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WWE has entered a tough phase, as they compete with the likes of AEW, as well as taking SmackDown in a new direction after the move to FOX.
The competition with a new rival, as well as new ideas means that WWE will have to utilize a majority of their Superstars, some of whom could get a new lease of life and a second opportunity.
WWE's large WWE roster also means that they will not be massively affected by Superstars who have to sit on the sidelines due to injury, but they would benefit from having several options to choose from.
Let's take a look at 8 WWE Superstars who are currently injured:
#1 Samoa Joe
This past week on RAW, Stephanie McMahon announced that Samoa Joe has been drafted to RAW. Joe has been out of action for the last few weeks, with his last match coming at last month's King of the Ring semi-finals on RAW.
Joe reportedly has a broken thumb which has kept him out of action, according to PWInsider. The former NXT Champion was a part of the WWE Draft panel for this week's RAW. We don't quite know when he will be back in the ring, but it shouldn't be long considering it is not a serious injury.
#2 Ember Moon
One Superstar who has a serious injury is Ember Moon, who could be kept on the sidelines for at least a year after suffering an ankle/achilles injury, as per Wrestling Observer.
The former NXT Women's Champion was not a part of the recently concluded WWE Draft, which is most likely because of her injury. Moon hasn't been offered too many big opportunities on the main roster which is a pity as she is a talented Superstar.
#3 Nia Jax
Nia Jax has not been on WWE television since WrestleMania 35, having had to undergo surgery for tears in both her ACLs. Jax was also not a part of the 2019 WWE Draft and is now a free agent, which means that she can choose whichever brand that she wants to be a part of when she returns.
Jax is expected to return in the early part of 2020.
#4 Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy, too, is a long term absentee, having been out of action since April due to an injury, which resulted in Jeff and brother Matt relinquishing the SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Jeff is out of action due to a leg injury, and we aren't quite sure when he will return. Fightful revealed recently that due to his absence from WWE television due to injury, Jeff's contract with WWE was extended by at least a year.
He has been in the news for all the wrong reasons as he was recently arrested, once again, for driving under the influence of alcohol.
#5 Ruby Riott
Ruby Riott underwent shoulder surgery back in May and then had another surgery done on her other shoulder a few months later. It is expected that she will be out of action until 2020. Riott was the leader of the Riott Squad, a faction that featured Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan, debuting on the main roster back in 2017.
But, earlier this year, the Riott Squad broke up after Morgan was switched to SmackDown. Both Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan was drafted to WWE RAW.
#6 Mickie James
Mickie James is yet another WWE Superstar who suffered a long-term injury, having undergone an ACL surgery in July, which will keep her out of action for a few more months. James, though, has been commentating for WWE shows, mainly the WWE Main Event show.
She is in the final year of her WWE contract, which could mean that we may not see her back in a WWE ring.
ALSO READ: Find out all the results from tonight's episode of NXT (October 16, 2019)
#7 Jinder Mahal
Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal also underwent knee surgery earlier this year, in June. Mahal ruptured his Patella Tendon in a match, which resulted in him requiring surgery.
A report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that he could be out of action for six months, which means that he, too, will be available in the early part of 2020. The former 24/7 Champion signed a new WWE contract earlier this year, which ties him to the company for the next five years.
#8 Lars Sullivan
Lars Sullivan was slated for big things on the main roster after squashing a few WWE legends after being called up to the main roster, but a serious injury derailed his push.
Sullivan also suffered a knee injury earlier this year, which will keep him out of contention for anywhere between 6 to 9 months. This means that he will miss the entirety of 2019 and will probably return just before WrestleMania 36, held in April.
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