WWE Star Otis Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Sidelined from Television
Longtime WWE fan favorite, Otis, has been notably absent from World Wrestling Entertainment programming for nearly two months, sparking concern and curiosity among the WWE Universe. Recent reports confirm that the powerhouse performer is currently on the injured list and has undergone elbow surgery.
Otis, whose real name is Nikola Bogojević, was last seen in action on the May 5 episode of “WWE Raw,” where he suffered a decisive loss to the recently returned Rusev. Since that match, the Alpha Academy member has not appeared on Monday nights or on “WWE Main Event,” leading to widespread speculation regarding his whereabouts.
According to reports from Fightful Select, corroborated by PWMania.com, Otis underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery. Sources close to the situation indicate that the procedure was exploratory, aimed at identifying the root cause of his elbow issues. While the initial prognosis suggests that his absence may not be long-term, the exact timeline for his return will depend on the findings from the surgery and his subsequent recovery process.
Before his current injury, Otis had been a central figure in the evolving dynamics of the Alpha Academy. Following Chad Gable’s heel turn in March 2024, Otis, alongside Akira Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri, found themselves at odds with Gable’s increasingly aggressive and demanding behavior. This tension culminated in June 2024, when Otis, Tozawa, and Dupri famously walked out on Gable, refusing to assist him in his pursuit of the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Clash at the Castle. This pivotal moment saw Otis step up to assume leadership of the Alpha Academy, steering the group in a new direction. His recent encounter with Rusev in April 2025 marked a new chapter in his in-ring career before this unfortunate setback.
Otis, a native of Duluth, Minnesota, and raised in Superior, Wisconsin, brings a unique blend of power and charisma to the WWE. Born on December 21, 1991, the 33-year-old superstar boasts an impressive amateur wrestling background, including winning the 2008 Greco-Roman junior Nationals and a national title at the 2011 Junior Pan-American Games. He also earned a bronze medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2014 Pan American Sports Festival and was considered a prospect for the 2012 Olympic Games team, as detailed on his Wikipedia page and WWE.com profile.
Since joining WWE in 2016, Otis has achieved significant milestones. He gained widespread popularity during his storyline with Mandy Rose, culminating in his memorable victory in the 2020 Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. He later captured the Raw Tag Team Championship with Chad Gable in 2022, solidifying his status as a versatile and impactful performer on the Raw brand.
The WWE Universe eagerly awaits further updates on Otis’s condition and his projected return to the squared circle. His unique blend of power, agility, and endearing personality has made him a fan favorite, and his presence on Monday Night Raw is sorely missed. We wish Otis a swift and full recovery.
