The news that Shelton Benjamin was returning to the WWE was met with a thunderous reaction by fans who were excited to see the athletic superstar back in action again, only for disappointment to strike due to the Gold Standard superstar suffering a torn rotator cuff that required surgery.
However, Benjamin is still set to return to the company on the blue brand at some point next year and the veteran provided an update on Twitter starting, "Surgery complete. Back home. Still loopy. Happy the healing process is finally underway."
Now that Benjamin's surgery is complete he will now begin going through rehab to strengthen himself again and make sure he is capable of stepping back into the ring and with a 2017 return date in sight there is a possibility that a Royal Rumble return could take place for Shelton Benjamin.
What impact can he have?
With SmackDown Live putting on consistently impressive shows adding Shelton Benjamin to the roster can only be a positive thing. SmackDown has done a great job of building talent and giving the superstars the chance to develop their characters with both in-ring and promo time and with Benjamin already well known amongst the WWE Universe he should fit in quickly.
The mid-card right now is gaining plenty of attention on SmackDown with The Miz's run as Intercontinental Champion one of the most featured parts of the show on a weekly basis. The mid-card will be the place where Benjamin would be going when he does return and given his ability to have a great match with anyone he will be pulling the best out of people when he does return. WWE hasn't brought him back to be the main focus but he will be given plenty of time to shine and could easily have a run with a mid-card or tag team title and he will certainly be a fan favorite as soon as he is back.