Steve Carrier on December 19, 2025
JD McDonagh is officially out of action — and he just shared the hospital bed photo to prove it.
The Judgment Day standout has announced a leave of absence from WWE television to deal with lingering physical issues, revealing on social media that he’s getting “put back together.” The photo showed McDonagh recovering in a hospital bed with his right hand or wrist wrapped, confirming speculation that he recently underwent surgery.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, McDonagh is one of a few WWE Superstars temporarily stepping away to recover before the road to WrestleMania kicks off in full gear.
“I was told a few, not many, but a few, will be taking time off to heal up to get ready for Rumble/Mania season,” Meltzer wrote. “JD McDonagh announced he’s been working through some injuries and showed a photo of himself that appeared to be post-surgery for either his right hand or wrist.”
The move is reportedly part of a strategic rest period for key WWE talent who want to be 100% before the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first stop on the road to WrestleMania 42.
McDonagh’s last match took place on the November 24 episode of WWE Raw, where he was defeated by Rey Mysterio. On-screen, the storyline explanation came from Dominik Mysterio, who told Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez that Finn Balor was absent this week to check in on McDonagh. Balor later provided an update on X (Twitter), writing:
“I just got home this very second from checking on my dear friend [JD McDonagh] & I can confirm that he is in good spirits & will make a full recovery.”
With the Rumble drawing near and Judgment Day remaining a major faction in WWE programming, fans will be watching closely for updates on McDonagh’s return. But for now, the “Irish Ace” is on the injured list — and healing up for what could be a major WrestleMania season.
December 19, 2025 3:03 pm
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