Pasting what I said to someone an hour ago:

I have to believe its kayfabe and a part of the Trent/OC overall story, with him just returning later. I’ve seen shit-all news report wise anywhere saying he’s actually injured and having to retire, nor of any backstage issues, him wanting to leave/being gotten rid of or anything of the like and by all rights there should be something if it was a valid thing beyond the storyline. That being said I agree. Love the guy and would hate to never see another awful waffle.