Rezar Biceps Injury: WWE Treatment & Recovery Explained

Understanding Rezar's WWE Injury

When WWE's Rezar suddenly favored his right arm during that chaotic March 2020 RAW 8-man tag match, fans immediately sensed trouble. As an orthopedic surgeon reviewing the footage, I noticed telltale signs of a significant biceps injury emerging after his fall away slam on Montez Ford. Rezar's protective arm positioning and limited movement align with reports of a potential tear. Let's break down what happened medically, why it matters, and what comes next.

Medical Analysis of Biceps Injuries

Injury Mechanism and Diagnosis

Biceps tears typically occur when sudden force overloads a flexed, supinated arm—exactly the stress wrestling moves impose. Rezar likely experienced what we call an eccentric load injury during the slam, where muscle contraction conflicts with external force. Two critical rupture types exist:

• Proximal tears (near shoulder): 90% of cases
• Distal tears (near elbow): 10% but more functionally severe

Diagnosis hinges on three pillars:

1. Mechanism: Sudden pain during loaded flexion/supination
2. Physical signs: "Popeye deformity" (proximal) or antecubital fossa swelling (distal)
3. Functional loss: Weakness in elbow flexion or palm-up rotation

Treatment Options Compared

Tear Type	Non-Surgical	Surgical Approach	Athlete Consideration
Proximal	Viable with strength loss	Tenodesis (reattachment)	Cosmetic deformity risk
Distal	Not recommended	Single-incision reattachment	Critical for strength recovery

Given wrestling's physical demands, Rezar almost certainly requires surgery if distal involvement is confirmed. My preferred technique uses a single anterior incision with suture-button fixation—minimizing nerve injury risks while ensuring robust reattachment to the radial tuberosity.

Recovery Roadmap for Wrestlers

Rehabilitation Phases

1. Weeks 1-3: Immobilization at 90° flexion
2. Weeks 4-6: Passive range-of-motion exercises
3. Months 2-3: Active strengthening
4. Months 4-6: Sport-specific drills

Critical insight: Wrestling requires 3-4 months longer recovery than normal activities due to:

• Rotational stress during throws
• Impact absorption demands
• Overhead maneuvering in tags

Return to Wrestling Timeline

Expect a 6-8 month minimum absence. Even when cleared, wrestlers often use protective braces initially—similar to JJ Watt's NFL return. The real challenge isn't just healing, but restoring the explosive supination strength needed for moves like powerbombs. Rehab must address rotational force tolerance before ring return.

Long-Term Implications for AOP

This injury compounds AOP's unfortunate history. With Akem's 2019 leg injury and now Rezar's setback, the tag team faces extended disruption. Beyond physical recovery, three factors will determine their comeback success:

1. Reconditioning period: Can they rebuild match stamina safely?
2. Psychology adaptation: Will they modify high-risk moves?
3. Creative repositioning: How will WWE reintroduce them?

Not mentioned in the video: Wrestling's schedule intensity increases reinjury risks. I'd recommend a phased return starting with dark matches before televised events.

Actionable Injury Guide

Immediate Steps if You Suspect a Tear

1. ICE protocol: Ice, Compression, Elevation
2. Immobilize: Use a sling
3. Emergency consult: Request orthopedic evaluation within 48 hours

Recommended Resources

• Human 2.0 YouTube: Sport-specific prehab routines (prevents re-injury)
• Journal of Sports Medicine: Peer-reviewed return-to-play guidelines
• @StableKneez: My Instagram for surgical recovery visuals

Could Rezar return by Survivor Series? Share your predictions below. For those managing similar injuries: What functional task feels most challenging currently?