Shelton Benjamin announced in a series of tweets on Sunday morning that his planned return to WWE as part of the Smackdown Live brand will now be delayed.
Benjamin revealed that he will be undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, thanking WWE for helping him discover the injury in his preparation to make his return.
WWE announced on the July 26 episode of Smackdown Live that Benjamin would be returning to the company after an over six year absence from the company. Since leaving WWE, Benjamin remained active wrestling in Japan for New Japan and NOAH.
You can check out a few of his tweets below.
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