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Adam Cole Walks, Celebrates Roderick Strong's AEW International Title Defense At AEW Dynasty 2024

Wrestling
Colin Tessier Apr 21, 2024 9:48PM

Adam Cole is back on his feet.

At AEW Dynasty, Roderick Strong defended the AEW International Championship against his former friend and stablemate Kyle O'Reilly. The match marked O'Reilly's first time competing on pay-per-view in well over a year, as he missed several months after he had neck surgery.

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Given their extensive history, Strong and O'Reilly had each other scouted extensively. They traded stiff strikes throughout the match. O'Reilly leaned on his submission-based offense, while Strong hit the challenger with multiple backbreakers. The former allies traded explosive knee strikes late in the match. Wardlow came down, trying to interfere, but the referee saw him. In the end, Strong did not need Wardlow's help, as he clinched the win with the End of Heartache.

Wardlow entered the ring and celebrated with Strong after the bell. Mike Bennett and Matt Taven wheeled out Adam Cole, who was in a wheelchair. Cole then got to his feet and walked down to the ring. After he briefly stared down Wardlow, Strong celebrated with Strong. Strong walked up the ramp, and Cole again stared at Wardlow as the rest of the group followed.

Cole has been sidelined since September with an ankle injury he suffered at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. He has appeared on AEW programming, but he was previously confined to a wheelchair. Cole had been absent in recent weeks, and Fightful Select reported that he was taken off the road because it was hindering his recovery.

Click here to catch up on our coverage of AEW Dynasty. For a full review, check out the post-show podcast on our YouTube channel.

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