WWE News: United States Champion Kalisto reportedly injured and off TV
Days from Extreme Rules, WWE has announced that one of its champions is injured and will be off SmackDown this week. Here’s the official release, courtesy wrestlinginc.com:
“Due to injuries sustained at the hands of Rusev on Raw, United States Champion Kalisto is unable to compete on this week's SmackDown, WWE.com has learned. WWE medical staff confirmed that Kalisto suffered a strained intercostal muscle and erectus spinae muscle, attributed to Rusev's Accolade submission maneuver.
Despite his injuries, Kalisto is still planning on defending his U.S. Title against The Super Athlete this Sunday at Extreme Rules.”
The injury is most likely kayfabe, but the possibility of it being real can’t be ruled out, especially considering the second wave of the injury plague that’s hit the WWE. Number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles is battling through a hurt angle and a worrying back injury to keep the main event of Extreme Rules afloat.
Another big title match at Extreme Rules had a cloud hanging over it because of an injury scare to Kevin Owens last weekend. Owens lost to Zayn at a live event and after the win, referee Charles Robinson threw up the 'X' sign, calling for paramedics. Owens had to be helped to the locker room.