Adam Cole is currently a major attraction on All Elite Wrestling, but it was not long ago that he was seen performing in WWE. The Panama City Playboy made his NXT debut in August 2017 as a part of The Undisputed Era and became an instant success.
Cole enjoyed massive success in the Triple-H-led promotion’s developmental territory, both with his faction and as a singles competitor. However, before he could make his mark on the main roster, Adam parted ways with the Stamford-based promotion. So, let’s take a deep dive into why Adam Cole left WWE.
The Panama City Playboy became one of the biggest names in the pro wrestling industry through his four-year NXT stint. But the performer surprised the fans when he decided to leave the promotion. Adam ended his association with Triple H’s company in August 2021, as his contract expired and he decided not to renew it.
Revealing the reason behind his WWE departure, Cole said, “I had a wonderful experience working in NXT with Triple H and Shawn Michaels. And then looking at AEW, once again, Britt being there was a huge factor, my friends being there was a huge factor, the audience being so rabid and so wild. Every single week looked so exciting and [it was] something I wanted to be involved in“. (Via: F4WOnline)
It must be noted that Cole’s real-life girlfriend, Dr. Britt Baker, is a popular name in the Jacksonville-based promotion’s women’s division. Looking at how Adam explained his WWE exit, it seems that his departure was a personal choice and wasn’t due to any personal issues between the two parties.
Adam Cole showed up on AEW TV two weeks after his final match in WWE
The former Undisputed Era leader had his last match in the Triple H-led promotion at NXT Takeover 36 on August 22, 2021. In this match, Cole took a loss at the hands of his former teammate Kyle O’Reilly. But, The Panama City Playboy unexpectedly showed up on AEW TV just two weeks after his final match in the WWE.
Cole made a surprising debut for the Jacksonville-based promotion, as he showed up at the All Out PPV on September 5, 2021. The former WWE star made his appearance after the show’s main event as he reunited with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. He made a successful AEW in-ring debut on next week’s Dynamite episode by defeating Frankie Kazarian.
1 year ago, when AEW dropped the double bomb with the debuts of Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson.
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) September 4, 2022
One of the best and memorable endings to a PPV ever. pic.twitter.com/eJVEdYLhJ9
Following his first win in Tony Khan’s company, the former NXT Champion never looked back and continued working with the top names in the Jacksonville-based promotion. He has mostly been involved in feuds involving The Young Bucks as a member of The Elite and thus competed in tag team matches.
Even though The Panama City Playboy hasn’t won any singles championship in his AEW stint, he has an opportunity to win his first title later this month. Adam Cole is set to Challenge MJF for his AEW World Championship at All In London on August 27, 2023. It’ll surely be a monumental win for the former WWE performer if he can dethrone Friedman from the title.