Matt Sydal makes AEW return after two year absence, joins new alliance
After more than two years away from AEW and days after his potential return was discussed, Matt Sydal made his surprise return on Saturday’s AEW Collision.
Sydal appeared in a backstage segment, aligning with SkyFlight and Christopher Daniels. Daniels re-introduced him, saying he’s one of his closest friends and was one of his favorite tag team partners. He then told Sydal whatever he wanted to do in AEW, SkyFlight had his back.
Sydal said it was the toughest recovery of his life but with SkyFlight having his back, he was going to bigger heights than ever before.
His last AEW appearance came in a loss to Konosuke Takeshita in May 2024. He then said after “12 years of suffering,” he was going to undergo right foot surgery.
The 43-year-old actually made his return to the ring nearly a year ago, appearing for a French indie promotion in July 2025. He then appeared for Florida indies in both November and December, but hasn’t wrestled since.
Sydal made his AEW debut in September 2020 and has over 100 matches for the promotion in addition to 17 ROH matches in the Tony Khan ownership era.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.