Both AEW and WWE have deep rosters. It’s part of the reason why they’re the two most successful promotions in the pro wrestling industry today. However, both companies are also currently straddled with their fair share of injuries.
Perhaps the biggest name out of action right now is the Stamford-based promotion’s Liv Morgan. The former Women’s World Champion picked up an injury just a few weeks ago, which was heartbreaking, especially considering it was on the back of perhaps her best year as a WWE Superstar.
Looking across the board, there are several names that are currently on the sidelines, with the likes of Eddie Kingston and Ilja Dragunov being high on the list. That being said, here are five more that are currently out with significant injuries.
#5. Chad Gable is currently nursing a shoulder injury
First on the list is WWE’s Chad Gable. The former Olympian was riding a wave of momentum prior to his injury, not just as Gable, but as El Grande Americano as well. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury scuppered said momentum.
As of this writing, he seems to be recovering well and was recently seen at a Minnesota Twins game. Granted, that’s also where he let slip that he is indeed the man behind El Grande Americano’s mask, but it’s good to see him out and about.
#4. Buddy Matthews recently underwent surgery
Next up is AEW’s Buddy Matthews. The husband of WWE sensation, Rhea Ripley, Matthews was last seen in action back in February, when he challenged Kazuchika Okada for the Continental title at Grand Slam Australia.
Buddy Matthews is getting ankle surgery today.
Speedy recovery to him. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5Uu55LGhaD
— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) August 7, 2025
Unfortunately, the 36-year-old picked up an injury, revealing that he had hurt his ankle before the match, during his entrance. Recently, he provided an update on the same and revealed that he will be undergoing surgery to repair his ankle.
#3. Zoey Stark picked up a knee injury on WWE RAW
Zoey Stark’s injury was one that was hard to watch. Similar to the one picked up by Liv Morgan, Stark went down live during a match on WWE RAW. The match in question was a Triple Threat match that served as a Money in the Bank qualifier.
While attempting a Missle Dropkick off the top rope, Stark landed awkwardly on her knee, leading to the injury, and forcing her to retire from the match immediately. This was back in May of 2025, and the last update about her status came a month later, where it was revealed she had started her recovery and undergone surgery.
#2. Dustin Rhodes was out with an injury just 19 days after becoming TNT Champion
Heading back to Jacksonville, we have Dustin Rhodes. The brother of the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, Dustin, recently had one of the biggest moments of his career at All In Texas. He defeated four other superstars to become the TNT Champion.
Unfortunately, he had to drop the title, just 19 days after his historic win, to Kyle Fletcher. The reason was that he had to go for surgery. Following his loss, Rhodes revealed that he would be out of action indefinitely, as he prepares to have double knee replacement surgery.
#1. Kevin Owens is unsure about his future inside the squared circle
The last person on this list is Kevin Owens. The WWE Superstar was put on the shelf indefinitely just weeks before WrestleMania 41. The Prizefighter was scheduled to take on Randy Orton, but had to pull out due to concerns over his health.
Kevin Owens doesn’t know if he will return to the ring after fully recovering from neck surgery.
"It would be, not arrogant, but wrong to be able to tell you right now that I will absolutely return to the ring. I don't know if it's true."
(via @BernardCls) pic.twitter.com/1TBWHw5Ban
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) June 4, 2025
In particular, it was revealed that KO would have to undergo neck surgery. As of this writing, Owens has yet to have the surgery, as he has been advised to see how much it can improve on its own. With that in mind, he also expressed feelings of uncertainty regarding a return to the ring.