like, no one talks to you. Like, it’s not like they’re checking up on me every week, going like, ‘How you doing, dude?’"
The Butcher described his current situation as "we'll call you when we need you", and also added his gratitude at still being paid despite not being used:
"It’s just, like, ‘We’ll call you when we need you.’ And that is kind of like a head [ __ ], but, like, at the same time, you know, I’m so grateful because I get paid every two weeks and, like, you know, Blade is now healthy, so we can, like, work indies and stuff like that."
The Blade returned to the ring in December after nearly two years out of action, and has recently been involved in the Brodie Lee Jr. and Joey Janela feud in GCW.
As for a return to AEW TV for the Butcher and the Blade, Butcher is hopeful of that, saying that he's "waiting for the call" and highlighting that, with some talents now out through injury, that could be an indicator that the company may be getting ready to "bring some guys back" who are sitting at home.
For the Butcher's most recent AEW match, you have to go back to February of last year, where he lost to Gabe Kidd on an episode of Collision. As for the last time that the Butcher and the Blade teamed together, that was all the way back in January 2024 in a ROH loss to Top Flight.
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