AEW: Britt Baker Recovering from Back Issues, Jade Cargill Expands on Past Comments Over AEW Departure, Ian Riccaboni Update

Britt Baker AEW Absence Update – Baker Dealing with Back Issues

Britt Baker has been noticeably absent from AEW programming since this past September.

A recent K&S WrestleFest virtual fan signing event featured Tony Schiavone as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Schiavone providing an update on Baker’s current absence from AEW and revealed that she has been dealing with back-related issues.

“I do not (know when Britt Baker is coming back). I know that she is still working hard to get back. She had some back issues.”

Transcript h/t: PostWrestling.com

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Jade Cargill Expands on Prior Comments Over her AEW Depature

A recent episode of the Busted Open Radio podcast featured former AEW and current WWE talent Jade Cargill as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Cargill expanding on past comments regarding her reasons for her departure from AEW.

“It was a couple decisions that made me come to WWE. I mean, other than the fact that the machine is ridiculous over here, the connections, the history, the legacy, it’s one of one, you know? AEW is a new company. Obviously, they’re still figuring things out, but that happens in every company. You have to figure things out, what’s good and what’s bad. I am 31, I don’t have time to really grow with a company at my age. I have to be in an established company and I have to go over there and let that be known because you can’t do this forever and as a woman, especially in your 30s, the majority of the fan base is like, ‘Okay, well it’s time for her to go about her way. What’s next for her?’ And let’s be real, people wanna see, regardless if they’re good or not, they wanna see that 20-something-year-old on TV rather than that 30-something-year-old woman on TV. So time is not on my side and I knew I had to make the best decision for me, but not just for me, my family. It gets no better than this. The front office is the front office and I think that’s the best way to sum up what it is and I trust the process. I have a WrestleMania match and again, the front office is the front office.”

Transcript h/t: PostWrestling.com

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Update on Ian Riccaboni’s AEW Collision Status

The March 30th AEW Collision show was notable for featuring Ian Riccaboni making a surprise return to AEW’s Collision commentary team.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Riccaboni’s appearance was not meant to be a sign of him rejoining AEW’s Collision commentary team on a permanent basis.

Meltzer reported that AEW officials brought in Riccaboni as a backup commentator in case Tony Schiavone was not able to work that night’s show due him being very heartbroken over the recent passing of his pet dog. AEW officials reportedly decided to go ahead with a three-man booth after Schiavone was willing to work that night.