He was forced into a long-term hiatus for about a year and five months due to a severe neck injury that required anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, he made a dramatic and shocking return at the major August 2026 event, SummerSlam. Immediately following his return, he won a Fatal 4-Way match to earn a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship, challenging the reigning champion, CM Punk. Although his title ambitions were thwarted by the interference of his former brother-in-arms, Sami Zayn, he is currently staying at the forefront of the action, even forming a tag team with the current champion, Cody Rhodes."
