WWE reports Dolph Ziggler suffers concussion at SmackDown tapings

Well, the timing of this really couldn't be any worse: According to a report on WWE.com, World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler suffered a concussion at the SmackDown tapings last night (May 7, 2013) at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Here's a bit from the story:

World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler suffered a concussion at Tuesday night's SmackDown taping at N.C. State when he interfered in Big E Langston's bout with Jack Swagger. According to WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson, Ziggler was injured during the early part of the fracas after a blow to the face. A post-match examination by WWE medical staff confirmed the injury.

"He [was] having some memory difficulties and a bit of a headache ... he definitely has a concussion," said Sampson. "We're checking him out, and going to be doing neuropsychological testing and just keep it monitored."

While WWE.com is a haven for kayfabe stories, it's highly unlikely that's what is happening here and Ziggler is looking at missing some time, possibly putting his first heavyweight pay-per-view title defense in jeopardy. Then again, WWE has rushed performers back much sooner than they should have before, so we'll have to wait and see.

Still, if he misses any time at all, it's a big blow to a company already dealing with a depleted roster and an extreme lack of interest in the post-WrestleMania season.

For spoilers from the SmackDown tapings last night click here.