Steph De Lander Nearing In-Ring Return After Serious Neck Surgery

Steph De Lander has now revealed that she is close to getting cleared after undergoing neck surgery last year.

While speaking on her YouTube channel, Steph De Lander talked about undergoing neck surgery in October 2024, where she had a fusion of her C5-C6 discs. The procedure was performed in Birmingham, Alabama by Dr. Cordova, WWE’s trusted spinal surgeon.

Cardovahas operated on many WWE superstars, including Maryse, Tommaso Ciampa, Braun Strowman, and Ivar of the Viking Raiders, among others. Steph said she felt confident knowing she was in expert hands.

“I had neck surgery in October of 2024. Um, I had a fusion of my C5-C6 level discs. Um, and yeah, I got it done in Birmingham, Alabama by Dr. Cordova. He is the spinal surgeon that WWE uses. He has done spinal surgery on so many WWE superstars. I mean, he’s done surgery on Maryse, Tommaso Ciampa, Braun Strowman… um, who else? The Viking Raiders, Ivar. Um, he’s done work on so many different people. Um, big stars from WWE. So, I definitely was in the best hands.”

Advertising

Advertising

It’s been several months since the surgery, and De Lander is feeling really good. However, she still needs a bit more time to fully recover. In the next few weeks, she’ll see how her neck feels and then go in for another check-up to see if she can be cleared to wrestle again. De Lander added that she is close to getting cleared.

However, the TNA star said it’s very important to take things slow, especially with a serious surgery like this. Steph De Lander said she is not going to rush back into the ring until her neck is completely healed and her doctor says it’s okay. For now, she’s staying careful and focused on healing.

“I feel great. There’s still a little bit of time left. You know, we have to see how I feel over the next four weeks or so and then we have another re-evaluation. Um, so that’s exciting. I’m getting close to getting cleared.

But of course, with any sort of injury and surgery—but especially with spinal surgery—you know, the most important thing you can do is be conservative, be smart about it. I’m not rushing back to the ring until my neck is completely healed and until I get the all-clear from my surgeon. So until then, we just rock and roll.”

Steph De Lander is close to making her in-ring return, but she’s wisely prioritizing her health and safety. Her neck is healing well, so fans won’t really have to wait too long until she’s back competing inside the squared circle again.

Are you excited to see Steph De Lander back in the ring after she gets cleared? Sound off in the comments.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.