Sad Update on Ex-WWE Star’s Recovery From Neck Injury
Former WWE star Steph De Lander has been dealing with a neck injury since 2024.
Lander made her WWE debut on the NXT 2.0 brand under the ring name Persia Pirotta in 2021. She formed a tag team with her real-life best friend Indi Hartwell but was released from WWE in 2022. During her WWE run, she gained experience but never reached the main roster.
After WWE, she appeared in AEW Dark and made a name on the independent scene, including TNA, where she won the TNA Digital Media Championship. Around October 2024, she underwent neck surgery and recently marked one year since the operation.
In a recent update about herself, she expressed frustration about her slow recovery, sharing that she hasn’t yet returned to wrestling but remains positive and determined to return to the ring.
“It’s been 1 year since my neck surgery. I should have been back in the ring by now, but I am not. Sometimes I feel like my situation is forgotten about because I don’t complain, I don’t post about it (no hate to those who do), I just get on with it and focus on what I can control. Although I am frustrated with certain things, I am proud of myself for always pushing forward and keeping a positive attitude and spirit,” she wrote.
View this post on Instagram
Kevin Owens Likely To Miss WWE WrestleMania 42 Due To Neck Injury
Speaking of neck injuries, Kevin Owens also suffered one back in early 2025, with symptoms worsening by April, forcing him out of WWE. He was supposed to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41, but he was removed because of health concerns.
He underwent successful neck fusion surgery in July 2025 and is expected to be sidelined for 12 to 16 months. Due to this surgery and recovery timeline, Owens is likely to miss WrestleMania 42, which will be held on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.