Shelton Benjamin Not Returning to WWE After All
Recently, WWE began 
of former Intercontinental champion Shelton Benjamin to the Smackdown brand. However, Benjamin made the unfortunate announcement on Twitter that, due to health concerns, he won't be returning to WWE after all.
In a multi-tweet statement, Benjamin explains how a shoulder condition, discovered through the medical screening WWE places all prospective employees through prior to signing, has become more severe than initially anticipated. While Benjamin doesn't shut the door on a possible WWE return in the future, it seems this torn rotator cuff injury has put his career on hold, for the time being. Check out the tweets below:
I am both disappointed & sadden to announce that due to a serious injury to my shoulder I will not be returning to @WWE at this time.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
For now I will have to put pro-wrestling to the side as I prepare to undergo surgery to repair my torn rotator.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
This comes as a shock to me as i am no stranger to performing while in pain yet I had no idea of the severity of my condition
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
Thank you @WWE for helping me discover this situation & for giving me an opportunity to return. I will be back
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
For now I must refocus my energy on repairing my body and mind.
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) August 7, 2016
In my opinion, this is a blow to WWE and to the Smackdown brand. It's a shame to lose someone as gifted as Benjamin, especially at a time where the roster is packed with guys with whom he could steal the show. At age 41, the wear and tear of the industry, and his immensely physical style, is catching up to Benjamin. So it's hard to know if he'll be able to come back at the level to which he's used to working. Granted, I believe if anyone could, it'd be Shelton Benjamin.
What do you think of WWE losing Shelton Benjamin to injury? Sound off in the comments!
And for more WWE news, find out what the superstars had to say about the anti-WWE remarks made by UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor!