WWE Injury List: Every Injured Wrestler (& When They're Set To Return)

Latest WWE injury news, how those injuries happened and when you'll see stars back on TV.

CM Punk Cody Rhodes
WWE.com

Injuries suck.

Nobody likes seeing any hardworking pro wrestler go down with one, but they're unfortunately part and parcel of the biz. Truth be told, it's actually slightly surprising that more injuries don't occur considering how many tough matches happen under the WWE banner every single week. That goes to show just how skilled the men and women plying their trade on Raw, SmackDown and NXT are.

Sadly, nobody escapes the injury bug forever. There are always a fair few workers on the shelf nursing injuries that range from mild to sever. Timelines for any returns following those miserable moments are typically uncertain - get used to seeing a whole load of "TBC" chat when it comes to some of the bigger injuries.

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Curiously, some early reports suggest that wrestlers won't be out for too long. Then, they're posted missing for many months past predicted comeback dates. That could be a creative decision more than a medical one. Triple H will want to make sure he has a decent enough spot for any returnees before they show back up on screens. Sometimes, as much as it's hard mentally to sit in catering or at home, WWE is only looking out for someone's best interests creatively.

Here's the latest batch of injured stars currently being nursed back to full health. This list is updated constantly with the latest WWE news, and includes details on when/how each injury happened and when wrestlers will be back to their best.

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Say a prayer for the following unlucky workers!

Cody Rhodes (Orbital Bone/Eye)

Cody Rhodes
WWE.com

Reigning WWE Champ and somehow-still-babyface poster boy Cody Rhodes suffered a nasty blow to his orbital bone/eye during a match vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. WWE covered the damage afterwards, and it doesn't look like Cody will be wrestling long matches anytime soon, but he's still on television doing his thing as a character.

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A promo artist for now, if you like.

At one point, doctors were even worried that Rhodes might lose his eye completely, which is...a quite horrific thought. Thankfully, it didn't come to that, and he'll heal up eventually. WWE management reportedly denied him a sweet, sweet eyepatch though. Spoilsports - he could've put a Wheatley's Vodka logo on it. TKO might've gone for the idea then!

Returning: Still on TV.

Kevin Owens (Neck)

Kevin Owens Neck Injury 2025
WWE.com

Kevin Owens had been on the heel run of a lifetime before announcing that he had to step away and likely undergo neck fusion surgery on the 4 April 2025 episode of SmackDown. Emotions were running high as KO revealed that he'd been dealing with this issue for a few months and would have to walk away from a planned WrestleMania 41 clash vs. tag-team partner turned bitter rival Randy Orton.

It was initially believed that Owens would be on the shelf for anywhere between 6-12 months post-surgery. Missing 'Mania last year was a bummer for WWE, because Kev vs. Randy was one of the better-built matches heading into that PLE, but he still isn't back.

Fans are hopeful he will be soon enough.

Returning: TBC.

Bianca Belair (Hand - Now On Maternity Leave)

WWE WrestleMania 42 Bianca Belair John Cena
WWE

Many reckoned that Bianca Belair would burst back into view with a bang either before, during or after WWE's road to WrestleMania 42 was complete. Both the first Raw of 2026 and the Royal Rumble later that month were earmarked as possible 'EST is back' dates.

Instead, Bianca shocked the world by returning at 'Mania 42 itself and revealing that she's pregnant. Obviously, everyone (including a giddy John Cena) is chuffed to bits for Belair and Montez Ford. It isn't, however, clear whether or not she's fully healed up from a hand injury that had kept the popular worker sidelined since 'Mania 41 though.

It'll be a long time before fans see Bianca wrestle again.

Returning: TBC.

Stephanie Vaquer (Shoulder)

Stephanie Vaquer
WWE.com

The silver lining to this story is that Stephanie Vaquer was still able to work her first major singles match at WrestleMania 42 opposite Liv Morgan. There were concerns for both women going into 'Mania, which is why their match ended up being as short as it was.

