WWE wrestler Braun Strowman has spent much of 2023 recovering after undergoing neck fusion surgery in early June. During an interview with News 18, Strowman provided an update on his progress:
“So I just recently had my five-month check-up with Dr. Cordoba at the world-famous Andrews Medical Centre, where WWE arranged for me to have my surgery with the number one surgeon in the world. So I completed my five-month check-up and received medical clearance to start lifting weights. The bones are fusing nicely in my neck.
I underwent a cervical fusion on my C4 and C5, with a metal plate and four screws inserted. Doc cleared me to start lifting weights again, which was a major blessing because I was going crazy sitting around for eight weeks doing nothing.
I lost 35 pounds just sitting around for eight weeks because I wasn’t eating like I normally do since I wasn’t lifting. So I didn’t need all those extra calories. Now we’re working on putting the weight back on.
The goal for 2024 is to continue this. As I mentioned, I’ll return after the first year for another check-up and then aim to get back in the ring, getting back into shape, and then getting back to laying these hands out.”
Braun Strowman (Credits: WWE)
Since his surgery, Braun has only appeared on WWE TV for the Bray Wyatt memorial show in late August. When asked about his relationship with Wyatt, Strowman emphasized that whenever he returns to a WWE ring, he’ll be doing it for Bray:
“Oh, I wouldn’t be where I am in my career or life without that man. He did so much for me in terms of teaching me way through this crazy industry. He taught me how to be a better performer in the ring.
But the most important lesson I learned from Bray Wyatt during our eight years together was how to be a better person. He’s one of the greatest human beings to ever step foot on this earth.
When you see this scary character and all that, ‘The Fiend’ and everything Bray Wyatt’s done, if you get to meet the man behind the mask — he’s a family man, never met a stranger, kind to everyone, and someone I aspire to be like.
Now, I’m a godfather to his son, so I know I have a big responsibility and things that I never dreamed I’d have to step into.
But I’m honored that he chose me to lead if something were to happen to him. It’s a truly humbling honor knowing I carry that weight proudly. So especially with my return to WWE, I’m not just coming back for myself, I’m coming back for him.
…the Wyatt family was such a significant part of my life, with four brothers who taught me the ropes in this business — Eric Rowan, Luke Harper, Bray, and the amazing things we accomplished on television and film. Knowing that two of those guys will never step foot in the ring again, I carry that weight proudly, continuing the legacy of what we started 10 years ago.”
Strowman admitted uncertainty about a potential return to WWE at Royal Rumble 2024 in late January. Given the nature of his surgery, that timeline seems ambitious. But as just a guy on the internet and definitely not a doctor, we’ll have to wait and see what unfolds.
