WWE SmackDown fans have received an important injury update as Elton Prince, a well-known member of Pretty Deadly, is expected to remain sidelined for up to a year after undergoing neck surgery. This WWE SmackDown injury update follows reports confirming the severity of his condition, which has left his future on television uncertain since May 2025.
Unexpected Setback for Pretty Deadly’s Elton Prince
Elton Prince, who performs alongside Kit Wilson as the tag team Pretty Deadly, has not appeared in a match since May 2025. The team made their main roster debut on SmackDown in late 2023 after joining WWE in 2020, but their rising trajectory was suddenly interrupted by Prince’s injury. The neck issue occurred during a match, leaving him unable to continue in-ring competition and prompting Kit Wilson to begin performing as a singles wrestler during his partner’s absence.
After months of uncertainty, Elton Prince recently went public with news about his injury, sharing that he required a neck fusion procedure. Trusted wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer discussed the development on Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that, considering the seriousness of the injury, Prince may be out of action for a full year.
Kit Wilson Shares Details on Prince’s Recovery
Kit Wilson, Prince’s longtime tag partner, issued his own statement after Prince spoke about his condition. Wilson highlighted how Prince had confronted this difficult period in private, maintaining professionalism and perseverance despite the pain he endured.
“Elton is a very private person, so he would never fully tell people just how hard this journey has been for him. So I would like to share a little. The amount of pain, struggle, and hardship he’s pushed through just to get to the point of having this surgery has been nothing short of admirable. He was injured in the middle of a match. While trying to figure out what was wrong, he took another move that cut him open badly. At the time, I didn’t know how serious it was, but I knew he was hurt. I was screaming at him to tag me in so he could get out and get medical help. Even then, he was determined to stay in the ring and finish the match – that’s just the kind of performer he is,” Kit Wilson said.
Prince’s injury occurred during a tag match on the May 2, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, when Pretty Deadly lost to the duo of Axiom and Nathan Frazer. The injury happened mid-bout, and despite being hurt and bleeding, Prince insisted on finishing the contest before receiving medical attention. Wilson’s remarks underline the resilience and dedication Prince has consistently shown inside the ring.
Implications for WWE Tag Team Division and What Lies Ahead
The WWE SmackDown injury update for Elton Prince has sent ripples through the tag team division. With Prince out of action for an expected twelve months, Pretty Deadly’s momentum has stalled, and Kit Wilson has shifted his focus to singles competition. As Prince recovers from his surgery, the WWE community, including respected voices such as Dave Meltzer, will be closely watching his progress and future prospects.
While no definite timeline exists for Prince’s full recovery and return to the ring, his ordeal highlights the physical challenges and emotional strain professional wrestlers face. As fans await further updates on his rehabilitation, the tag team scene on SmackDown will continue to adapt in his absence, and supporters will hope for a safe and determined comeback for Elton Prince in the future.
Elton Prince revealed that he underwent a 2 level neck fusion yesterday.
“Not exactly where I hoped to be at 28 but we are owed nothing in this life and I am just grateful to be on the road to recovery. I want to thank everybody who has messaged or commented to ask how and where… pic.twitter.com/OC0A9Qa4hp
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 9, 2026
