Ahead of TNA Victory Road 2024, Steph De Lander revealed that she will be undergoing neck fusion surgery, nixing plans for a tag-team match on the pay-per-view. Appearing on the That's Cooked podcast, De Lander gave details about her upcoming operation and how long she expects to be out of the ring.
It's going to be a fusion of a C5-C6. Is it career-ending? Absolutely not. How long am I going to be out? Probably six-plus months, maybe a little bit longer, and that's just the way it is.
De Lander has spoken with other wrestlers who've undergone neck fusion surgery, who have gushed about feeling "like a million bucks" after the operation. The TNA star admitted to being relieved to hear this, stating "People have really positive experiences, which is what I need to hear."
C5-C6 Neck Fusion Surgery
The type of surgery De Lander is set to undergo aims to treat compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots and is typically used when non-invasive methods have failed. In 2022, Robert Roode underwent surgery on his C5 and C6 vertebrae and can be found these days working as a producer for WWE. While Roode hasn't wrestled for WWE in years, he is greenlit to compete, proving that this surgery is not a career-ender.
De Lander's career has risen quickly over the past few years, thanks in part to her partnership with 'Indy God' Matt Cardona. Now, the former WWE NXT Superstar is prioritizing her health and well-being, and we here at SEScoops would like to wish Steph De Lander the very best in her neck fusion surgery and her recovery.