Following his main event NXT title match with Aleister Black at Takeover, WWE announced Lars Sullivan had suffered a broken jaw. The promotion event sent out an X-Ray of Sullivan’s injury through their social media accounts.
.@LarsSWWE left Chicago without the #NXTChampionship… and with a broken jaw. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/UVLYqQkQ9s
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 28, 2018
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter had originally reported the injury as legit. They have now released a correction, however, stating that Sullivan’s broken jaw is just a part of his storyline. He did not actually suffer an injury at Takeover but that is the story WWE wants to tell.
It is not known when NXT will bring back Sullivan. The injury was likely a way to protect Sullivan while still having him lose to Black as it gives his character an excuse as to why he lost.
Sullivan’s loss to Aleister Black was his first loss in a single’s match on NXT programming.
Following Takeover: Chicago II, Triple H spoke with Cathy Kelley. He spoke in regards to how Sullivan’s loss to Aleister Black will likely make him stronger.
“Here’s the thing, size, and strength but how long has (Lars) been doing this?” Triple H asked. “That’s really the unknown factor of how good can he become.”
“Lars Sullivan has been here for a cup of coffee, been in the ring for a cup of coffee,” Triple H said on Sullivan’s experience level. “Not someone who has spent years and years doing this.”
Triple H then talked about Lars’ performance in the main event that night.
“I don’t think there was a moment in there where he looked like he didn’t belong,” Triple H said. “To me, that is the ultimate victory. That Lars Sullivan, at this point in his career, was able to go toe-to-toe with Aleister Black.”
“He could be the most dangerous person here and this loss might actually be a blessing for him.”
