Shelton Benjamin will not be returning to WWE at this time due to a serious shoulder injury. He announced on social media that he will require surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. He thanked WWE for helping him discover the situation, so it sounds like the tear was diagnosed during his WWE medical exams.
Last month, WWE began running promos on SmackDown Live hyping the return of the former Intercontinental and tag team champion. Long regarded as one of the top former Superstars who fans wanted to see back in a WWE ring, Benjamin will likely be out of action for the remainder of 2016.
He vowed, “I will be back” but he now must focus on repairing his body and mind.
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.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
For now I will have to put pro-wrestling to the side as I prepare to undergo surgery to repair my torn rotator.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
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
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
Thank you @WWE for helping me discover this situation & for giving me an opportunity to return. I will be back
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
For now I must refocus my energy on repairing my body and mind.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016