Cedar Park, TX – Rising AEW star Jake Doyle’s promising start with the promotion has been derailed by a torn biceps sustained during a tag team championship match on January 28th. The injury, which occurred during a contest against FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) for the AEW World Tag Team Championships, required surgery, sidelining the wrestler as he begins the recovery process.
The incident took place when Doyle took a DDT from Cash Wheeler on the ring apron, landing awkwardly and immediately grabbing his arm. Despite the apparent severity of the injury, Doyle remarkably completed the match alongside his partner, Mark Davis, though they ultimately fell short against FTR. Reports indicate that Jon Moxley and the Death Riders also played a role in the outcome of the match, adding to the chaotic nature of the contest.
Confirmation of the torn biceps and subsequent surgery came from Fightful Select, with the procedure reported as successful. However, a definitive timeline for Doyle’s return remains unclear. Recovery from a bicep tear typically ranges from four to seven months, depending on the severity of the tear and the individual’s rehabilitation progress. This suggests a potential return sometime in the summer months, though that remains speculative at this stage.
Doyle, previously known as Jake Something in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, signed with All Elite Wrestling earlier this year, making his debut on the January 7th edition of Dynamite as the newest member of the Don Callis Family. His arrival generated considerable buzz, and alongside Mark Davis, the duo quickly established themselves as a formidable force in the AEW tag team division. They secured a number one contender’s match victory in their debut as a team and followed it up with a win over Alec Price and Jordan Oliver, earning them the opportunity to challenge for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
The injury represents a significant setback for Doyle, who had rapidly gained momentum in AEW. His size, athleticism, and aggressive style quickly resonated with fans, and his partnership with Davis showed considerable promise. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, interrupting a trajectory that suggested a potential run at the tag team titles.
The incident also raises questions about the risks inherent in professional wrestling, specifically the dangers associated with moves performed near the ring apron. A similar injury was suffered by Drew McIntyre in the past, involving a top rope hold leading to a biceps tear, highlighting the vulnerability wrestlers face in such situations. The apron DDT, while a common maneuver, carries inherent risks, and Doyle’s injury serves as a stark reminder of those dangers.
With Doyle sidelined, the future of his tag team partnership with Mark Davis is uncertain. While Davis is a capable competitor in his own right, the dynamic between the two wrestlers was clearly developing, and Doyle’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The Don Callis Family will likely continue to operate, but Davis now faces the challenge of navigating the tag team division without a key component.
AEW has yet to release an official statement regarding Doyle’s recovery timeline. The focus now shifts to his rehabilitation and eventual return to action. Fans and colleagues alike will be closely monitoring his progress, hoping for a full and speedy recovery. The wrestling community will be eager to see Doyle back in the ring, continuing his ascent in AEW.
