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Scotty Riggs
Scotty Riggs
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Scott Antol[2] (born March 1, 1967) is a retired American professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1993 to 1999 under the ring names Scotty Riggs and Riggs. Antol is also known for his appearances with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as Scotty Anton.[1] He currently works for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a backstage role.[6]

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

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Early years (1992–1995)

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Antol debuted on June 2, 1992 using the ring name Scott Studd after being trained by Ted "The Nightmare" Allen. Allen trained Studd by teaching while wrestling in front of live crowds. In the early 1990s, he worked for various independent promotions, including the North Georgia Wrestling Association (NGWA), Peach State Championship Wrestling (PSCW), Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), and the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).

World Championship Wrestling (1993–1999)

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Scott Studd (1993–1995)

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Antol made his WCW debut in 1993 as Scott Studd, working as a jobber.[1]

American Males (1995–1997)

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Antol signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling in 1995 and was renamed Scotty Riggs, with his last name taken from Mel Gibson's character, Martin Riggs, from the Lethal Weapon films. He was immediately placed in to a tag team with Marcus Alexander Bagwell and they became known as the American Males.[1] Together, they captured their first and only World Tag Team Championship, but only held it for eight days before losing it back to Harlem Heat, the team they won it from in the first place.[7][8] The team competed on a tour of Germany for WCW at this time.

The American Males broke up in November 1996 after Bagwell turned heel on Riggs and joined the New World Order.[9] Following the split, Riggs began competing as a singles competitor.[10][11] He immediately entered a feud with Bagwell, which resulted in a match at nWo Souled Out which he lost and a rematch at Uncensored in a strap match where Riggs was choked out by Bagwell with the strap while hanging from the ropes.

Raven's Flock and departure (1997–1999)

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After performing in the mid-card for most of 1997, Raven took an interest in him and during a No Disqualification match on the October 27 edition of Nitro, Raven caught Riggs in a drop toe-hold, sending him face-first into a steel chair and injuring his eye in the process.[12] Riggs then began wearing an eye patch and, to this day, claims that the eye injury was legitimate.[13] At first, Riggs resisted joining Raven's Flock,[14] but eventually joined after they kidnapped him following his loss to Raven at the World War 3 pay-per-view.[15][16] Raven explained that Riggs's "ocular disability" had alienated him from society and that he was seeking acceptance within The Flock. Riggs remained within The Flock until Saturn defeated Raven at Fall Brawl: War Games in a match that forced The Flock to disband.

Following The Flock's disbanding, Riggs remained a heel and adopted a narcissistic gimmick.[17] However, the gimmick was unsuccessful, and Riggs remained on the undercard before being released from WCW in 1999.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (2000–2001)

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In 2000, Antol debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling as Scotty Anton, aligning with his real-life friend Rob Van Dam.[1] At Hardcore Heaven, Anton betrayed Van Dam, knocking him off the top rope to the floor, allowing Jerry Lynn to pin him and thus end Van Dam's two-year undefeated streak. From there, he joined The Network as a "hired gun". Van Dam gained revenge at Heat Wave, where he defeated Anton by using his new Van Terminator finisher.[4][18]

Independent circuit and retirement (2001–2003, 2007–2024)

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After leaving ECW, Antol returned to the independent circuit, where he found his greatest success in Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling (TCW). While competing for TCW, he became a three time Heavyweight Champion and a one time TCW Tag Team Champion with Erik Watts.[19] Following TCW's closure in 2003, Antol took time away from professional wrestling to deal with personal issues of divorce and his father developing lung cancer. His father died from the illness in 2004. Following this, Antol moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to work as a bouncer and manager at a lounge.[2]

Upon getting his life together, Antol resumed his wrestling career under his Scotty Riggs ring name, where he wrestled several matches for AWA World-1 Championship Wrestling in 2007[20] before retiring in 2009 due to injuries.

In 2024, he returned to wrestling, working for Major League Wrestling and independents.

