Wrestling icon and AEW commentator Taz is swapping suplexes for squats as he powers through rehab following a knee replacement surgery. The man who used to drop opponents on their heads like bad habits has been working hard to ensure his bionic knee can keep up with his legendary grit. Taz recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to give fans a progress report, flexing his signature blend of gratitude and no-nonsense determination:
“I know a lot of u asked & have sent me good wishes in my rehabilitation of my knee … Just a quick update. It’s going really well! I’ve been training really hard at PT & my knee is healing/getting strong rapidly!”
Who knew the Human Suplex Machine was just as efficient at rebuilding himself as he was at dismantling others?
A Surgery That Was Long Overdue
Taz’s knee issues, the souvenirs of his high-impact wrestling career, led him to consult an orthopedic surgeon earlier this year. The verdict? The only way to suplex father time was with a knee replacement. But, in true wrestling fashion, even Taz’s surgery got the storyline treatment.
Back in October, AEW worked his absence into a kayfabe “parking lot attack” before Dynamite. This launched his son Hook into a blood feud with Christian Cage of The Patriarchy, who claimed he attacked Taz to “replace” him as Hook’s father. (Spoiler: Hook wasn’t buying it.) The feud has since morphed into Hook vs. Cage, featuring a fresh rivalry with Nick Wayne.
Hook Takes the Baton
As Taz rehabs, Hook has been busy reigniting his career. After retiring the FTW Championship in September, he re-emerged on Dynamite this week to stir the pot with Nick Wayne. While AEW fans eagerly await Hook’s revenge on Cage, Taz’s eventual return behind the commentary desk could add a whole new layer of fireworks to this family saga.
Will Taz walk into 2024 with his knee at full throttle, ready to call the action in the ring—or possibly even dish out a chokehold for old time’s sake? Knowing Taz, he’s suplexing his way there faster than anyone expects.