Julia Hart Triumphs in Return to AEW Ring After Injury Layoff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — AEW star Julia Hart made a triumphant return to the ring earlier this month after a lengthy injury layoff, defeating former AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter in her first match back. Hart, who had been sidelined for most of 2024 due to a torn labrum in her right shoulder, spoke about her recovery and the emotions of her comeback in a recent interview.

“I feel fine. I didn’t even think about my shoulder with the match with Jamie,” Hart said. “I was just so focused on beating up Jamie. If anything, my back hurt, but that was nothing to do with my shoulder, so I felt really good.” Hart suffered the injury during her TBS Championship loss to Willow Nightingale at AEW Dynasty 2024 and underwent extensive rehabilitation before returning to action.

Reflecting on her recovery process, Hart emphasized the importance of patience. “I actually was pretty healthy at the end of September. I was almost 100%. But I think it was better that I took more time just to relax and to make sure I was 1000% than just hopping back in right away,” she explained. “I’m lucky that I’m young and I fixed it now instead of down the line, having more problems.”

Hart’s return to the ring at AEW Dynamite: Fight For The Fallen was met with enthusiasm from fans and the wrestler herself. “It felt so good. I think the one thing I craved the most was the adrenaline right before you go out,” she said. “Right before the music hits, you feel like you’re gonna throw up, and then you get out there and it’s this whoosh of emotions, and you’re just so excited.”

Hart’s comeback match against Hayter showcased her resilience and determination. She followed up her victory with another win over Harley Cameron on AEW Collision last Saturday. Hart is now set to face Jamie Hayter again on the January 22 episode of AEW Dynamite, marking another chapter in her return to peak form.

Fightful, a leading wrestling news outlet, will provide live coverage of the January 22 episode of AEW Dynamite, including a post-show podcast. Hart’s journey back to the ring serves as a testament to her dedication and the support of her fans, who eagerly await her next moves in AEW.