The landscape of All Elite Wrestling has been undeniably reshaped by the unforeseen, and now seemingly protracted, absence of one of its most enigmatic and compelling figures, Hologram. What began as a budding rivalry, steeped in psychological torment and ominous premonitions, swiftly devolved into a career-altering injury, sidelining the popular competitor for an extended duration. As the wrestling world buzzes with the impending debut of his tormentor, El Clon, slated for AEW Collision in the new year, the sobering reality for fans is that Hologram’s highly anticipated in-ring return remains a distant prospect, leaving a void in the roster and a significant chapter of a captivating storyline on an indefinite pause.
The saga that led to Hologram’s current predicament unfolded with a slow-burn intensity, beginning in the late summer months. August saw the initial unsettling vignettes introducing El Clon, a mysterious entity seemingly obsessed with mirroring Hologram. These cinematic teasers were not merely promotional clips; they were psychological warfare, meticulously crafted to sow seeds of doubt and distress in Hologram’s mind. The unsettling mimicry, the eerie familiarity, and the looming threat began to chip away at Hologram’s composure, creating a palpable tension that gripped audiences. Fans watched as the usually unflappable Hologram exhibited genuine signs of discomfort and apprehension, a rare vulnerability that underscored the potency of Clon’s mind games. This was not a conventional challenger looking for a championship; this was an insidious presence aiming to dismantle Hologram from within, eroding his confidence before ever stepping foot in the squared circle. The brewing feud promised a unique narrative, one that delved deeper into character psyche than typical wrestling rivalries often dared.
The narrative took a dark and decisive turn in September, just as the tension between Hologram and his unseen doppelgänger reached a fever pitch. Hologram, riding a wave of momentum and poised for a significant career milestone, was scheduled to challenge for the coveted TNT Championship. This prestigious title, often referred to as the "workhorse championship" of AEW, had been a platform for numerous breakout performances and a symbol of consistent excellence since its inception. A victory would have undoubtedly elevated Hologram’s standing, placing him firmly in the upper echelon of the company’s singles division. His opponent was none other than the reigning champion, Kyle Fletcher, a formidable and intensely skilled competitor who had proven himself a resilient titleholder. The stage was set for a thrilling encounter, a showcase of athletic prowess and strategic grappling, with the added layer of Hologram’s ongoing mental battle with Clon. However, fate, or rather, a calculated act of malice, intervened dramatically.
Days before his scheduled TNT Title opportunity, Hologram was viciously attacked backstage. The perpetrator was revealed to be Kyle Fletcher, the very man he was slated to face for the championship. This ambush was not merely a pre-match skirmish; it was a brutal assault designed to incapacitate, an act of sheer villainy that left Hologram severely injured. The fallout was immediate and devastating. Tony Khan, the head of All Elite Wrestling, delivered the grim news that Hologram’s injuries were severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of the year 2025. This pronouncement sent shockwaves through the AEW faithful, extinguishing the hopes of seeing Hologram compete for the foreseeable future and abruptly halting a storyline that had been building with such intricate care. The promising TNT Title clash was off, and Hologram’s immediate future in professional wrestling became a question mark, shrouded in the uncertainty of a long recovery.
With Hologram incapacitated, AEW scrambled to find a suitable replacement for the TNT Championship match against Kyle Fletcher. The responsibility fell to the ever-popular and effortlessly cool Orange Cassidy, a fan favorite known for his unique, laid-back style and surprising in-ring capabilities. Cassidy stepped into the high-stakes contest, ready to seize the opportunity that Hologram had been cruelly denied. The match itself was a hard-fought affair, showcasing the skills of both competitors, but it was marred by a shocking interference that illuminated the true depths of the Don Callis Family’s manipulative schemes. During a critical moment, a figure emerged, clad in Hologram’s distinctive attire, seemingly coming to the aid of Orange Cassidy. However, this was no heroic intervention; it was a cunning deception. The impostor interfered, not to help Cassidy, but to ensure Fletcher’s victory, allowing the champion to retain his TNT Title.
The true identity of the masked individual was soon unmasked, revealing the chilling reality: it was El Clon, Hologram’s tormentor, who had donned the disguise. This revelation was a masterstroke of villainy, not only confirming Clon’s physical presence but also his allegiance to the nefarious Don Callis Family. This manipulative faction, led by the Machiavellian Don Callis, has become a pervasive and disruptive force within AEW, characterized by their cunning, underhanded tactics, and a willingness to exploit any weakness to achieve their goals. Callis, a veteran presence in professional wrestling with a long history of guiding talent to championship gold through dubious means, had clearly found a new protégé in El Clon, one whose initial strategy mirrored Callis’s own preference for psychological warfare and strategic manipulation over fair competition.
