Wrestling today is supposed to be safer than ever due to medical advancements and policies like WWE’s wellness program. Despite this, many wrestlers from both WWE and AEW have recently suffered serious injuries. Notable examples include Liv Morgan, Seth Rollins, and Adam Cole. One possible reason for this spike in injuries might be the near elimination of house shows, which used to give wrestlers more time to practice and hone their skills in front of live audiences.
Currently, WWE’s injury list features names like Kevin Owens, Chad Gable, Dominik Mysterio, among others, while AEW has Eddie Kingston, Orange Cassidy, and Buddy Matthews sidelined. Injuries vary, from Kevin Owens’ severe neck injury requiring surgery to Seth Rollins’ recurring knee problems and Adam Cole potentially facing forced retirement due to concussions. Many WWE wrestlers are battling long-term injuries, with surgeries and time away from the ring becoming increasingly common.
AEW also faces injury challenges, with key figures like Jay White and Orange Cassidy out for months due to serious injuries. The absence of house shows, where wrestlers could develop their in-ring abilities and stay conditioned, might contribute to this trend. Traditionally, WWE relied heavily on touring with live events, which provided wrestlers with regular ring time and kept them in shape. The reduction or outright cancellation of these events, while beneficial for rest, might be leaving wrestlers less prepared for high-intensity matches.
Wrestling needs the return of live event shows to help reduce injuries. Despite the physical evolution of the sport into a more intense and high-impact spectacle, wrestlers still need ample practice in real match conditions to maintain safety and performance. Reinstating house shows, especially for WWE, could offer wrestlers the necessary reps before major televised appearances, while also bringing wrestling to smaller towns and more fans.
In summary, injuries in wrestling are inevitable but manageable with the right schedule and practice opportunities. While AEW may not be ready for a house show revival, WWE has the infrastructure to bring them back and should consider it for the benefit of both talent and fans.
Fan Take: This injury surge highlights a critical issue WWE fans should be concerned about—ensuring their favorite stars stay healthy not only preserves their careers but also maintains the quality and excitement of wrestling. Reintroducing house shows could strike a perfect balance, safeguarding wrestlers while keeping the sport vibrant and accessible to fans everywhere.
