Backstage Update Emerges On Extended Absence Of AEW Star Keith Lee

A new backstage report has shed some light on AEW’s internal discussions regarding the status of Keith Lee, who has been absent from television for well over a year.

According to Fightful Select, AEW officials reportedly discussed bringing Lee back into the fold several months ago. However, the report indicates that it is unclear how far those conversations progressed or whether the plans ever reached Lee directly.

Sources cited in the report suggested that whatever ideas may have been discussed internally are likely no longer active, or have at least undergone significant changes. One person close to the situation reportedly noted that if AEW had moved forward with the original plans, Lee likely would have already returned by now.

Questions also remain about Lee’s medical status. There is currently no confirmation that the former AEW World Tag Team Champion has been cleared for in-ring competition. The report noted that Lee has not been a regular presence backstage at AEW events, which is notable because any clearance process would reportedly require evaluations from company doctors over a period of several weeks.

Lee has not wrestled for AEW since late 2023. He was originally scheduled to face former tag team partner Swerve Strickland at the AEW Worlds End pay-per-view, a match that had been building for months following the breakup of Swerve In Our Glory. However, Lee was removed from the event on the day of the show due to injury concerns, and Dustin Rhodes ultimately took his place against Strickland.

Since then, Lee has kept a relatively low profile regarding his condition and future plans. While he has occasionally addressed fan questions about his absence, he has largely remained private about the specifics of his situation. One notable exception came last year when he stated on social media that he intends to wrestle again, offering reassurance to fans wondering whether his in-ring career had come to an end.

For now, Lee’s status remains uncertain. While it appears AEW has at least explored the possibility of bringing him back, there is no indication of when—or if—the former NXT Champion will return to television. Given his popularity and the unfinished business surrounding his rivalry with Strickland, a comeback would likely be welcomed by many AEW fans whenever the time is right.