AEW fan-favorite Adam Cole has been away from the Tony Khan-led promotion’s programming for almost a year now. In the midst of his ongoing absence, the company’s official social media handle recently wished the multi-time former champion on a significant personal occasion.

Adam Cole was initially scheduled to defend his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher last year at All In: Texas. However, ahead of the pay-per-view, news broke that The Panama City Playboy would be unable to compete in the Globe Life Field Stadium due to his health issues. The Paragon member appeared in person during the event as well to relinquish his TNT Title in the middle of the ring, cutting an emotional promo to inform fans that he had to step away from action indefinitely, and thanking them for their years of support.

Cole has not competed since he and his long-time teammates Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly defeated the Don Callis Family’s Kyle Fletcher and RPG Vice in a trios bout on the July 10 edition of AEW Collision. It has been speculated that the former WWE superstar may be effectively retired from the squared circle, with a report from this past April claiming that the Jacksonville-based promotion did not have any creative plans for him at the time.

While he remains on hiatus, Cole celebrated his 37th birthday this week on Sunday (July 5). AEW’s X/Twitter profile posted a graphic for the star several hours ago to wish him on the happy occasion.

“Happy Birthday @AdamColePro !”- posted the company’s X handle.

Sportskeeda joins All Elite Wrestling and the rest of the wrestling world in wishing Adam Cole the happiest of returns for his birthday.

AEW “Founding Fathers” The Young Bucks’ latest update on Adam Cole

During a live QnA session on the official channel of their renowned YouTube show Being The Elite from this past June, The Young Bucks provided a health update on their long-time ally and friend, Adam Cole. The Jackson Brothers noted that the former AEW TNT and WWE NXT Champion’s recovery was progressing on a day to day basis, and that the latter was actually seeing improvements.

“Adam, we love you. It’s step by step. He’s just trying to take it day by day. He’s having improvements, which is good. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He’s the best person I’ve ever met in wrestling business,” he said. [H/T – Drainmaker’s X]

It remains to be seen whether and when Cole might return to All Elite Wrestling.