WWE has announced a significant update regarding Kofi Kingston‘s injury status following an incident on the September 29 episode of RAW, confirming that the former World Champion is not expected to be sidelined long. Along with this, WWE has quietly changed a longstanding Vince McMahon-era rule concerning NXT talent call-ups, allowing more flexibility in brand appearances, potentially reshaping how superstars move between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
WWE Revises Previous Rule on NXT Talent Moving to Main Roster
For years, WWE maintained a strict guideline wherein any superstar promoted from NXT to the main roster was effectively done with NXT programming and written out of its storylines. This has been a consistent policy dating back to Vince McMahon’s early decisions for the brand. However, recent reports from Fightful Select reveal that WWE is now permitting NXT call-ups to appear across multiple brands simultaneously, rather than being confined to just RAW or SmackDown.
This policy adjustment suggests WWE is relaxing its rigid brand exclusivity, permitting superstars to appear with flexibility depending on timing and storyline needs. While the company has not announced any plans for an upcoming Draft, this newfound mobility indicates a shift that may allow wrestlers to go back and forth between NXT and the main roster, offering more creative freedom for programming and character development.
Kofi Kingston Injury Update: No Serious Setback After RAW Incident
During a match on the September 29 episode of RAW, Kofi Kingston took a harsh hit when his head struck the knee of his opponent, The Megastar, resulting in visible daze and immediate concern over a possible concussion. Given WWE’s strict concussion protocols, any such injury would typically force Kingston out of action for at least a month or more. Fortunately, according to a Wrestling Observer report, Kingston was not placed on the internal injury list, strongly indicating that he has avoided a serious head injury.
“Kofi got rocked with a knee on RAW, but [he] wasn’t listed on the internal injury report after the show, so apparently he’s OK,” Alvarez mentioned. [H/T: Wrestling Observer]
This positive development allows The New Day storyline to continue without interruption and allays fears about Kingston’s health, particularly given the dangers associated with concussions in contact sports like professional wrestling.
Rey Mysterio Preparing for WWE Return After Extended Absence
Wrestling legend Rey Mysterio has been absent from WWE programming for an extended period due to injury but recently made appearances at AAA events, such as Worlds Collide, where his son Dominik Mysterio won the prestigious AAA Mega Championship by defeating El Hijo del Vikingo. This moment, marked by Rey presenting the title to Dominik, underscored a significant milestone in the Mysterio family’s wrestling legacy.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite reports that Rey Mysterio is expected to return to the WWE Performance Center soon, a strong indicator that he is nearing clearance to resume in-ring competition. With his remarkable career longevity, Mysterio’s upcoming return is anticipated to add further chapters to his lasting impact within WWE and the wrestling world.
Jade Cargill Avoids Surgery Following SmackDown Injury
Jade Cargill delivered a compelling performance on the latest SmackDown episode, in a match where she competed against Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship but ultimately came up short. The contest stood out for a moment when Cargill was slammed into steel steps, causing a significant facial injury that raised concerns among fans and commentators.
Though initially reported by Fightful Select that Cargill would be off television for the following week, more detailed information from PWInsider Elite has since revealed that she narrowly avoided the need for plastic surgery after the incident. Had surgery been necessary, it would likely have resulted in a prolonged absence, but instead, Cargill is expected to recover quickly and continue her progression within WWE.
Implications of WWE’s Recent Changes and Injury Developments
The revision of the call-up rule underscores WWE’s willingness to adapt its roster management strategy, allowing more fluid interaction between brands and potentially enhancing storytelling options. For superstars like Kofi Kingston, who was quickly cleared to compete following a concerning injury incident, this flexibility and careful health monitoring combined with encouraging returns such as Rey Mysterio’s, signal a dynamic phase in WWE’s ongoing evolution.
Meanwhile, the recovery updates on Jade Cargill and others highlight WWE’s focus on wrestler safety even amid high-impact performances. In the coming months, these shifts could lead to more unpredictable and engaging programming as wrestlers move more freely, while also emphasizing the importance of well-managed health protocols for the performers.
