Wrestler Elton Prince, a member of the WWE tag team Pretty Deadly, recently underwent a significant medical procedure following a neck injury that occurred during a SmackDown match on May 2, 2025. The injury happened during the tag team’s bout against Nathan Frazer, when Prince suffered damage in the ring that led to uncertainty about his future in wrestling that year. On January 9, 2026, Prince disclosed on social media that he underwent level two neck fusion surgery to address the injury.
Kit Wilson, Prince’s Pretty Deadly partner, provided an update on his health in an interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight. Wilson emphasized the delicacy of the situation, explaining that Prince is usually private and had not shared details until recently, allowing fans to understand the severity of what had happened.
Kit Wilson’s Insight on Prince’s Condition Post-Surgery
Wilson reported that the surgery went successfully, and it had been about two weeks since the procedure at the time of the interview. Though the recovery is progressing as expected, he noted the unpredictability related to neck injuries, describing the situation as “touch and go” because of the critical and specialized nature of the area.
“It’s such a speciality area that I think we’re just taking it day by day, but he is doing good, which is fantastic, it’s just a scary thing.”
? Kit Wilson, Pretty Deadly Tag Team Partner
The Incident That Led to the Injury
Wilson recounted the cause of Prince’s injury in detail, identifying that the harm was incurred when Nathan Frazer delivered a Reverse DDT and Flatliner combination move to both members of Pretty Deadly. Prince landed incorrectly following the Reverse DDT, which led to a sudden shock and subsequent numbness.
Wilson described the moment vividly, explaining that when watching the footage, Prince’s fingers curling uncontrollably indicated a serious problem. After the initial hit, Prince took an additional blow that caused a noticeable cut and bleeding, which initially suggested a severe injury to observers.
Despite the injury, Prince attempted to continue, signaling he was “fine” although Wilson sensed the seriousness escalating. He detailed his own reaction during the match, including trying to intervene and stop further harm by shouting at Prince to get down and eventually executing a Powerbomb on Frazer to protect his partner.
“Then I think I Powerbombed Nathan Frazer at the time, and then he (Prince) was out the rest of the match, I remember doctors were with him and maybe I was in for a minute and half more trying to survive.”
? Kit Wilson, Pretty Deadly Tag Team Partner
Recovering from a Difficult Challenge
Wilson reflected on the emotional difficulty faced in the days after the injury became fully understood. He spoke candidly about the ups and downs as they awaited more information from medical professionals and dealt with the reality of Prince’s condition.
“The next few days were trying to figure out what it was, then we had some phone calls and it was this, it was that, it was tears. And he’s going through it, it’s his thing, it’s his challenge, it’s his battle, but it’s such a hard thing. So horrible to see him go through it because I love him so much.”
? Kit Wilson, Pretty Deadly Tag Team Partner
What This Means for Prince and Pretty Deadly’s Future
Elton Prince’s neck fusion surgery and his subsequent recovery highlight the physical risks wrestlers face in the ring, especially when performing high-impact moves. While the surgery appears to have been successful and Wilson’s update reflects cautious optimism, the road ahead remains uncertain given the severity of spinal injuries. Prince’s situation underscores the importance of careful medical attention and the support of teammates during recovery.
As Prince continues rehabilitation, fans and colleagues will be watching closely, hoping for his full return to WWE competition. His progress will likely influence discussions about in-ring safety and injury protocols within WWE. For now, close monitoring of his recovery remains vital, with updates expected as his journey continues.
