The Viking Raiders, comprising Erik and Ivar, have been a resilient duo since their days as War Machine in Ring of Honor, transitioning to WWE and making their mark in the tag team division. However, both members have faced significant challenges recently, particularly with injuries. Just as the team, along with Erik’s wife Valhalla, seemed to be gaining momentum under Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s regime, they were hit with serious setbacks. Before Ivar announced his own injury, which has cast uncertainty over his career, he provided an update on Erik’s recovery during an appearance on the “Insight” podcast with Chris Van Vliet during WrestleMania 40 weekend.
“It’s neck surgery. It’s a matter of time and everybody’s neck heals differently,” Ivar explained. “It’s a matter of him getting cleared. He’s doing great. Physically great, it’s just the doctors need to clear him and then he needs to get back to in-ring, so it’ll take some more time.”
Erik underwent neck fusion surgery in September 2023, which has kept him out of action since then. His last match with Ivar was on “WWE Main Event,” and the team was originally set to compete in a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contenders for the then-Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships. Unfortunately, they were pulled from the match at the last minute due to Erik’s condition. As a result, Ivar received a minor singles push and had been making appearances on “WWE NXT.” However, he recently announced that he is now out indefinitely due to his own serious injury, which has been a topic of concern and speculation among fans.
“The legitimacy of his injury had been questioned,” Ivar addressed on social media, clarifying that his condition is indeed “very serious.” At the time of the announcement, Ivar had not yet undergone surgery, leaving fans anxious about his future.
Despite these setbacks, the spirit of the Viking Raiders remains unbroken. Ivar emphasized their unity and commitment to each other, drawing a parallel to the steadfast bond seen in teams like The New Day.
“I feel in my heart that we’re a team,” Ivar stated. “We’re in this together. We wouldn’t be where we are today without each other and I feel just like The New Day, we’re not going to split up for anything. Maybe each of us has our singles stuff on the side, but we’re a team forever.”
The journey ahead for both Erik and Ivar is uncertain, but their dedication to each other and their craft remains unwavering. As Erik continues his recovery, the WWE Universe eagerly anticipates his return to the ring. Similarly, Ivar’s determination to overcome his own injury and return to action showcases the resilience and fighting spirit that has defined the Viking Raiders throughout their career.
