JD McDonagh, a key member of The Judgment Day on WWE RAW, has been sidelined for over a month following a brutal injury. The Irish Ace last competed on the January 27, 2025, episode of the red brand, teaming with Dominik Mysterio to challenge The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) for the World Tag Team Championship. During the match, McDonagh attempted a high-risk move outside the ring but miscalculated, crashing into the announce table. The War Raiders retained their titles, while McDonagh suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs. Speaking recently on the INSIGHT podcast with Chris Van Vliet, the veteran expressed optimism about returning to the ring within a month.
Here are four potential paths for JD McDonagh’s comeback to WWE action.
#4. Ambushing The War Raiders at WrestleMania 41
The War Raiders claimed the World Tag Team Championship by defeating Finn Balor and JD McDonagh on December 16, 2024, and remain the titleholders on RAW. With WrestleMania 41 looming next month, The Judgment Day could secure another crack at the belts. McDonagh, now 35, might make a dramatic return at The Show of Shows, interfering to help his faction dethrone Erik and Ivar, exacting revenge for his injury and reclaiming the gold.
#3. A Fresh Start via the Transfer Window
McDonagh has been a fixture in The Judgment Day for some time, but a change of scenery could beckon. Several WWE stars have used the transfer window to switch brands, and McDonagh might see it as his ticket to a new chapter. A former NXT Cruiserweight Champion, he’s yet to capture singles gold on the main roster. In the coming weeks, he could appeal to RAW General Manager Adam Pearce for a move to SmackDown, aiming to carve out a solo legacy.
#2. A Ringside Distraction for Bron Breakker on RAW
Even if he’s not cleared to wrestle, McDonagh could still re-emerge as early as tomorrow’s WWE RAW in Brussels, Belgium—a show already stacked with intrigue. Finn Balor is set to challenge Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship, and McDonagh could play a pivotal role. Showing up at ringside, he might distract Breakker just enough for Balor to capitalize, potentially bringing the title back to The Judgment Day.
#1. Splitting from The Judgment Day with Finn Balor
Tensions have been simmering within The Judgment Day, with Finn Balor clashing repeatedly with his stablemates and rejecting proposals to expand the group. Balor and McDonagh share a strong bond and a history of success, which could lead them to break away together. McDonagh might suspect the faction is eyeing a replacement for him, while Balor seems fed up after months of friction. Upon McDonagh’s return, the duo could ditch The Judgment Day and reignite their pursuit of the World Tag Team Championship as a renegade tandem.
Whether he opts for vengeance, reinvention, or rebellion, JD McDonagh’s return promises to shake up the WWE landscape.
FAQs
When will JD McDonagh return to WWE after his injury?
JD McDonagh is expected to return within a month, as he revealed during a recent interview. His recovery from a punctured lung and broken ribs is progressing well, and he hopes to be back in action soon.
How did JD McDonagh get injured on WWE RAW?
JD McDonagh was injured during a World Tag Team Championship match against The Viking Raiders on January 27, 2025. He misjudged a move outside the ring and crashed into the announce table, suffering a punctured lung and broken ribs.
Will JD McDonagh rejoin The Judgment Day after his return?
It is unclear if JD McDonagh will continue with The Judgment Day when he returns. There are rumors he may split from the faction, possibly teaming up with Finn Balor or even starting a singles run on another brand like SmackDown.
Could JD McDonagh appear at WrestleMania 41?
There is a strong possibility that JD McDonagh could return during WrestleMania 41, possibly interfering in a Tag Team Championship match to help The Judgment Day reclaim the titles from The Viking Raiders.
Can JD McDonagh switch to SmackDown after his injury recovery?
Yes, JD McDonagh could use WWE’s transfer window to move from RAW to SmackDown for a fresh start. A brand switch might help him focus on a singles career and go after titles like the United States Championship.
