WWE fans have been noticeably missing one of their favorite heavy-hitters, Otis, as the former Money in the Bank winner has been absent from WWE programming for about five months. Although he returned to the ring at AAA’s TripleMania in August 2025, Otis has largely remained off WWE TV screens and only sporadically appeared on shows like Main Event. Recent backstage reports shed new light on his absence, clarifying that injuries are not currently behind his hiatus but the reasons for his absence remain somewhat unclear.
Otis’ Latest Appearances and Current Status
Otis last competed on WWE Raw on May 5, 2025, in a high-profile match against Rusev, marking Rusev’s WWE return. Otis suffered a harsh defeat in that match, which also reportedly led to him requiring arthroscopic elbow surgery earlier in the year. After months off WWE television, Otis made his in-ring return at TripleMania XXXIII in August, an event hosted by the Mexican promotion AAA, where he participated in the Bardahl Cup battle royal. However, since then, Otis has mostly appeared on WWE’s secondary show Main Event and has not been featured on Raw or SmackDown.
Sources confirm that although Otis underwent the elbow procedure, he is not currently injured, and there are no ongoing health concerns keeping him sidelined at present. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select emphasized in a recent Q&A that there’s no indication Otis has suffered any new injuries; his absence seems unrelated to any physical ailment[3][4]. Despite this assurance, WWE has not publicly revealed the specific storyline or creative reasons for his prolonged absence from WWE’s main shows.
Behind the Scenes: Why Is Otis Missing?
According to a WWE insider familiar with Otis’ status, the wrestler’s absence is believed to be a mix of creative uncertainty and character retooling. “Otis has been in the building and training,” the source shared, “but WWE booking hasn’t found the right direction for him since the elbow surgery and his brief AAA stint.” The insider added that WWE officials want to ensure Otis comes back with a compelling storyline or a fresh creative angle to maximize his impact on television.
Reports also confirm Otis was recently sighted at the WWE Performance Center, indicating he is actively preparing for a return rather than being phased out of the company. This supports fan speculation that WWE continues to invest in Otis despite his extended break from the spotlight.
Otis’ WWE Career Recap and Potential Future
Otis first gained traction as part of the tag team Heavy Machinery with Tucker before breaking out as a singles star when he won the 2020 Men’s Money in the Bank contract. His past storylines included a popular romance angle with Mandy Rose and the dramatic betrayal by Tucker, which led to Otis losing his contract to The Miz. Afterward, Otis reinvented himself by teaming with Chad Gable in Alpha Academy, where they captured the Raw Tag Team Championships in January 2022.
Industry insiders suggest that WWE sees potential in reviving Otis as either a singles competitor or a tag team specialist. A WWE creative member remarked, “Otis’ charisma and connection with the crowd remain strong, so it’s just about finding the right timing and story to reintroduce him on a bigger stage.” The hope is that after his recovery and retooling phase, Otis could receive a renewed push to ascend the ranks once again.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
As Otis has been off WWE’s main shows for a considerable time, fans have expressed concern and curiosity about his status. Social media and fan forums reveal a mix of speculation from worries about injuries to dissatisfaction with WWE’s creative use of his character. However, the news that Otis is healthy and training is being met with optimism.
Fans are also eager to see if Otis will reunite with Alpha Academy partner Chad Gable or embark on a fresh singles path. The wrestler’s recent friendly relationship with former Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker was noted by observers as a positive sign of goodwill backstage, potentially paving the way for future storylines or alliances.
What’s Next for Otis in WWE?
While there is not yet an announced date for Otis’ return to WWE television, industry insiders firmly believe it is only a matter of time before he re-emerges. WWE’s strategy seems to be preparing him for a substantial comeback once they have the right creative framework.
In the words of a WWE source familiar with current booking plans, “Otis is a valued performer. The company is just patient, working on the perfect moment to bring him back with a bang.” Until then, Otis remains a popular and respected talent whose future in WWE still looks promising.