The English pro wrestling fans gorged their eyes on a surprise return at AEW All In 2024. Nigel McGuinness would be the last name you would think might appear at a wrestling show. For the unfamiliar, let us take you back to the year 2011 because that was the last time that the English wrestler was spotted in action inside the ring.

Because of how unpredictable life can be, Nigel had to hang up his wrestling gear. Nevertheless, Tony Khan found the perfect way to hype up the English crowd and jumped on the opportunity the best way he could. Since he seems to be back in the wrestling circuit now, you may want to learn what put him out of business in the first place.

Nigel McGuinness’ health concerns prevented him from wrestling further

During the Gauntlet Match live from the Wembley Stadium, he was one entrant that walked out of the backstage after one countdown. Unfortunately, McGuinness didn’t have it in him yet to win the match and fight for the World Title. That was probably because of how long he has been on a hiatus. In the last few years of his wrestling career, McGuinness’ injury and illness hinted that he may be retired for good.

The wrestler tested positive for Hepatitis B and his journey with TNA came to a close after his last appearance in September 2010. Back in 2009, he sustained an arm injury, specifically to his biceps.

This had allegedly cost him a potential signing with WWE. December 2011 was the last time we saw him inside the ring. His Gauntlet Match appearance was definitely something to behold during the PPV.

Christian Cage ended up taking the win during the match but this wasn’t the only interesting surprise waiting for fans. Let’s say WWE fans must have been surprised to see this go down.

Wrestling fans had another surprise waiting for them

Another wrestler who returned during the same gauntlet match was Ricochet. The former WWE Speed Champion left the Stamford-based company in June when his contract expired. Although there were rumors of him potentially joining AEW, there were no reports that pointed to any signing or debut dates. The rumors also stemmed from the fact that WWE stars tend to turn to Tony Khan when they walk out of the leading wrestling promotion. But seeing Ricochet again in action at Wembley Stadium was a warm sight to behold after two months of his hiatus.

If that wasn’t enough of a confirmation, AEW even put him in their online shop right away. The pop among the wrestling fans was so incredible that Khan thought it best to monetize it right away by putting his merchandise up for sale immediately. Nigel McGuinness has received no such similar treatment but it is expected that he may also have gotten signed by the Jacksonville-based company. However, even if he wasn’t offered a long-term contract and was just a guest appearance, his return to the ring means only good news for viewers who like to see him perform.

Were you excited to see Nigel McGuinness in the ring again?