Analyzing the returns of WWE Superstars from injury

With a host of big names out injured, the WWE is suffering an injury epidemic of unwelcome proportionsEven with a full roster at their disposal, there exists a legitimate gripe with the way the WWE goes about constructing its storylines and shoving certain Superstars down our throats while holding back other deserving ones.With an extensive injury list, that too comprising of quite a few major draws, is it even a surprise then that the WWE has had to resort to drastic measures like having the New Day feature in as much as 5 to 6 segments on Raw a few weeks ago?What with Wrestlemania 32 also around the corner, professed to be a record-breaking endeavour if the company is to be believed, this injury crisis couldn’t have cropped up at a more inopportune moment for the WWE.So we sneak a peek into our crystal ball to divine the injury status of various Superstars, the uncertainties surrounding their layoffs and what the near future may hold for them when they finally make their return to the squared circle.

#5 Cesaro

The shoulder surgery and the subsequent time-off could not have occurred at a more inopportune time for Cesaro

Perhaps Cesaro may not have been considered as invaluable a commodity as the other big names on this list by the WWE, but it seemed like the ‘Cesaro Section’ signs in the crowd were only multiplying in number each week just as knowledge of the torn tendons in his shoulder surfaced.

Untimely though as it was for the burgeoning momentum that he was gathering, it was imperative that he underwent surgery for the same as it was an injury that he had sustained a while back, despite continuing to work through it.

On a positive note though, it was reported in the latter parts of November last year that the procedure had been a success and that his recuperation time was anywhere between 4 to 6 months, offering the Swiss Superman and his legion of fans a glimmer of hope that he may yet make a comeback just in the nick of time for Wrestlemania 32.

Add to that Vince McMahon finally getting around a Cesaro push, things look wholesomely promising for the Swiss Superman.

#4 Randy Orton

Unlike the initial word on Randy Orton, fans can, at least, be thankful that he does not require neck surgery

Usually considered by all internet fans as one of the most veritable sources of inside scoops from the world of pro-wrestling, it was a little curious when Dave Meltzer’s earlier claim that Randy Orton required neck surgery was vehemently shot down by the Superstar on Twitter.

While it is common knowledge that Orton went under the surgeon’s knife for a shoulder injury, the initial word on his injury status as provided by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter was that he was also slated to undergo a procedure to remove bone chips that were lodged in his neck region.

However, despite the transient relief of avoiding another major operation, Orton’s forecasted recovery window to return from the shoulder injury could still prove to be a race against time as far as Wrestlemania 32 is concerned, hence curtailing or even precluding entirely his participation in the spectacle.

#3 Seth Rollins

Redesign. Rebuild. Reclaim – but nonetheless too late for Wrestlemania 32

With the greater brevity carried by fan opinion – on the back of the access to the internal machinations of the industry provided by the internet – the WWE had to delay playing their cards at Wrestlemania 31 and instead settle for a placeholder champion while they tried to engineer more traction with the audience for Roman Reigns.

What many people did not foresee though was Seth Rollins’ run gaining the massive wheels of momentum that it did in the meantime, thereby pretty much repelling every other Superstar, John Cena and Brock Lesnar included, away from the top prize for the better part of a year.

Befittingly, one severely busted knee and a 'Superstar of the Year' Slammy Award later, Seth Rollins is still direly being missed in the main event picture although it is almost certain that he would miss out on partaking in Wrestlemania 32 and a good portion of 2016 along with it.

The pop a babyface Rollins would get on his return would be nothing short of exhilarating

#2 Daniel Bryan

The string of injuries suffered by Daniel Bryan has raised pertinent questions regarding his long-term wrestling future

The perpetrator of the YES! movement has been sidelined for almost a year now, with no hope of absolution in sight as the plot surrounding the reason for his extended hiatus has only thickened given the lack of official updates from the WWE.

Weighing up Daniel Bryan's personal efforts in seeking out a second opinion from a doctor, not under the umbrella of the company's Wellness policy – who incidentally has cleared him on all fronts to compete again – the controversy theories surrounding the WWE's reluctance in allowing him to participate has only intensified off late.

However given that the injury was revealed to be of a concussive nature recently, and keeping in mind the Chris Benoit debacle, it is perhaps understandable on second thought why the WWE insist upon a clearance from their own head doctor before Bryan is recalled from the wings again.

If the rumour mills are to be believed, though, that eventuality may not happily coincide with the Royal Rumble or even Wrestlemania 32, much to the chagrin and disappointment of many pro-wrestling marks.

#1 John Cena

The WWE Universe would be hoping that a successful surgery for John Cena would also translate into a speedy recovery

If one babyface in WWE history has utterly parallel attributes inside and outside of the ring - renewed with perspective when juxtaposed with either Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin - it is undeniable that the Superstar is John Cena.

Dubbed by the internet fanbase as 'Super' Cena for his highly asymmetrical win-loss ratio, history has proven that even his recovery from injuries do not heed medical guidelines, often returning to action well ahead of schedule.

The WWE would be desperately hoping that John Cena pulls another such rabbit out of his hat in time to shore up what is shaping up as a under-par card for Wrestlemania 32, especially now that he is on the mend after his shoulder surgery.

Although medical estimates rule him out of WWE's showpiece event, this is one-time internet fans may sit through his "Never Give Up" rhetoric willingly, if he does somehow manage to buck the odds once again.