WWE Superstar Karl Anderson, a.k.a. “The Machine Gun,” is set to miss WrestleMania 41 following surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum.
Highlights
- Karl Anderson underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff and labrum, which will sideline him for six to seven months.
- Due to his recovery period, Anderson will miss WWE WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2025, in Las Vegas.
- Anderson is known for his tenure with The O.C., his success in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a founding member of the Bullet Club, and multiple IWGP Tag Team Championships.
The injury has sidelined Anderson for an estimated six to seven months, effectively ruling him out of WWE’s flagship event scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Karl Anderson revealed on TalkNShop that he suffered a torn rotator cuff tendon and partially torn labrum that he underwent surgery for.
— Jeremy Lambert (@jeremylambert88) November 7, 2024
He said he'll be out six to nine months.
Best wishes to Machine Gun. pic.twitter.com/r40B7MJBc7
Anderson Underwent Surgery In November 2024
In early November 2024, Anderson underwent successful surgery performed by Dr. Dugas, a specialist renowned for treating professional athletes, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Post-surgery, Anderson provided an update on his “Talk ‘n’ Shop” podcast, stating,
I am out indefinitely. I’d say at least six or seven more months with a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum.
wrestlinginc.com
He added,
I felt something in a match, and didn’t think anything of it because that’s what we do. The next week, something else happened in a match again. ‘That hurt a little worse,’ but still thought nothing of it because that’s how we’ve always rolled. I wasn’t able to sleep at night because it was aching and throbbing.
ringsidenews.com
I talked to the WWE doctors who handled it right away and they immediately scheduled me for an anthrogram. They immediately saw it was a torn rotator cuff tendon and a partially torn labrum.
These injuries are common among athletes involved in high-impact sports, often resulting from acute trauma or repetitive strain.
Surgical intervention is typically required to repair the torn tissues, followed by an extensive rehabilitation period to restore strength and mobility.
Anderson Will Likely Return In Mid To Late 2025
The recovery timeline for rotator cuff and labrum surgeries varies, with athletes often requiring six to nine months before returning to full activity.
Anderson’s projected absence aligns with this timeframe, suggesting a potential return to in-ring competition in the latter half of 2025.
In the interim, his tag team partner, Luke Gallows, may pursue solo endeavors or temporary alliances within WWE’s roster.
Karl’s Last Match Was When The Good Brothers Faced Hank And Tank In September 2023
On September 24, 2023, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows faced Hank and Tank in a tag team match on WWE NXT.
The young duo of Hank Walker and Tank Ledger brought the fight to the veterans after Gallows and Anderson cost them a Tag Team Title opportunity.
HANK N TANK BEAT THE GOOD BROTHERS AGAIN YOU LOVE TO SEE IT #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/fLuXqm62oj
— CapM (@Capm2320) September 25, 2024
During the match, Hank and Tank showcased their teamwork and managed to isolate Gallows and hit a huge running powerslam/elbow strike combo to secure the victory.
Karl Anderson’s Wrestling Career Took Off In NJPW
Anderson, whose real name is Chad Allegra, has built a formidable career in professional wrestling.
He first became famous in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a founding member of the “Bullet Club” and captured multiple International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) Tag Team Championships.
It's May 3rd in Japan, which means today marks 11 years of Bullet Club!
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) May 2, 2024
At Wrestling Dontaku 2013, Bullet Club was officially formed in NJPW by Prince Devitt, Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale.pic.twitter.com/sgWbYRjWCO
In 2016, he transitioned to WWE alongside his tag team partner, Luke Gallows, collectively known as “The Good Brothers.”
The duo twice secured the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships, earning recognition for their in-ring prowess and chemistry.
Anticipated Showdowns and High-Profile Matches at WrestleMania 41
WrestleMania 41, set to take place in Las Vegas, is anticipated to feature marquee matches and high-profile storylines, continuing the tradition of WWE’s premier annual event.
Cody Rhodes is expected to defend his WWE Championship against The Rock. This match has been building up with The Rock’s heel persona and his previous victory over Rhodes.
Additionally, John Cena is set to have his retirement match at WrestleMania 41. Potential opponents include Cody Rhodes and other top stars.
Also, after Raquel Rodriguez attacked Rhea Ripley at Bad Blood, fans anticipate a showdown between these two at WrestleMania.
Netflix has released a new Road to WrestleMania 41 poster for #WWERAW. pic.twitter.com/6Q1Z4ObhIa
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 25, 2024
The highly anticipated match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins has been building up with real-life heat between the two former WWE Champions.
Karl Anderson’s absence will be felt amid these high-profile matchups, as he has previously contributed to WrestleMania’s tag team division.
Notably, at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, Anderson and Gallows defended the Raw Tag Team Championships in a Fatal Four-Way Ladder Match, showcasing their talent on one of the grandest stages in professional wrestling.
Additional Information
- Before making a name for himself in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Karl Anderson wrestled in various independent promotions in the United States, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Ring of Honor (ROH).
- Anderson was a talented baseball player in high school and even received a scholarship to play college baseball. However, he chose to pursue a career in professional wrestling instead.
- Anderson has appeared in several wrestling-related films and TV shows, including the WWE Studios film “Countdown” and the reality TV series “Swerved.”
