AEW Reportedly Hid Adam Cole To Protect Surprise Debut At All Out 2021

Adam Cole was reportedly hidden backstage at AEW All Out 2021 in order to protect his surprise debut for the company at the close of the show. 

Cole made his shock debut for All Elite Wrestling at the conclusion of All Out on Sunday, siding with Kenny Omega and The Elite before another big name - Bryan Danielson - also made his debut for the company. 

According to Fightful Select, Cole was hidden on the night of the show and his deal with AEW wasn't made 'official' until Sunday, although those who needed to be aware in order to be prepared were kept in the loop, such as merchandising and production.

As to the finish of All Out, the report indicates that this wasn't determined until late in the evening, with the respective parties coming together until after CM Punk's match with Darby Allin. 

Fightful's report indicates that Cole's appearance for AEW wasn't a surprise to anyone within WWE, with many expecting him to sign with the promotion since last weekend. No one in WWE had been told outright that the former NXT Champion would be appearing at All Out, but Cole is still highly thought of within the promotion, particularly for how he handled himself while leaving WWE.