NXT Favourite Set For Lengthy Spell On The Sidelines (WWE News)

The Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez is reporting that rising star Mason Rook "could be a very long time" due to an undisclosed injury or medical issue. WWE previously announced that Rook hadn't been cleared to compete for the NXT Championship by doctors, but the company told fans on TV that this was more of a "speed bump" rather than a "roadblock".

So, most figured he'd be back in the ring soon enough to challenge Grayson Waller for the third brand's top gold. Later, WWE informed people that Mason would be out for the foreseeable, but they didn't put a timeline on when he'll be able to wrestle again.

Broaching the specifics, Alvarez had this to say: "No-one seems to be really talking about what the issue is. Whatever it is, it’s a real issue, and he could be out for a long time". This is obviously a total bummer for Rook, because he was starting to gain some momentum on NXT and was finely poised to work a program with Waller for the NXT Title.

John Cena had even endorsed Mason as somebody he believed in, so the Brit must've felt like everything was clicking into place for him. Fingers crossed he'll be able to shake off whatever the problem is and get back to doing his thing ASAP, but it doesn't sound good.

Bryan's comments on Wrestling Observer Live will have some scratching their heads. Hopefully, another update offers clarity soon. Having to miss an extended period would be nightmare stuff for Rook right now.