AEW star Keith Lee has not competed in-ring for over 26 months
(Courtesy : AEW)
Lee’s last AEW match was a victory against Brian Cage on December 23, 2023.
That reality is striking when you consider how impactful Keith Lee was during his early run in All Elite Wrestling. The powerhouse Keith Lee made a surprise debut on the February 9, 2022 episode of Dynamite, defeating Isiah Kassidy to qualify for the Face of the Revolution ladder match at Revolution, which was ultimately won by Wardlow. From that moment, Lee felt positioned as a major player in AEW’s expanding roster.
In late February 2022, Lee formed an alliance with Swerve Strickland after Strickland came to his aid during an attack by Team Taz. The partnership evolved into the tag team “Swerve In Our Glory,” quickly becoming one of AEW’s most compelling duos.
Their breakthrough arrived at Fyter Fest in July, where they defeated The Young Bucks and Team Taz in a triple-threat match to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
The duo went on to defend the titles against teams including the Lucha Brothers and Private Party, solidifying themselves as a dominant force.
However, tensions emerged during a trilogy with The Acclaimed. After defeating them at All Out, Lee and Strickland dropped the titles in a rematch on Dynamite and lost again at Full Gear in November 2022.
That final loss was particularly dramatic. When Strickland attempted to use pliers as a weapon, Lee refused. A frustrated Strickland slapped him, prompting Lee to walk out, effectively signaling the end of their partnership.
In December 2022, Lee returned to Ring of Honor for the first time in five years. At Final Battle, Swerve In Our Glory reunited briefly against Shane Taylor Promotions, but miscommunication once again fractured the pairing. Days later, Strickland unveiled the Mogul Affiliates and attacked Lee, formally closing that chapter.
Keith Lee’s championship pursuits and prolonged hiatus
Keith Lee aligned with Dustin Rhodes in early 2023, forming “Naturally Limitless.” The duo scored victories over the Mogul Affiliates and remained active throughout the year.
Lee competed in a 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal at Double or Nothing for the AEW International Championship, eliminating The Blade before being ousted by Brian Cage after targeting Strickland.
He later teamed with Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy in multi-man victories, and reunited with Strickland in a blind eliminator tournament, though the uneasy pairing ended in defeat.
On the November 8, 2023 episode of Dynamite, Lee unsuccessfully challenged Samoa Joe for the ROH World Television Championship. At Final Battle that December, he defeated Shane Taylor in singles action.
Lee was scheduled to face Strickland at Worlds End, but withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. Reports in January 2024 revealed he underwent “double surgeries,” and he has remained sidelined since. More than two years later, his absence continues to be felt.
When was Keith Lee’s last AEW match?
His most recent televised singles match took place in late 2023 before being pulled from Worlds End due to injury.
Why has Keith Lee been absent from AEW?
Lee reportedly underwent “double surgeries” in January 2024 and has been on hiatus recovering.
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