6-foot-4 star to make AEW return after 260+ days as Nick Wayne's bodyguard? Chances explored

Nick Wayne became one of the youngest singles champions in Ring of Honor history earlier this month on AEW television. However, his victory could not seal the cracks that have recently formed in The Patriarchy due to The Prodigy's growing friction with Christian Cage. It seems the group could be on its way to dissolution, which in turn could lead to Wayne establishing a new alliance with a returning star—the formidable Luchasaurus (aka Killswitch).

At AEW Collision: Spring BreakThru, Nick Wayne defeated Komander to become the new ROH World TV Champion. Last week on Dynamite, Renee Paquette interviewed The Patriarchy backstage and congratulated the 19-year-old for his accomplishment. However, Christian Cage promptly took credit for Nick's success in characteristic fashion. The Patriarch also tried to take Wayne's title belt from him, but the latter stood up to his "father," forcing him to return it.

The ongoing storyline appears to be leading to The Patriarchy breaking up, especially in light of Christian's consistent mistreatment of Nick and his mother, Shayna Wayne. The high-flying up-and-comer could be secretly plotting to take Cage down, and towards that end, he may bring back an ally with a bone to pick against The Instant Classic - Luchasaurus himself.

Few individuals on the AEW roster are more familiar with Christian's selfish ways than the former TNT Champion. Wayne could appeal to the masked powerhouse over their shared experience of being undermined by Cage, convincing him to join forces against the veteran. Such an angle could also lead to Killswitch and Wayne potentially facing the reunited duo of Cope and Christian at some point down the line.

The 6 ft 4 in star was last seen in action at All In: London last year. It was reported over a month later that Killswitch had suffered a severe health complication due to double pneumonia, which caused him to be hospitalized. As of February, the former Jurassic Express member was not cleared for active competition. However, he was spotted at a New York Knicks game recently.

While this does not necessarily mean a return is imminent, the 40-year-old could be brought back in a few weeks, at least in a non-wrestling capacity, perhaps ahead of Double or Nothing or All In: Texas.

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AEW's Nick Wayne is set for a major tournament

Despite his disrespectful conduct towards Nick Wayne lately, Christian Cage seemingly approves of his protege's newfound spark. Besides supposedly procuring him an ROH World TV Title match against Komander, the former Captain Charisma also claimed a couple of weeks ago that he had secured Wayne a spot in NJPW's 2025 Best of the Super Juniors.

It remains to be seen how the budding AEW star will fare at the upcoming tournament, which will begin next month.