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Liv Morgan WWE Injury Forces Major Creative Shake-Up; McIntyre Delay, Idris Elba Calls Out John Cena

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A recent shoulder injury suffered by Liv Morgan has led WWE to implement extensive creative changes, abruptly shifting the summer’s top narratives. Morgan, whose rising status had positioned her at the heart of planned major storylines, will now be sidelined for up to six months due to surgery, with the

“Liv Morgan WWE injury creative changes”

impacting multiple divisions and events.

Cory Hays of BodySlam.net reported that Morgan was set to take center stage for the summer’s marquee events, but all related stories have been scrapped or altered to accommodate her absence. The creative shake-up includes previously scheduled Women’s World Championship matches and prominent pay-per-view storylines.

Cancelled Matches and Reshuffled Plans in the Women’s Division

One of the most significant casualties of Morgan’s injury is the previously planned Women’s World Championship match between Morgan and IYO SKY, which was set for the upcoming Night of Champions pay-per-view. WWE had earmarked Morgan for continued prominence, using her recent momentum to drive interest in a highly anticipated title clash.

Beyond single matches, Morgan’s absence has impacted special events like the expected return of Evolution, WWE’s all-women’s pay-per-view. Morgan was poised to face WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella in a showcase singles match, and if Brie Bella came to terms with WWE, the bout could have shifted into a tag team contest featuring Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez against The Bella Twins. Now, with Morgan out, the potential Bella Twins reunion appears canceled, putting a halt to months of planning.

Liv Morgan
Image of: Liv Morgan

Mixed Tag Team Storylines Disrupted by Morgan’s Absence

Morgan also played a critical role in planned cross-brand narratives with The Judgment Day faction. WWE was constructing a mixed tag storyline pairing Morgan with Dominik Mysterio, designed to feud against NXT’s Roxanne Perez and Finn Balor. This rivalry aimed to spotlight Morgan’s adaptability while promoting NXT talent on the main roster. The disruption from her injury forces WWE to pivot, abandoning or reshaping this crossover angle.

Main Roster Adjustments and Roxanne Perez’s New Role

Following Morgan’s separated shoulder during the June 16 episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE quickly started adjusting creative and roster moves. Roxanne Perez is expected to replace Morgan, teaming with Raquel Rodriguez and set to be awarded the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship when she transitions to the main roster on a full-time basis. This marks a significant opportunity for Perez, speeding up her progression and further integrating NXT talent into flagship WWE programming.

Drew McIntyre’s Comeback on Hold

Amid the creative turmoil, another high-profile storyline remains unresolved as fans continue to wait for Drew McIntyre’s return. The Scottish Warrior, a former WWE Champion, has been absent for several months due to injury, and although speculation around his comeback has circulated regularly, no concrete plans have emerged. WrestleVotes reported an absence of current booking for McIntyre.

Nothing in the pipeline recently, which tells me it’s not imminent. But when he’s ready, if I’m booking, I would put him at the top. I think the guy deserves it.

—WrestleVotes

WWE has not clarified a timeline for McIntyre’s recovery or potential return, and both the company and McIntyre himself have chosen to remain silent about the specifics. Whenever his comeback does occur, it is poised to be a focal point for WWE’s top storylines as he reenters company programming.

Celebrity Interest: Idris Elba Eyes WWE and John Cena

Entertainment crossover continues to grow as Idris Elba expresses interest in WWE. Inspired by the in-ring appearances of celebrities like Logan Paul and Bad Bunny, Elba sparked conversation at the Heads of State premiere when asked if he might wrestle his co-star, WWE legend John Cena. Elba responded confidently at the event, seizing the moment to tease his ambitions within the wrestling world.

Come on, John. You’ve already told the world you’re retiring. You were a wrestler who became an actor — I’m an actor who’s about to dominate wrestling.

—Idris Elba

Wider Impact on WWE’s Creative Landscape

The injury to Liv Morgan has forced WWE to execute a wide range of creative changes, upending the status quo for both the women’s division and broader storylines involving stars like Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor. With marquee matches scratched and new champions in the making, WWE’s summer plans are now in flux, challenging the company’s adaptability and roster depth.

Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre’s ongoing absence leaves a significant gap in main event programming, and the rise of celebrity involvement—now highlighted by Idris Elba’s public challenge—signals continued blurring of lines between sports entertainment and Hollywood.

As adjustments unfold and new stars step into the spotlight, fans can expect further changes in upcoming shows, with both opportunity and uncertainty marking the next phase of WWE’s evolving storylines.

Brandie Owens
Brandie Owens
Brandie Owens is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, specializing in coverage of the WWE Raw Women’s Division. With four years of experience, she provides in-depth reporting on rivalries, title reigns, and standout performances by top female superstars. Brandie brings detailed analysis, accurate updates, and a passion for storytelling to every article. Her coverage highlights the athleticism, drama, and evolution of women’s wrestling on WWE Raw.
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