WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio reportedly sustained a legitimate injury during his match with Austin Theory on the latest episode of WWE Raw. The incident occurred on Monday night when, following the bout, The Vision launched a post-match attack on Mysterio, Dragon Lee, and Penta. The referee signaled an X, a universal sign indicating injury within professional wrestling, fueling immediate concern among fans and commentators.
While this signal has previously been part of scripted scenarios, Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline, citing Steve Carrier of Ringside News, confirmed that Mysterio’s injury appeared to be genuine. There has been no official disclosure regarding the injury’s severity or specifics, leaving his scheduled appearance at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Saturday uncertain.
Recent Injury History and Career Context for Rey Mysterio
At 51 years old, Rey Mysterio only recently resumed in-ring action after being sidelined for nearly seven months due to a torn groin sustained in April during the build-up to WrestleMania 41. This injury forced him to withdraw from a high-profile match against El Grande Americano on WWE’s biggest stage, where Rey Fenix stepped in as his replacement.
Since his return in November, Mysterio has mostly competed against members of The Vision faction. His current status casts doubt over his potential participation in the upcoming 30-man Royal Rumble match, a key event that could significantly impact WWE’s storylines and future plans.
Street Profits’ Anticipated Return to WWE Action
Meanwhile, The Street Profits—Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins—have been absent from WWE television since October. However, there are reports that WWE intends to reintegrate them soon, possibly starting with appearances at NXT live events this weekend. This could suggest either a brief run in NXT or a strategy to prepare them for a return to SmackDown or Raw.
Contrary to earlier speculation, it has been clarified by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, as reported by Felix Upton of Ringside News, that their absence is not due to injury but part of a creative reset by WWE. The Street Profits hold an impressive record, including three reigns as main roster tag team champions and one NXT tag team title run.
After losing the WWE Tag Team Championships to The Wyatt Sicks in July and failing to reclaim them in subsequent matches, the timing seems favorable for their comeback. With the MFT faction recently overcoming The Wyatt Sicks for the titles, The Street Profits could serve as strong fan-favorite adversaries to the dominant faction led by Solo Sikoa.
EVIL Expected to Join WWE Following NJPW Contract Expiration
In another notable development, Japanese wrestling star EVIL is expected to make the transition to WWE. His NJPW contract is set to expire at the end of January, after which he is anticipated to sign with WWE, according to Dave Meltzer via Steve Carrier of Ringside News.
EVIL, real name Takaaki Watanabe, is a 39-year-old veteran renowned for his dark, menacing character in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he has claimed multiple prestigious titles including the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. His successful career also includes multiple NEVER Openweight Championships and numerous tag team championships.
After debuting under his real name from 2011 to 2013 in NJPW and Ring of Honor, he returned to New Japan in 2015 adopting the “EVIL” persona, which fits a darker gimmick similar to past standout WWE characters like The Undertaker, Kane, and Bray Wyatt. His signing marks a significant addition for WWE as it seeks to enhance its roster with internationally recognized performers.
Potential Effects on WWE Storylines and Future Events
Rey Mysterio’s injury creates uncertainty around one of WWE’s most beloved stars ahead of one of its premier annual events, the Royal Rumble, which can lead to reshuffling of match lineups and promotional plans. Given his recent comeback from a severe groin injury, this setback could delay his in-ring activities even further.
The Street Profits’ imminent return following a creative hiatus indicates WWE’s readiness to reintegrate proven talent to challenge new champions and factions, potentially injecting fresh momentum into the tag team division.
Moreover, EVIL’s entrance into WWE heralds an infusion of internationally acclaimed skill and character work that could influence WWE’s storytelling style and attract a broader global audience.
As WWE prepares for the Royal Rumble and subsequent events, the status of injured wrestlers like Mysterio and the integration of new and returning stars will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction throughout 2026.
“During the attack, the referee threw up the X signal, which is the universal indicator for an injury.” ?Steve Carrier of Ringside News
“Mysterio suffered a legitimate injury.” ?Bryan Alvarez, F4WOnline
“They aren’t injured. Rather, WWE has been attempting to give The Street Profits a creative reset by keeping them out of the spotlight.” ?Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