All Elite Wrestling (2024–present)

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On March 3, 2024, Antol was shown in the crowd during Sting's retirement match at AEW's Revolution alongside Nikita Koloff.[21] In December 2024, it was reported that Antol was working for AEW in a backstage capacity by helping provide logistical support, including driving talent to and from venues. This was confirmed by AEW commentator Tony Schiavone one month later.[6]

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Antol (born March 1, 1967), better known by the ring name Scotty Riggs, is an American recognized for his mid-1990s tenure in (WCW), where he won the as part of the duo The American Males alongside Marcus Bagwell and later joined the stable Raven's Flock. Born in , Riggs stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs approximately 251 pounds (114 kg), and he debuted in professional wrestling in 1992 after training under Ted Allen. Riggs' early career included stints in regional promotions such as South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, where he debuted on February 6, 1992, and the (USWA), alongside wrestlers like . He signed with WCW in 1993 and gained prominence in 1995 by forming The American Males, a patriotic-themed that upset to capture the on September 18, 1995, holding the titles for two weeks. Later in WCW, Riggs adopted a grittier persona as part of 's Flock in 1997, aligning with alongside members like Saturn and , before his release in late 1999. Following WCW, Riggs competed in (ECW) in 2000 under the name Scotty Anton, engaging in a notable with , and also worked in promotions like (SMW), where he held the SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship, and (TCW), capturing the TCW Heavyweight Championship three times and the TCW Tag Team Championship once with . After a period of retirement in the 2000s and early 2010s, during which he faced personal challenges including homelessness before receiving support from DDP Yoga, Riggs returned to part-time wrestling in February 2024 with TCW in an eight-man match and began working behind the scenes for ().

Early life and training

Childhood and family

Scott Antol, better known by his Scotty Riggs, was born on March 1, 1967, in , although some reports place his birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, and list his birth year as 1966 or 1971 in some accounts. Riggs grew up in Georgia during the late 1960s and 1970s, spending much of his early years in Savannah, where he developed a strong interest in from a young age. As a child, he frequently watched matches alongside his father, often attending live events and sitting in the front row, which fostered his lifelong passion for the sport. His childhood was marked by active participation in team sports, including football, , and , reflecting a typical Southern upbringing in a region where athletics played a central role in community life. After high school, Riggs attended West Georgia University, where he played linebacker on the while pursuing a degree in business management. Following graduation, he worked in business-related roles before his enthusiasm for wrestling prompted him to seek professional training, marking a significant shift in his career path.

Wrestling debut and early matches (1992–1995)

Scott Antol began his journey in Georgia, where he trained under the guidance of veteran wrestler Ted "The Nightmare" Allen starting in 1992. Allen, who had also coached notable talents like and , instructed Antol through hands-on in-ring sessions that emphasized fundamental techniques and match psychology. This rigorous preparation allowed Antol to adopt an initial wrestling style focused on solid fundamentals, including basic strikes, holds, and resilience in longer bouts, laying the groundwork for his later developments. Antol made his professional debut on February 6, 1992, performing under the Scott Studd, a moniker that evoked a strong, imposing suited to his 6 ft 0 in (183 cm), 251-pound (114 kg) frame. In the ensuing months, he competed in various independent promotions across the , gaining experience in regional circuits that honed his in-ring presence. These early appearances often featured him in singles and formats against established regional competitors, helping him refine his moveset basics such as suplexes and clotheslines while adapting to live crowds. Throughout 1993 and 1994, Studd wrestled in promotions like Peach State Wrestling (PSW) and (SMW), where he faced opponents who tested his technical skills and storytelling ability. In PSW, a notable early bout saw him challenge Gorgeous George III in a singles match, showcasing his aggressive approach against flamboyant adversaries. Similarly, in SMW house shows during mid-1994, Studd teamed with partners like Steve Skyfire and Lee Thomas to battle hardcore duos such as ( and ), emphasizing coordination and high-energy exchanges that began to incorporate elements of brawling and aerial risks he would later expand upon. By 1995, Studd extended his independent run into the (USWA) in Memphis, debuting with a match against local favorite Jesse Hickerson on January 14 and later clashing with veterans like "Dangerous" , further solidifying his reputation as a reliable performer in Southern territories. These experiences built Studd's early as a no-nonsense powerhouse, prioritizing endurance and crowd engagement over flash.

