WWE is currently struggling with a significant injury crisis affecting 16 performers across RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, including key figures such as Liv Morgan and Gunther. This situation is reshaping storylines and sidelining many stars for extended periods, with Liv Morgan expected to be out for six to eight months following surgery.
Injuries Impacting Notable WWE RAW Talent
On the RAW roster, Gunther suffered serious injuries during his championship defense against CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2025. He sustained a septal hematoma along with an orbital blowout fracture after a violent table spot that caused him to land face-first. Michael Cole announced on the August 4 episode of RAW that Gunther is sidelined indefinitely, with no clear return timeline. It was also revealed that Gunther had a prior nose injury, and surgery was planned post-SummerSlam.
Liv Morgan’s injury happened on the June 16 episode of RAW during a match with Kairi Sane, where a dislocated shoulder forced her out of action. She underwent surgery performed by Jeff Dugas of Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, and is now in intense rehabilitation with physical therapist Kevin Wilk. Finn Balor shared on RAW that Morgan is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months, though she is determined to return stronger.
Chad Gable also dealt with a significant injury requiring successful arm surgery announced on July 1. While the exact recovery duration is unknown, sources suggest he could miss the remainder of the year. Gable has stayed positive through rehabilitation and has appeared at public events despite his condition.
Austin Theory‘s injury has kept him off WWE programming since his last match on July 14 at WWE Main Event. The details of his injury remain private, and no return date has been shared. Following his injury, the tag team A-Town Down Under officially disbanded.
Ilja Dragunov sustained a torn ACL during a live event in Columbus, Georgia. Initially, his absence was expected to last six to nine months starting in September 2024; however, his recovery extended to nearly 11 months. He was only recently cleared for in-ring competition, though WWE has yet to announce his comeback date.
Otis underwent exploratory arthroscopic elbow surgery and has been off WWE television since May 2025. Though not expected to be out long-term, his return depends on how well his recovery progresses.
Zoey Stark suffered a severe knee injury during a Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match on May 19, 2025. She had surgery and is projected to be out for the rest of the year due to the extent of her injury.
SmackDown and NXT Wrestlers Facing Extended Recovery
On the SmackDown side, Kevin Owens underwent neck surgery on July 18 after ongoing pain and nerve troubles. Although the procedure was successful, medical experts anticipate a recovery timeframe ranging from nine months to over a year, likely pushing his return into 2026. Meanwhile, Rey Mysterio revealed a torn groin on the April 18 SmackDown episode and had surgery for a torn adductor ten days later; his comeback remains uncertain.
Tama Tonga has been sidelined since April 2025 due to an unspecified injury that may require surgery, but no update on his return has been issued. Apollo Crews had a pectoral muscle tear in January 2025 with surgery following in February, and he is still inactive. Elton Prince has been out since June 20 with an undisclosed injury, and his timeline for returning is unknown.
Within NXT, Adriana Rizzo announced on August 10, 2025, she suffered a torn ACL and meniscus and faces a long road ahead for recovery. Brinley Reece underwent shoulder surgery on May 23, 2025, with no return date established. Noam Dar relinquished the NXT Heritage Cup due to injury and remains on the sidelines as well.
Big E, classified as unassigned talent, has been recovering from a broken neck sustained on March 11, 2022. He awaits neck scans to determine his potential to return to the ring.
WWE’s Injury Crisis and Its Implications for the Company
This widespread string of injuries is placing WWE in a difficult position, as the absences of prominent wrestlers like Liv Morgan, Gunther, and Kevin Owens disrupt ongoing narratives and weaken roster depth across all brands. The extended recovery times, along with several undisclosed injuries, make it challenging to predict when many of these performers will resume active competition.
Liv Morgan’s injury is particularly impactful due to her rising prominence on RAW and dedicated fan following. Her extended absence could affect planned storylines and opportunities for talent to fill the void, adding pressure to creative teams to adapt. Similarly, Gunther‘s indefinite sidelining leaves the championship scene in flux, affecting title defenses and WWE programming dynamics.
With WWE managing 16 injured stars, the company’s ability to maintain compelling weekly shows and major events will be tested in the coming months. Recovery updates will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as the company looks to navigate this difficult period and sustain momentum amid the challenges of multiple long-term injuries.
