Dominik Mysterio’s Return Timeline Revealed After Shoulder Injury

There’s good news coming out of WWE regarding Dominik Mysterio’s recent injury—and it could have been a lot worse.

According to the latest update from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dominik Mysterio will not require surgery after injuring his shoulder at AAA’s Guerra de Titanes event on December 20. The current plan is for him to be back in action in time for the 2026 Royal Rumble.

“Dominik Mysterio, he found out he does not need surgery,” Dave Meltzer confirmed. “What I was told today is they are looking at three to four weeks. So, it’s not a long term thing, he should be back for the Rumble.”

That timeline could still change slightly, depending on how recovery goes, but for now, it’s looking very positive.

“The timeline is fluid, but three to four weeks is the number that he got from the doctors I think today or yesterday.”

Avoiding surgery was considered a huge relief for both WWE and Mysterio. Had it required an operation, it could’ve meant months on the shelf—similar to what Seth Rollins is now facing—and likely a forced title vacancy.

“He got the word no surgery, which was the relief, because if it was surgery it’d be like Seth, it’d be months and months and he’d have to vacate the titles and it’s a bad time to be injured for that long. Of a bad scenario, he got the best news.”

The injury initially raised red flags when Dominik was pulled from WWE’s December 26 live event in Baltimore, where he was supposed to team with Liv Morgan in a mixed tag match against Rey Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. He was replaced on the card entirely, prompting immediate concern about the severity of his condition.

Reports indicated he hurt his shoulder after taking a DDT from his father, Rey Mysterio during AAA’s Guerra de Titanes, with Bryan Alvarez stating:

“Based on how he landed, my presumption is it’s likely a shoulder separation… He could barely use the arm at all.”

The December 29 episode of RAW acknowledged Dominik’s absence, with both Liv Morgan and commentator Joe Tessitore noting that “Daddy Dom” was out of action with an injury. At the time, WWE said details were “scarce,” but the concern was real.

Now, with surgery off the table and the Rumble still in sight, Dominik Mysterio is on the mend—and remains Intercontinental Champion.

Are you relieved Dominik won’t miss the Royal Rumble? Should WWE ease him back into action or pick up where they left off with The Judgment Day storyline? Let us know in the comments!