WWE SmackDown Star Out For Nine Months

A WWE star has confirmed they’re likely to miss the rest of the year.

On the February 13th episode of NXT, a match was set up between Shotzi and NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria. The match will be aired on February 20th but has already been filmed with much of WWE’s backstage team heading to Australia for Elimination Chamber.

However, with the action in full swing, the match was stopped after Shotzi went to DDT the champion on the ring apron. The SmackDown star was helped backstage by trainers before leaving the arena on crutches.

In a post on Instagram, Shotzi has now confirmed she’s suffered a torn ACL and will be out of action for around nine months.

“I tore my ACL which means I will be out of action for about 9 months. Thank you to everyone who has checked up on me. I am so sorry if I haven’t responded. I am just extremely devastated and angry.

Some of you know, I have been through a lot the last few years and it has been so hard to keep up with what I think is expected of me and honestly my mental health had been at an all time low. But l’ve pushed through and I was feeling motivated and like myself again. I was hoping to go to NXT to prove myself again, earn some respect, build back my confidence and start putting the heartache from the past 2 years behind me.

I feel defeated right now but I’m simultaneously feeling the most motivated I have ever been. I have been through way worse. I’ve watched my sister, who is fighting cancer, fight tougher battles. I’m just taking this as a sign to slow down. I didn’t take time off when both my stepdad and my dad passed and that really affected me.

Now I am looking forward to coming back not just physically stronger, but mentally also.”

WWE Forced Into Creative Change Following Injury

Shotzi’s injury caused a creative re-shuffle with creative for NXT and SmackDown changed.

With regard to SmackDown, Shotzi had been due to face Naomi in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match, but ended up being replaced by Alba Fyre.

Everyone at TJR Wrestling would like to wish Shozti a speedy recovery.