Then, on TV afterwards, Judgment Day members Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez ambushed Vaquer backstage whilst lead announcer Michael Cole revealed that she'd suffering an AC sprain in her shoulder. It isn't clear at time of writing just how long Stephanie will be on the shelf, but it looks like she's heading for some time off.

Returning: TBC.

Bronson Reed (Torn Biceps)

Bronson Reed Injury
WWE

The Vision's injury curse has claimed ex-leader Seth Rollins, key component Bron Breakker and burly brute Bronson Reed. At this rate, it's almost shocking that Paul Heyman didn't stub his big toe coming out of the shower, or something. The faction's foot soldiers have been falling like a house of cards!

That "distal biceps tear" Reed experienced on the 23 February episode of Raw altered WWE's plans for the upcoming Elimination Chamber PLE and meant they had to shift some moving parts around for WrestleMania 42 as well.

Here's hoping the big powerhouse is able to launch a return soon.

Returning: TBC.

Sheamus (Shoulder)

Sheamus WWE
WWE

Celebrated veteran Sheamus has had some rotten luck with injuries over the past couple of years. He's also fallen victim to some cruel body shaming because he found it difficult to train as hard as he'd like due to those setbacks. Now, in 2026, the Irishman is out nursing a shoulder injury.

He suffered that during the tournament put together to establish John Cena's opponent late last year.

Reportedly, the shoulder annoyance stopped Sheamus from working WrestleMania 41 and enjoying a possible Intercontinental Title tilt. That's awful at this stage in his career - the Brogue Kicking stalwart surely doesn't have too many title reigns left in him, and he'd love to be IC Champ someday.

Returning: TBC

Nikki Bella (Ankle)

WWE WrestleMania 42 Bella Twins Nikki Bella Brie Bella
WWE

Speaking of major bummers, one Nikki Bella must've felt like her party had been very much pooped at WrestleMania 42. Originally set to team with her sister Brie and probably win the Women's Tag Titles, Nikki's injured ankle forced her to miss out. She was hastily replaced by Paige, and the Brit won the straps with Brie instead.

The brighter news is that Bella has revealed a 6-8 week timeline for her in-ring comeback. That could coincide with the length of Paige and Brie's title run, to be perfectly honest. They're hardly going to be champs for the long haul anyway.

Nikki will presumably get her moment once she's fit and healthy.

Returning: 6-8 weeks.

Chelsea Green (Broken Ankle)

Chelsea Green Salute WWE
WWE.com

The criminally underrated (by WWE, at least) Chelsea Green is still lurking around on episodes of SmackDown despite an ankle fracture keeping her out of the ring. That's a good thing for those who tune into the show each Friday, but Chelsea has had to mourn the loss of her "Slaygents" recently.

Piper Niven is off TV injured, and Alba Fyre was just let go from her contract. Thus, it's back to the drawing board for one of the most entertaining acts in the women's division. Green will be fine, but the sooner she's back in the mix the better.

Again, she's one of the most versatile workers WWE has.

Returning: Still on TV.

Piper Niven (Neck)

Piper Niven WWE
WWE.com

Those who follow Piper Niven on social media might've spotted an impressive weight loss regime the Scot has been working on during her time off WWE screens. Good on her for that, but Piper has always been an athletic, hardworking wrestler regardless. Let's hope she knows that, but it's a good thing she's pursuing her own happiness.

Things weren't looking good when Niven exited stage left due to a serious neck injury, but she's updated fans on her recovery and is hopeful of wrestling again someday. She's out indefinitely for now though, and could be heading for a new gimmick once she is back.

As aforementioned in the Chelsea entry, the "Slaygents" are no more. Still, at least Piper herself is remaining positive.

Returning: TBC.

