Bronson Reed, one of WWE’s standout stars, has candidly detailed the severe injury he sustained last year that forced him into a prolonged hiatus and disrupted his promising momentum on WWE Raw. The former NXT North American Champion suffered a devastating foot injury during the Survivor Series 2024 WarGames event, and his path to recovery has been far from easy.
The Injury That Changed Everything
At Survivor Series 2024, during the high-risk WarGames match, Bronson Reed attempted a visually spectacular Tsunami splash from the top of the WarGames cage targeting Roman Reigns. However, CM Punk intervened, causing Reed to miss his landing and crash through a table, resulting in an immediate and serious injury[1][2][3].
Initially reported as an ankle injury or fracture, Reed later clarified the gravity of the situation. On his social media, he explained that he had “smashed [his] talus bone completely in half,” necessitating surgery involving screws to repair the bone, removal of bone fragments, and a bone marrow transplant from his hip to aid the recovery of his foot[2][3][5]. This complexity made the injury far more serious than a standard fracture and effectively sidelined him indefinitely.
Impact on WWE Career and Missing Key Events
Before his injury, Reed was riding a wave of momentum on WWE Raw, having made a significant impression by repeatedly delivering his signature tsunami splash on Seth Rollins and establishing himself as a rising star. His injury abruptly halted this push.
Reed confirmed he would miss crucial WWE events such as the Raw debut on Netflix, the Royal Rumble 2025, and most notably, WrestleMania 41, which remains a significant loss for both him and WWE fans eager to see his continued rise[2][3][5]. In his own words, this setback was deeply disappointing but illustrated the seriousness of his condition.
The Recovery Journey: Surgery and Rehabilitation
Following the injury at Survivor Series, Reed underwent surgery in December 2024. The procedure was intricate because of the damage to his talus bone, a critical ankle bone vital for foot stability. Surgeons had to remove bone fragments, insert screws, and use bone marrow from Reed’s hip to stimulate healing—signifying a highly invasive and delicate recovery process[1][2][5].
Sources close to WWE have indicated that recovery timelines have shifted several times due to the injury’s complexity. Reed traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, in early 2025 for further evaluations to establish the next steps for his return[1]. While initial hopeful estimates anticipated a ring return by May or June 2025, those timelines remain tentative, with WrestleMania 41 now definitively ruled out for Reed.
A WWE insider shared, “Bronson’s injury was unlike the typical foot fractures we see. The surgical team had to take extraordinary measures. The company is cautiously optimistic about his recovery, but it’s a long road back.”
Reed’s Mental Resilience and Engagement With Fans
Despite the physical challenges, Bronson Reed has used social media as a platform to communicate honestly with his fanbase, clarifying misinformation and providing frequent updates about his condition. His transparency has won him respect and sympathy within the wrestling community.
He acknowledged, “It’s not merely a fracture,” emphasizing the seriousness of his injury to counter speculation. He encouraged fans to stay connected for progress updates, showing his determination to return stronger and continue thriving in WWE[2][5].
Insiders note Reed remains involved with WWE storylines from afar, often commenting on major developments within the company, signaling his ongoing passion for the wrestling business even while recovering.
The Risks of High-Risk Moves and WWE’s Response
Bronson Reed’s injury shines a spotlight on the inherent dangers of high-risk maneuvers in professional wrestling, especially involving stunts off structures like the WarGames cage.
ProWrestling.net’s Jason Powell pointed out that the injury was one among several sustained due to top-rope dives during the event, suggesting WWE might consider modifying such spots for safety. “WWE needs to rethink how cage dives are executed or even eliminate some to prevent career-threatening injuries like Bronson’s,” remarked Powell[4].
Backstage, some WWE personnel reportedly expressed concerns about the long-term health consequences of stunts with limited margin for error, reinforcing the call for enhanced safety protocols.
What’s Next for Bronson Reed?
There remains no confirmed date for Bronson Reed’s in-ring return, but his ongoing rehabilitation indicates progress. While fans are eager to see when “Big Bronson” will again dominate WWE rings, both Reed and WWE are prioritizing a full and safe recovery over rushing a comeback.
A source close to Reed remarked, “He’s taking this seriously, mindful not to risk permanent damage. When he’s back, it will be with the same intensity that made him a fan favorite.”
Reed’s resilience and candidness about his injury have only bolstered support around him, keeping anticipation high for his eventual return to WWE programming.
In summary, Bronson Reed’s career-altering injury at Survivor Series 2024 was a major setback marked by a complex talus bone fracture requiring surgical reconstruction. While his absence has impacted WWE storylines and moments, Reed’s ongoing recovery efforts and mental toughness position him as a hopeful and highly awaited returnee once fully healed.