WWE Rumors: Shelton Benjamin's WWE status unclear
What’s the story?
In August of 2016, Shelton Benjamin announced that he had sustained a rotator cuff injury, which will prevent him from returning to WWE. The Gold Standard underwent surgery to fix his shoulder and is now medically cleared to perform.
In spite of the Gold Standard being fit to return, WWE or Benjamin have not provided any information regarding his comeback. It was unclear whether the WWE is interested in bringing back the former Intercontinental Champion, until now.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that Shelton Benjamin’s WWE status is unclear despite being medically cleared.
In case you didn’t know...
The following vignette aired on Smackdown LIVE after the brand split.
Shelton Benjamin’s return was announced to Smackdown LIVE after 2016 Brand Split. Though the vignette was aired on an episode of Smackdown LIVE, Benjamin’s return was halted due to a severe shoulder tear.
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
In January this year, Benjamin tweeted about his recovery and claimed that he won’t be a part of the Royal Rumble.
Recovery is going well. Still months away from anything physical so all the RR predictions are as accurate as they've been the last 6 years https://t.co/eb6q2YbEsJ
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) January 6, 2017
Few days before 'Mania, Benjamin announced that he is medically cleared to return.
The heart of the matter
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, despite the fact that Benjamin has been medically cleared, there are still doubts regarding if WWE will offer him a contract.
The report also stated that the rotator cuff injury was discovered in his medical exam before WWE signed him back on. Shelton Benjamin probably suffered the tear in Japan before he was approached by WWE. Apparently, Benjamin himself didn’t realise that his shoulder injury was so severe.
What’s next?
The Raw after Wrestlemania is the night where all the returns and debuts take place at this time of the year. Benjamin not being a part of it is definitely a sad indication that he may not make a return at all.
Even if Benjamin is headed to WWE, expect it to be sometime later this year as WWE recently wrapped up the Superstar Shakeup which has left each brand with an adequate number of talent.
Author’s take
Shelton Benjamin has been one of the most underrated wrestlers to ever step foot in the WWE. The ongoing era seems to be perfect for the Gold Standard and it would be a delight to see him alongside the current crop of talent in WWE.
It was indeed disheartening that his return was prevented by the shoulder injury but there is no doubt in my mind that he could still prove to be a valuable addition to either brand.
Send us news tips at fightclub@sportskeeda.com