Dominik Mysterio’s shoulder injury has been followed by another setback for WWE as Michin, a key SmackDown competitor, has also been ruled out due to a similar legitimate shoulder issue. These injuries have forced WWE to adjust ongoing storylines and future scheduling, creating uncertainty for the blue brand as it prepares for upcoming high-profile events.
Shoulder Injury Forces Michin Off Holiday Tour
WWE is experiencing a wave of injuries this season, and recent developments have led to the removal of Michin from the ongoing Holiday Tour. The setback occurred last week during the live event circuit, where Michin was competing against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. Her absence was officially confirmed by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, who reported that the SmackDown talent suffered the shoulder injury at several tour stops towards the end of December.
Addressing her early exit, Michin reached out to fans through an Instagram post stating,
Have to cut my tour a little short but damn, was it was fun! I got to take a bite out of cake too 🥰🥰 BRB 💙”
– Michin, WWE Superstar
While Michin did not immediately reveal the specific nature of her injury on social media, WWE subsequently removed her from all remaining December and January appearances to focus on her recovery. Details about the severity of the shoulder injury and the timeframe for her return remain unconfirmed by either Michin or WWE at this stage.
Disrupted Plans for SmackDown and Major Bouts
The injury’s timing is especially disruptive as Michin was originally scheduled to compete against Jade Cargill in a non-title singles match on the upcoming edition of WWE SmackDown in Buffalo, New York, at the KeyBank Center. With her participation in doubt and her removal from the Holiday Tour, it is unclear whether she will be medically able to compete on the January 2 broadcast.
The January 2 SmackDown holds particular significance as it marks the program’s switch back to a three-hour format, a notable change since its two-hour run began in July 2025. The uncertainty around Michin’s availability adds further complications for WWE’s planning around this anticipated broadcast and the future direction of the blue brand.
Dominik Mysterio’s Injury Example Looms Large
This setback for Michin comes close on the heels of Dominik Mysterio’s own injury, sustained on December 20 during AAA’s Guerra de Titanes event in Mexico. As the current Intercontinental Champion, Mysterio has been sidelined indefinitely by his shoulder damage, though sources have indicated some optimism regarding his potential clearance before the Royal Rumble, scheduled for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
These recent developments highlight the strains faced by WWE in a season packed with physical toll. As both Dominik Mysterio and Michin contend with significant injuries, WWE must adapt storylines and match lineups in response—impacting athletes, viewers, and the broader direction of SmackDown during a crucial run of shows and special events.
