AEW star Kip Sabian recently revealed he went through a tough mental and emotional struggle during a significant absence from All Elite Wrestling. Speaking candidly in interviews and podcasts, Sabian described this difficult period as a “dark place,” underscoring the personal challenges behind the scenes that impacted his career and wellbeing.
According to sources close to Sabian and AEW insiders, the hiatus was not just a physical break but an emotional battle that affected the British wrestler profoundly. Sabian himself has referred to the time away from AEW as a “sabbatical,” highlighting his frustration with underutilization in the company before the break, as reported by Ringside News[3]. This frustration, paired with the uncertainty of his role, contributed to the mental strain he experienced.
Kip Sabian’s journey with AEW has been notable since the inception of the company. As revealed in interviews with former AEW and WWE star Bea Priestley, Kip was among the early British talents offered a contract by AEW founders Cody and Brandi Rhodes during a 2018 UK tour, prior to AEW’s official launch[1]. Sabian eagerly embraced the opportunity to relocate to America and pursue his wrestling career on a larger stage.
The difficult period came after his initial momentum. Sabian’s time away coincided with important life changes, including his and partner Penelope Ford’s announcement of expecting a baby, as detailed by Ringside News[5]. This positive personal news came amidst his professional uncertainty, creating a complex backdrop to his AEW hiatus.
Despite these struggles, Sabian made a significant return, including competing at the high-profile 2025 Forbidden Door event co-promoted by AEW and NJPW in London[2]. Although his in-ring performance alongside Killswitch was noted as solid, observers acknowledged that his time away had impacted his career trajectory and AEW usage[4].
A WWE insider recently commented on Sabian’s situation, noting, “Kip’s hiatus was more than time away from the ring—it was a necessary mental reset. Wrestling is as much a mental game as a physical one. AEW recognizes his potential and is looking for the right direction to reintegrate him meaningfully.” This echoes Sabian’s own sentiments about needing time to realign himself both mentally and professionally.
The AEW locker room and fans have expressed support for Sabian, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health aspects of professional wrestling. Sabian’s openness about his “dark place” shines a light on the pressures athletes face in and out of the spotlight, and his story is contributing to a broader conversation about wellness in the industry.
Looking forward, sources indicate AEW plans to gradually rebuild Sabian’s presence on the roster with thoughtful booking and storyline opportunities, allowing him to regain confidence and fan momentum. This approach aims to balance the competitive demands of AEW’s dynamic roster while prioritizing wrestler wellbeing.
In summary, Kip Sabian’s candid revelation about his mental health challenges during his AEW absence adds depth to his persona and sheds light on wrestler vulnerabilities behind the scenes. With upcoming appearances already generating buzz, Sabian’s story is one of struggle, resilience, and hope for a renewed chapter in his wrestling career. As AEW continues to evolve its roster, Sabian’s journey will be one to watch, symbolizing the importance of mental health awareness in professional wrestling today.