SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
WWE advertising Shelton Benjamin’s return to be part of the Smackdown roster turned out to be premature.
Benjamin announced Sunday that he has a “serious shoulder injury” that will prevent him from returning to WWE.
During WWE’s medical screening process, doctors discovered the injury and Benjamin will require surgery. Benjamin had been wrestling in Japan and on the independents before agreeing to return to WWE.
“I am both disappointed & sadden to announce that due to a serious injury to my shoulder I will not be returning to WWE at this time,” Benjamin tweeted.
“For now I will have to put pro-wrestling to the side as I prepare to undergo surgery to repair my torn rotator. This comes as a shock to me as i am no stranger to performing while in pain yet I had no idea of the severity of my condition.”
Benjamin expressed gratitude toward WWE for helping find the injury. “Thank you WWE for helping me discover this situation & for giving me an opportunity to return. I will be back,” Benjamin added. “For now I must refocus my energy on repairing my body and mind.”
Bummer – I was lookin’ forward to this