Former WWE champion returns to in-ring competition outside AEW for the first time in over a year

A former WWE champion, who is currently signed to AEW, returned to in-ring action outside of the Jacksonville-based promotion after being out for over a year.

Not many will argue that one of the most eye-catching divisions in pro-wrestling is the cruiserweight division, and AEW is home to some of the best cruiserweight talents in the business. One of those stars is Matt Sydal, who had joined Tony Khan's promotion in late 2020 and became a popular figure on its sister company, ROH, where he is a former ROH World Tag Team Champion. The erstwhile Evan Bourne, a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, last wrestled for All Elite Wrestling in May 2024 on an episode of Dynamite, before leaving to deal with a lingering injury that required surgery. Now, Sydal has returned to in-ring action for the first time in over a year.

Sydal's return took place on July 19 this year, against the legendary cruiserweight wrestler Ultimo Dragon, at an ABC Event in France.

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Matt Sydal had earlier teased a return to AEW as Ricochet's partner

On an episode of Dynamite last November, Ricochet was scheduled for a tag team match against Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita with a mysterious partner. The same was announced on X by AEW President Tony Khan. Sydal responded to this post with multiple eye emojis, insinuating that he could be the mystery partner for the bout.

It must be noted that the mystery partner was later revealed to be Powerhouse Hobbs. Meanwhile, Matt Sydal and Ricochet have previously teamed up at a PWG event in 2017. Now with Sydal back in action and Ricochet a prominent player in Tony Khan's promotion, it remains to be seen if the former will make a comeback on All Elite Wrestling and link up with The Future of Flight.

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Karan Raj