Since his unmasking and the confirmation of his membership in the Don Callis Family, El Clon has been a constant, albeit non-wrestling, presence alongside his new stablemates. He has been seen ringside, observing, often with a menacing stillness, as other members of the Callis contingent engage in their respective feuds. His inclusion in the family immediately provided context for his earlier actions, framing his initial psychological attacks on Hologram as a calculated move orchestrated by Callis to destabilize a potential threat or to simply assert dominance. Despite his prominent role in Hologram’s downfall and his ongoing association with one of AEW’s most despised factions, Clon has yet to compete in an actual wrestling match. This prolonged anticipation has only served to heighten curiosity about his in-ring style and capabilities, leaving fans to wonder what kind of competitor he will prove to be once he finally steps between the ropes. His physical debut on AEW Collision next January is therefore not just a return; it’s an unveiling, a moment where the mysterious antagonist finally transitions from psychological saboteur to active participant in the squared circle.
The prolonged absence of a talent like Hologram undoubtedly creates ripples throughout the AEW roster and its ongoing storylines. Top-tier performers are integral to the fabric of any wrestling promotion, contributing to main event pictures, title pursuits, and compelling feuds that captivate audiences. Hologram’s distinctive persona, coupled with his in-ring prowess, made him a valuable asset, and his removal from active competition leaves a significant void. Booking plans must be adjusted, potential championship contenders reassessed, and the overall dynamic of various divisions is subtly altered. For the fans, the frustration of not seeing a beloved wrestler perform is palpable, yet it also fuels the anticipation for his eventual comeback. The longer Hologram is away, the more impactful his return will be, transforming his eventual re-emergence from a mere comeback into a moment of significant emotional resonance and catharsis. His journey back to the ring, driven by a desire for vengeance against those who wronged him, promises to be one of the most compelling narratives once he is cleared for action.
The Don Callis Family, with its expanded ranks including El Clon and Kyle Fletcher, continues to be a dominant and disruptive force. Don Callis’s genius lies in his ability to identify vulnerabilities and exploit them, turning promising careers into tools for his own agenda. With Fletcher as the TNT Champion, and now El Clon poised to make his in-ring debut, the family’s influence only grows. Clon’s initial target may not be Hologram, given his recovery timeline, but his presence in the ring opens up a myriad of possibilities for the faction. Will he immediately challenge for a title? Will he continue his psychological warfare, perhaps targeting another popular star, demonstrating his insidious capabilities beyond just Hologram? The manipulative playbook of the Don Callis Family is vast, and Clon seems to be a willing and adept student of their dark arts. His eventual first match will be closely scrutinized, not just for his performance, but for the strategic implications it carries for the entire family’s agenda.
Meanwhile, the arduous journey of recovery lies ahead for Hologram. Professional wrestling is a physically demanding endeavor, and injuries, particularly severe ones, take a tremendous toll, both physically and mentally. The road back to the ring is paved with countless hours of rehabilitation, rigorous training, and the mental fortitude required to overcome setbacks and doubt. Hologram’s forced hiatus for the rest of 2025 signifies a serious injury, one that necessitates patience and a comprehensive approach to healing. When he does finally return, it will be a testament to his resilience and dedication. The question then becomes: what kind of Hologram will emerge? Will he be consumed by the desire for retribution, or will his experience forge an even more focused and formidable competitor? One thing is certain: the unfinished business with El Clon and the Don Callis Family will be a central theme of his comeback story. The psychological wounds inflicted by Clon, coupled with the physical assault by Fletcher, have created a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative that demands a resolution.
The stage is thus set for a protracted storyline, one that will see El Clon establish himself as an in-ring competitor under the manipulative guidance of Don Callis, while Hologram endures his lengthy recovery. The anticipation for Hologram’s eventual re-emergence will only intensify with each passing month, building to a colossal confrontation that will undoubtedly serve as a defining moment for both characters. The professional wrestling world thrives on these long-term narratives, where patience in storytelling reaps immense rewards in emotional payoff. The fans await not just Hologram’s return, but the explosive culmination of a feud that began with whispers and psychological games, escalated into a brutal attack, and now promises to deliver a powerful tale of vengeance and redemption. Until then, the shadow of El Clon continues to loom large, while Hologram’s path back to the squared circle remains a challenging, yet inevitable, journey.
