As previously reported, Benjamin was slated to return to WWE for the 2016 Brand Split as a SmackDown Superstar, however when he underwent medical testing it was discovered that he had a torn rotator cuff that would require surgery. It was original speculated that Benjamin would be returning as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match last month, however he shot down those rumors on Twitter.
While Benjamin said his recovery is going well, no actual timetable has been established for his return. He could return to SmackDown after WrestleMania, at the Money in the Bank event, or even as late July of this year.
Meanwhile, Shelton Benjamin took to his Twitter account and has provided an update on his recovery. He sent out the following tweets:
Repping out 225LBs easily for the first time in 8 months. Feels almost normal but still got work to do.— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) February 18, 2017
Ain’t no stoppin’ you….. NOWWW RT @Sheltyb803 Repping out 225LBs easily for the first time in 8 months.— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) February 18, 2017
@TrueKofi OOOKAY! (Chioda voice).— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) February 18, 2017