Professional wrestling career

World Championship Wrestling: American Males era (1995–1997)

In August 1995, Scotty Riggs (real name Scott Antol) signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he was immediately paired with Marcus "Buff" Bagwell to form the tag team known as the American Males. This partnership marked Riggs' transition from independent wrestling circuits to a major promotion, building on his prior experience in regional promotions like Smoky Mountain Wrestling. The duo debuted in non-televised matches before appearing on WCW programming in early September, quickly establishing themselves as a mid-card act. The American Males' gimmick portrayed them as vain, body-obsessed "pretty boys" who emphasized their physiques through constant posing and flexing during entrances and matches, appealing to female fans in the audience. They adopted a flashy, all-American aesthetic with mullet hairstyles, , bow ties, and form-fitting attire, evoking a Chippendales-inspired look rather than traditional wrestlers. Their signature entrance was accompanied by a upbeat theme song produced by , titled "American Males," which featured catchy lyrics highlighting their self-admiration and charisma. This over-the-top presentation helped them stand out in WCW's crowded division, though it was often critiqued for its cheesiness. Throughout late 1995 and 1996, the American Males engaged in several notable feuds that elevated their profile. They clashed with the aristocratic Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal and Earl Robert Eaton), culminating in a victory over the team at Starrcade 1995, where Riggs and Bagwell secured a pinfall win in a competitive match. Their most prominent rivalry was against Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray), a powerhouse duo defending the WCW World Tag Team Championship, with multiple high-stakes encounters showcasing the Males' underdog resilience. Additionally, they faced members of the Four Horsemen, including a loss to Arn Anderson and Chris Benoit on WCW Monday Nitro in June 1996, which highlighted the generational clash between the cocky newcomers and the veteran stable. These feuds positioned the American Males as fan-favorite challengers, blending athleticism with their entertaining persona. On September 18, 1995, during an episode of in , the American Males defeated to capture the in an upset victory, marking Riggs' first major title in . However, their reign lasted only nine days, as reclaimed the belts on September 27, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia, via a controversial finish involving interference from their manager, Sister Sherri. The short title run strained the team's momentum, leading to inconsistent booking and mounting frustrations between Riggs and Bagwell, though they continued competing together until early 1997. Despite the brevity, the championship win provided a brief spotlight and cemented their place in WCW's landscape.

World Championship Wrestling: Raven's Flock and solo run (1997–1999)

Following the breakup of the American Males in early 1997, when Marcus Bagwell turned heel to join the New World Order (nWo), Scotty Riggs engaged in a brief but intense feud with his former tag team partner. The rivalry highlighted Riggs' transition from a popular babyface tag specialist to a struggling midcard singles competitor, culminating in a strap match at WCW's Uncensored pay-per-view on March 16, 1997, where Bagwell defeated Riggs. In late 1997, Riggs joined 's Flock stable after losing a singles match to leader on , where he was forcibly inducted into the group and adopted the simpler "Riggs." As an enforcer within the dysfunctional faction, which included members like , , and Lodi, Riggs contributed to the Flock's chaotic street-fight style, participating in and multi-man bouts against various rivals. Notable encounters included a loss to alongside Lodi on the December 22, 1997, episode of , as well as victories, such as with Saturn over and on January 5, 1998, on . During this period, Riggs suffered a legitimate eye injury in an October 1997 match against , resulting from a drop toe-hold onto a steel chair that caused bruising, blurred vision, and headaches; he wore an eye patch and an opaque for over a year, temporarily rendering him legally blind in that eye. The Flock disbanded in mid-1998 amid internal conflicts and creative shifts influenced by nWo storylines, leaving Riggs to pursue a solo career as a . He adopted a narcissistic "pretty boy" persona, emphasizing vanity with props like a mirror during entrances, a direction reportedly pushed by WCW booker . This self-absorbed , however, failed to resonate with fans and positioned Riggs as a midcard without significant momentum. Riggs' final WCW tenure consisted of undercard appearances, including a singles victory over at Spring Stampede on April 11, 1999, and losses to opponents like and in house shows and television tapings throughout the year. Amid ongoing roster reductions and creative frustrations, Riggs was released by WCW in late 1999 after refusing to drop a match to an untelevised local talent, marking the end of his six-year stint with the promotion.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (2000–2001)

Following his release from World Championship Wrestling in late 1999, Scott Antol signed with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and debuted in April 2000 under the ring name Scotty Anton. Initially positioned as a face, Anton aligned himself with popular ECW star Rob Van Dam, appearing in his corner during high-profile matches and even sharing a beer with ECW icon The Sandman in a show of camaraderie. This alliance quickly turned dramatic when Anton betrayed Van Dam at ECW's Hardcore Heaven pay-per-view on May 14, 2000, by knocking him off the top rope to the floor, enabling Jerry Lynn to secure a pinfall victory and end Van Dam's legendary undefeated streak. The shocking heel turn established Anton as a villain in ECW's hardcore landscape, drawing significant fan heat for the high-profile angle. Anton's heel persona deepened as he joined , a corporate-backed faction led by the Virus that represented ECW's television network partners and clashed with the promotion's rebellious originals. Teaming with members like , Rhino, and Jack Victory, Anton participated in intense multi-man brawls and contests against ECW loyalists, including feuds with and The Sandman. Notable encounters included a loss to Dreamer on July 29, 2000, during an ECW in , and defeats alongside Network allies against Dreamer, Sandman, and in events like the June 3, 2000, fancam match in . These bouts highlighted Anton's role in The Network's overbooking style, often involving interference and weapons to embody the faction's antagonistic presence. Anton's ECW run peaked with a singles match against Van Dam at on July 16, 2000, where he suffered a defeat in a hard-fought encounter that extended their personal rivalry. His final documented ECW appearance came on October 12, 2000, after which his involvement waned amid mounting internal issues. Anton departed the promotion in early 2001 as ECW grappled with severe financial difficulties, ultimately filing for bankruptcy on April 4, 2001, which marked the end of the company's independent operations.

Independent circuit (2001–2003)

Following the bankruptcy of in April 2001, Scotty Riggs returned to the independent circuit as a freelancer, primarily in the , where he reverted to his established from his WCW days. His matches often incorporated elements of the hardcore style he had developed in ECW, blending high-impact brawls with technical wrestling against regional competitors. Riggs quickly established himself in (TCW), a Georgia-based promotion founded by , beginning with a run alongside . On March 3, 2001, they defeated and Jorge Estrada to capture the TCW Tag Team Championship in , marking Riggs' entry into the promotion's upper card. This partnership highlighted Riggs' versatility in multi-man bouts, though the titles were short-lived amid ongoing factional storylines involving family rivals. Transitioning to singles competition, Riggs pursued the TCW Heavyweight Championship, defeating on June 2, 2001, to claim the title for the first time in . He defended it successfully against challengers like Ray Lloyd on December 7, 2001, in , and retained via disqualification against on December 28, 2001, solidifying his status as a reliable main event draw. Riggs' title reign continued into early 2002, but he dropped the belt to on January 26, 2002, in , amid a heated that spilled into confrontations, including a loss to the Rhodes duo alongside on August 25, 2001. Undeterred, Riggs regained the TCW Heavyweight Championship on March 1, 2002, by defeating in a rematch, beginning a 197-day reign that showcased Riggs in prominent defenses against established veterans, emphasizing his resilience in grueling, story-driven encounters typical of TCW's Southern wrestling aesthetic. By mid-2002, an elbow injury forced Riggs to vacate the TCW Heavyweight Championship on September 14, 2002, after had defeated him for the title earlier that day in . The injury contributed to a gradual reduction in his schedule, limiting him to sporadic freelance bouts in , such as a victory over T.C. Carter in Global Championship Wrestling on July 11 in , and a win against Henry Hoss in All American Wrestling on July 26 in . These appearances against local talents underscored Riggs' diminishing activity, paving the way for a hiatus by late as he managed his health.

