Backstage update on Jamie Hayter’s AEW status, Chris Jericho still talking to WWE talent

Jamie Hayter has not competed in over a year due to injury, with his last wrestling appearance being in May 2023.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Hayter was backstage at an AEW Dynamite TV taping a few weeks ago when the team had to report for their annual health checks. Although it was believed internally that there had been some movement towards a possible return, there are still no clear plans for Hayter’s return. The injury she suffered was “very seriously.”

Multiple AEW sources said that seeing Hayter backstage at the AEW Dynamite TV tapings was the most positive news in a long time, although she and several other talents who were not seen on TV were only there for their physicals. It’s worth noting that she hasn’t been backstage regularly recently, which is usually an indication that a return isn’t imminent. Hayter is said to be keeping to herself and focusing on her recovery.

Although there has been some discussion about the possibility of Hayter returning this year, it remains to be seen. Additionally, some talents have been offered games with Hayter this year.

In other AEW-related news, Chris Jericho was recently a guest on the Big Show with Rusic & Rose podcast to discuss various topics, including whether or not he still speaks to his former colleagues in WWE and his belief that the wrestling business is bigger today than it has ever been. He said:

“It’s like we’re war buddies. I talk to some of the guys from time to time. Not that there are any problems. You see them on the street or meet them at the airport, it’s the greatest reunion ever. They do their thing, we do our thing. We’re all in the business, we’re all making money and we’re all building pro wrestling as a whole.”

He continued, “I think professional wrestling is bigger now than it’s ever been. In the Attitude Era, there may have been more excitement, but in terms of dollars and cents and pure money and revenue, it’s never been bigger than it is now.”

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