Triple H Provides Injury Update, Discusses Lars Sullivan's Status with WWE

Triple H discussed both his own health and the status of Lars Sullivan during a conference call with reporters ahead of NXT TakeOver: Phoenix and the Royal Rumble this weekend. 

The former world champion underwent surgery in November after suffering a torn pectoral at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view. According to PWMania.com, Triple H said he has completed the rehabilitation portion of his recovery and is back training.

WWE's executive vice president of talent, live events and creative addressed Sullivan as well after he was taken off WWE programming prior to his main roster debut.

"There's a lot of speculation and stories about everybody at all times," Triple H said, per Pro Wrestling Sheet. "Lars is in a good place and nothing has really changed. We're moving forward and you'll know when you see it."

Sullivan's last televised match was against Keith Lee on the Nov. 28 edition of NXT. Beginning in November, WWE started teasing his arrival to the main roster.

He was then included among EC3, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery and Nikki Cross as the six newest callups from NXT. Unlike the other five wrestlers, Sullivan has yet to appear on either Raw or SmackDown Live.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc's Marc Middleton), WWE was planning to have Sullivan get his feet wet in a handful of dark matches but he experienced anxiety issues, forcing the company to call an audible.

The Royal Rumble match on Sunday could be the perfect time for Sullivan to not only make his debut but also do so in a meaningful capacity. Nobody expects him to win the Rumble, but he would make a strong impression if he reels off a series of eliminations before getting dumped over the top rope.