Return to wrestling and retirement (2007–2010)

After a four-year hiatus from due to accumulating injuries and personal challenges following the closure of in 2003, Scotty Riggs made a sporadic return to the independent circuit in 2007. He debuted with AWA World-1 South, competing in several matches across Georgia that year, including victories over opponents such as Bobby Hayes on February 10, Steve Madison on February 17, and Dave Holiday on March 24, all in Savannah. These bouts highlighted his continued style but were limited in frequency, reflecting a cautious re-entry amid ongoing concerns. Riggs' late-career appearances remained infrequent, with a notable win over in the Peachstate Wrestling Alliance on August 8, 2008, in , showcasing remnants of his technical prowess. By 2009, he participated in nostalgia-driven events referencing his earlier tenures, culminating in a three-way match at the Legends of the Arena - ECW Reunion Show on June 27 in , , where he competed alongside Jamie Dundee before losing to Rhino. This encounter evoked his time in , drawing on past storylines for fan appeal. The cumulative toll of decades in the ring, including multiple surgeries and , led Riggs to announce his official in July 2009 at age 42, shortly after his final match. He cited the physical demands as unsustainable, marking the end of his in-ring career after over 17 years. No additional championships were captured during this period, as his focus shifted toward preservation of health over competitive pursuits.

All Elite Wrestling involvement (2024–present)

In February 2024, Riggs returned to the ring for a part-time match with in an eight-man tag team bout. Riggs attended 's (AEW) Revolution event on March 3, 2024, as a special guest to witness Sting's retirement match against alongside . In late 2024, AEW owner hired Riggs for a behind-the-scenes role focused on and production, a move confirmed by commentator in January 2025 during an appearance on the What Happened When . By August 2025, Riggs had been contributing to AEW's operations for over a year, handling tasks such as driving talent to venues, assisting with match setups, providing coaching, and supporting overall event planning and backstage coordination. Schiavone highlighted the value of employing wrestling veterans like Riggs, noting, "I think it’s great that Tony and the company gave him a job, let him work for us." Riggs has expressed appreciation for the non-physical nature of his position, describing it as fulfilling and allowing him to share his experiences while inspiring others in a supportive environment that echoes the camaraderie of his WCW days. As of November 2025, he continues to play a key role in AEW's production logistics, leveraging his industry knowledge to streamline operations without returning to in-ring competition.

Championships and accomplishments

Major promotion titles

Riggs achieved his most notable success in major promotions as one-half of the American Males tag team alongside Marcus Bagwell in (WCW), where they captured the . The duo, formed in mid-1995 to embody an all-American image, won the titles on September 18, 1995, on an episode of by defeating in a match that highlighted their high-energy style and crowd appeal. This victory marked Riggs' only in WCW and elevated the American Males within the promotion's tag division, though their tenure was brief. The American Males' reign lasted nine days, ending on September 27, 1995, when they lost the titles to on an episode of ; during this short period, they did not record any successful defenses, reflecting the fast-paced title changes common in WCW's mid-1990s landscape. This championship run underscored the promotion's emphasis on short, impactful feuds to build momentum for established teams like , while providing Riggs and Bagwell a platform to showcase their chemistry before transitioning to other storylines. In (ECW) from 2000 to 2001, Riggs competed under the ring name Scotty Anton but did not win any individual or titles. Instead, he aligned with , a faction backed by the promotion's TNN network representatives, where he contributed to angles involving midcard feuds but remained without championship accolades.

