WWE superstar Otis, best known as a key member of the Alpha Academy, has been missing from television for several weeks — and now we know why. According to a new report from Fightful Select, Otis has been off TV due to an elbow injury that required minor surgery.
The 32-year-old wrestler last appeared on the May 6 edition of WWE Raw, where he competed in a singles match against Ivar. Since then, fans have noticed his absence, sparking speculation online about his status. As it turns out, Otis underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery, a procedure typically used to diagnose or treat joint problems with minimal invasion.
Sources close to the situation say the injury wasn’t extremely serious, but it did need medical attention. The surgery was described as “exploratory,” and was mostly done to assess and clean up the joint. While there were no major complications, recovery time is still necessary, and Otis was pulled from live shows and TV appearances to rest.
There’s no official word from WWE on how long Otis will remain out of action, but backstage reports suggest the company doesn’t expect him to be out for too long. Still, any type of surgery involves some uncertainty, and his return will likely depend on how his recovery progresses over the coming weeks.
What This Means for Alpha Academy and Otis’ Storyline Future
Otis has been a fan favorite since joining WWE in 2016 and is currently part of the Alpha Academy alongside Chad Gable, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa. His comedic timing and powerhouse style have made him a standout performer, especially in recent storylines where the group has grown more popular.
His injury came at a time when Alpha Academy was still being featured regularly on WWE programming. Since his absence, other members of the group — especially Gable and Dupri — have continued to appear on Raw, keeping the team visible for audiences. However, Otis’ physical presence and personality have been missed by fans.
Some have speculated that the timing of the injury could open the door to a new storyline once Otis returns. Whether he reenters the Alpha Academy fold or shifts into a solo arc remains to be seen. WWE has often used returns from injury as a way to refresh a character or pivot in a new creative direction, so Otis’ comeback may not just be a return — it could mark a new chapter in his career.
In the meantime, fans have been expressing support on social media and eagerly await any update from WWE or Otis himself. The company has remained quiet so far, focusing instead on ongoing storylines and building toward upcoming pay-per-view events.
With Otis’ status still in recovery mode, it’s clear that WWE is being cautious. For now, the plan seems to be giving him time to heal properly before he jumps back into the action.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): wrestlinginc