Xavier Woods (Shoulder)

WWE Raw Xavier Woods Penta
WWE

It's fair to say that New Day's heel run has been a bit of a failure. Aside from the fact Big E hasn't returned to get revenge on his old pals, it's unfortunately true that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have floundered as villains overall. Now, Woods is out with a shoulder issue that requires from serious recovery.

Grayson Waller has stepped in as Kofi's tag partner and as an honorary member of the group, but it feels weird and hasn't clicked with fans. Honestly, turning Kingston and Woods babyface again and forgetting the heel experiment ever happened might be for the best once Xavier is back.

They're the tag-team version of John Cena from 2025.

Returning: TBC.

Elton Prince (Separated Shoulder/Neck)

Fraxiom Pretty Deadly
WWE.com

Yes boy? How about no boy instead?! Pretty Deadly's Elton Prince was hammered by a separated shoulder injury in late June 2025, and that's kept him on the sidelines ever since. Or, at least, news on the injury leaked in June - Prince's last match actually came on the 2 May SmackDown.

Flying solo, his tag partner Kit Wilson worked a few bouts here or there on Speed and Main Event before being repackaged as someone battling toxic masculinity. His cries of "TOXIC" have been getting over with crowds, and he's been teaming with The Miz, so there's a chance Prince will have to forge his own path once healthy.

He'll be sure to give it a ruddy good bash, at least.

Returning: TBC

Talla Tonga (Undisclosed)

Talla Tonga Alex Shelley
WWE.com

The Wrestling Observer discussed rumours that the towering Talla Tonga had been released when revealing his "undisclosed injury" layoff. The MFTs member last wrestled as part of 2026's Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (won by Royce Keys) on the 17 April edition of SmackDown.

This undisclosed problem might not keep Talla out of action for too long. He can, in theory, continue to show up as a background bodyguard for Solo Sikoa whilst recovering from whatever's wrong with him.

Returning: TBC.

Jack Cartwheel (Arm)

Jack Cartwheel
Facebook/Jack Cartwheel

Ex-AEW/ROH and independent man Jack Cartwheel (still sounds like someone's CAW name in WWE 2K26) is part of the company's ID program and has mainly worked in Evolve and for AAA since signing. He's currently out of action nursing an arm injury that's been causing him grief.

There isn't much to say here other than...get well soon, Jack.

Returning: TBC.

Adriana Rizzo (Torn ACL/Meniscus)

Adriana Rizzo
WWE.com

One-time Tony D'Angelo associate Adriana Rizzo has been on the injured list since August 2025, and there's currently no known timeline for her return from a nasty torn ACL/meniscus combo. Her poor knee must be in tatters after that compound injury.

Let's hope Rizzo has more in store once she's 100%. From the sidelines, she's watched D'Angelo become NXT Champion.

Returning: TBC

Elio LeFleur (Torn Labrum)

Elio LeFleur WWE
WWE.com

Things were looking up for masked man Elio LeFleur when he captured the Speed Title in a Triple Threat match (vs. Eli Knight and Jasper Troy) on the 23 February 2026 episode of NXT. Then, disaster struck: LeFleur's momentum was blitzed by a shoulder injury. He has a torn labrum and had to vacate the belt.

It's probably as painful as it sounds.

Returning: TBC.

Aria Bennett (Torn ACL)

Aria Bennett WWE
WWE.com

The injured Aria Bennett has only worked NXT house shows and under the Evolve banner since signing with WWE in 2024. Her torn ACL is seriously grim business, and it's unfortunately forced Bennett to press the pause button on her in-ring dreams.

That's never good.

Returning: TBC.

Chantel Monroe (Broken Nose/Ankle)

Chantel Monroe WWE
WWE.com

Similarly, Chantel Monroe has been more of an NXT live event and Evolve regular than anything more in WWE's system. She sports a great look and clearly has potential, so let's hope a twin broken nose and hurt ankle combination don't put her off doing more wrestling.

At just 26, the former gymnast has a bright future ahead of her once she's back.

Returning: TBC.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.