WWE champion worries fans with permanent injury statement: "I have permanent damage"

Ivar detailed the lasting effects of his neck injury during a recent conversation with Chris Van Vliet. Despite his successful return to competition alongside Erik and capturing the World Tag Team Championship, the War Raiders member acknowledged persistent health issues.

Speaking candidly about his current condition, Ivar explained that while he has regained most functionality, some effects remain permanent:

So I’m pretty good now. To be fair, I do have permanent nerve damage and nerve pain in my hands, and that will never go away. That’s something I live with. But as far as everything else, I got most of my mobility back to my neck.

The champion credited his rehabilitation success to yoga, noting he has recovered significant neck mobility despite a new herniation. He described his condition as variable, with the intensity of nerve pain fluctuating day to day, though his overall quality of life remains stable.

War Raiders reveal altered return plans

The journey back to WWE television took several unexpected turns for the War Raiders. Originally scheduled to return on the September 9 edition of RAW in Calgary, plans shifted at the last moment as creative direction evolved.

Ivar shared insight into discussions with Triple H about their character evolution:

When I had this opportunity to do the singles run and it was going well, I had a conversation with Triple H where he said, ‘Hey, how about we start pulling back off of the heavy Viking stuff, slowly peeling some of those layers off so we can tell more stories with you.’

The team ultimately returned on October 14, reverting to their NXT moniker of War Raiders rather than Viking Raiders. Ivar explained their decision to maintain the Erik and Ivar names, emphasizing the importance of preserving their main roster legacy.