Top indie wrestler LJ Cleary out 9–12 months after surgery diagnosis

LJ Cleary, one of the standout performers on the independent scene, announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with an injury that requires surgery and will be sidelined for approximately 9 to 12 months.

Cleary said the timing is particularly painful as he was enjoying what he described as the best year of his career, with matches for Ring of Honor and TNA in 2026 and an appearance as an entrant in the Call Your Shot gauntlet at Bound for Glory. He framed the upcoming procedure as a temporary setback and thanked supporters in his post.

The 27-year-old, originally from Ireland and now based in the United States, has international experience that includes tours with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and a one-off appearance for NJPW in 2024. He also participated in a WWE tryout in 2025. Per his timeline, summer 2027 is the earliest possible return; a full 12-month recovery would place a comeback in October or November 2027.

Cleary's fiancée, WWE Raw women's division member Lyra Valkyria, was referenced in his social timeline.

Impact

Cleary's absence removes a high-profile independent name from bookings across multiple promotions and pauses momentum he had built through 2026. Promoters and fans will be watching for medical updates and a clearer return timetable as the recovery progresses.