Independent circuit achievements

Following his departure from , Scotty Riggs found notable success on the independent circuit, particularly with (TCW), a Georgia-based promotion founded by . Riggs captured the TCW Heavyweight Championship three times during the promotion's original run from 2001 to 2003, establishing himself as a key figure in its heavyweight division. Riggs, initially under the ring name Scotty Anton, won his first TCW Heavyweight Championship on June 2, 2001, in , holding the title for five days before losing it to on June 7, 2001, in . His second reign began on September 15, 2001, when he defeated Windham in . During this 133-day reign, which ended on January 26, 2002, when he lost to in Carrollton, Riggs made successful defenses, including a victory over Ray Lloyd on December 7, 2001, in Carrollton, and a retention against Windham via disqualification on December 28, 2001. Riggs secured his third and final TCW Heavyweight Championship on March 1, 2002, defeating Dustin Rhodes in Carrollton, holding the title for 197 days until vacating it on September 14, 2002, due to an elbow injury. These reigns highlighted Riggs' resilience and drawing power against established veterans like Windham and Rhodes, contributing to TCW's reputation in the Southeast independent scene. In addition to his singles success, Riggs, as Scotty Anton, teamed with to win the inaugural TCW Tag Team Championship on March 3, 2001, defeating and Jorge Estrada in . The duo held the titles until losing them to ( and ) on April 21, 2001, in a match that showcased Riggs' versatility in competition. Riggs also claimed the PSW Heavyweight Championship once in Peach State Wrestling, another regional promotion in Georgia, further solidifying his presence in the independent landscape during the early . His work in TCW and affiliated regional promotions, including NWA television tapings, helped sustain wrestling's popularity in the Southeast by blending veteran experience with emerging talent.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Riggs experienced a in the years following the closure of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's predecessor promotion in 2003, which significantly impacted his personal stability and prompted a multi-year hiatus from to focus on resolving these challenges. Throughout his career, Riggs has described his close-knit bonds with fellow wrestlers as forming a surrogate family, particularly his longstanding friendship with former tag team partner Marcus "Buff" Bagwell, with whom he shared the as The American Males; their relationship has endured, providing mutual support in personal and professional matters. As of 2025, Riggs maintains a low public profile regarding his immediate family, with no confirmed reports of children or current romantic partnerships; he relocated to , in prior years to support extended family needs.

Health struggles and recovery

Throughout his wrestling career, Scotty Riggs accumulated numerous injuries from high-impact maneuvers, which ultimately forced his in 2009 at the age of 42. The most severe was a fractured in his left arm sustained during a , requiring two surgeries with 13 screws and two steel plates; this injury, which never fully healed, served as the . These physical tolls, including ongoing arm limitations, compounded earlier damage from his time on the independent circuit in the early 2000s, where he continued performing despite mounting wear on his body. Following his retirement, Riggs faced significant post-wrestling challenges, including depression and lifestyle instability exacerbated by personal losses in the . After years of full-time caregiving for his ailing mother, her death left him isolated, leading to pill use, , and ; at one point, he lived in his car with his mother's cats while weighing 220-241 pounds (100-109 kg) and struggling with severe dental issues that further eroded his confidence. He later reflected, “I was going to end my life on my terms… I was content,” highlighting the depth of his despair before intervention. Riggs' recovery began in early 2024 through the support of former tag-team partner Marcus "Buff" Bagwell and (DDP), who arranged for him to stay at DDP's Accountability Crib in . Over six months, he followed the DDP Yoga program, incorporating exercises with Powercuffs to rebuild his strength and mobility, resulting in substantial and improved physical ; he also received full dental reconstruction from Nuvia Dental Implant Centers, which greatly enhanced his mental . Riggs credited the program directly, stating, “I wouldn’t be alive if you guys didn’t get me here.” This transformation, documented in videos by DDP's team, not only restored his physical capabilities but also reignited his sense of purpose, enabling a one-off in-ring return in February 2024 and leading to a behind-the-scenes role with (AEW). This position has offered him stability and a supportive environment.

References

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