Adam Cole: As Soon As I Joined AEW, I Knew I’d Eventually Share The Ring With Chris Jericho

Adam Cole discusses working with Chris Jericho.

Adam Cole discusses working with Chris Jericho.

Cole suffered two head injuries in a short period of time in 2022, and he was sidelined for several months as his wrestling career was in jeopardy. He returned to AEW TV on the January 11, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite, and he had his first match back on the March 29 episode of AEW Dynamite. There, Cole defeated Daniel Garcia, and he subsequently started feuding with Chris Jericho.

Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Cole discussed his return to the ring, which has come with an organic babyface turn.

“It’s been an interesting transition. I’ve played the vile, despicable heel for so long. But coming out of this injury, and being able to get back in the ring and wrestle again, it feels like such a natural fit to be the babyface. It’s a challenge I need, and I’m enjoying it a lot,” Cole said.

By turning face, Cole gained the ability to more easily mix it up with some of AEW’s top heels, particularly Chir Jericho. Cole made it clear that he had been looking forward to facing the former world champion as soon as he arrived in AEW.

“As soon as I joined AEW and stepped in the locker room, I knew the day would come when I shared the ring with Chris Jericho. He is someone I’ve studied and looked up to for a long time. The fan in me is incredibly excited,” he said.

Whatever happens in Cole’s feud with Jericho, he remains focused on becoming the world champion someday. However, he has a newfound appreciation for his job. Cole stated that he’s grateful that he can get on a plane and go to the shows, and everything else is a bonus.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always said my goal is to be the world champion. I want to be AEW world champion. But at this point, I have a whole new appreciation for this job. Every single week, I get on an airplane and go to a show. I’m so thankful for that. Wherever else that lands me is icing on the cake. My goal is to keep wrestling for a long time. This is me. I’m back where I belong,” Cole said.

Cole recently share his thoughts on working with Jericho. Check out his comments here.

In a recent interview, Cole described how Bryan Danielson reached out to him during his recovery. Click here to see what he had to say.

Cole will speak on the April 26 episode of AEW Dynamite. Fightful will have live coverage of AEW Dynamite as it airs on Wednesday.