Last month, wrestling star Austin Aries made an unexpected comeback to Major League Wrestling (MLW).
Known as Daniel Healy in real life, Aries has a storied career that includes stints in WWE, TNA, and Defy, but he had previously been with MLW from 2018 to 2019.
Despite battling an illness, Aries took to the mic alongside Joe Dombrowski to help announce the event.
“It feels good,” he remarked about rejoining MLW. “It’s been a bit of a recalibration for me. I haven’t been with MLW for years, and we never really connected before. So when I got the chance to step back in and work behind the commentary desk, I definitely wanted to dive in.”
Interestingly, Aries has some experience commentating. He previously provided commentary at the WWE NXT Roadblock: End of the Line Premium Live Event back in December 2016, working alongside Michael Cole and Corey Graves.
Aries shared with Fox News Digital that he draws inspiration from notable commentators and managers like Bobby Heenan and Jesse Ventura.
“I’m trying to be my own version, but those guys have definitely shaped my style. What I loved about them is how, as color commentators, they brought a unique perspective from being in the ring—a viewpoint that other commentators without that experience can’t really offer,” he said.
Boasting a decorated background, Aries is a three-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, a six-time TNA X-Division Champion, a two-time Honor World Champion, and was ranked 12th on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Top 500 Wrestlers List in 2013.
Now at 47, he’s confident that transitioning to commentary is the right path forward, though he’s not closing the door on returning to the ring.
“I had the chance to commentate while I was with WWE. After my injury, it was an opening I found enjoyable and comfortable. As my in-ring career started to slow down, I thought, ‘Well, this could be a good avenue to explore.’ When MLW approached me about this role, I felt it was the right fit,” he explained.
Aries is set to provide commentary at MLW’s upcoming event, Azteca Lucha, in Chicago on May 10th.
In addition to this, Matt Riddle and Donovan Dijak will compete for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, while Alex Hammerstone is scheduled to face Kojima Sato, among other exciting matchups featuring stars from both MLW and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
