Former WWE star provides a huge update on his injury amid extended AEW absence

A former WWE star, who currently plies his trade in AEW, has given a major update amid his absence from the Tony Khan-led promotion due to an injury.

Brian Cage was last seen on AEW television on the March 22, 2025, episode of Collision, where he competed in a six-man tag team match. Later that month, it was reported that The Machine would take some time off from the squared circle after he suffered torn quadriceps at an independent show. The former FTW Champion has since undergone two knee surgeries.

Recently, on The Magic of Wrestling, Cage addressed how his injury and the surgery required derailed potential plans for him to make it to All In.

"My right knee has been bothering me forever. I mean, we're probably talking 18 months. I've been postponing it because any athlete, not just wrestlers, never wants to take time off, obviously. So, the goal was, 'Alright, I'm gonna get through All In,' and then this week is when I was technically looking at getting this knee set for surgery to take care of that," he said.

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He continued:

"Unfortunately, I tore this knee at the end of March, and I had to wait a couple of weeks to get surgery on it... I knew I could come back pretty quick, but I was like, 'I don't want to come back and then still have the right knee be an issue and then try to find time for that.' If I'm just out for several months, now I've got to try and find time to go get the right knee fixed. I go, 'You know what? It's going to s**k, but let's just do it now."' [H/T: Cultaholic Wrestling]

AEW star Brian Cage has a Brock Lesnar-inspired nickname

During his time in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and Lucha Underground, Brian Cage went by a moniker that was inspired by former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

Last month, The Machine took to X to share a clip from his days in the Lucha Libre promotions and recalled that he was called Lucha Lesnar.

"Forgotten nickname. When I was destroying luchadors in AAA and Lucha Underground. #luchalesnar," Brian Cage wrote.

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Brian Cage is known for having one of the most impressive physiques in pro wrestling, and his explosive style is often compared to that of Brock Lesnar's. It will be interesting to see when he returns to AEW TV.

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 Yash Mittal