A WWE superstar has been forced to withdraw from his bout on Monday Night Raw just hours before he was set to enter the ring.

Many wrestling fans had been gearing up for the highly-anticipated event – with CM Punk making his long-awaited to his hometown of Chicago on the night.

However, some will be disappointed after learning that Ivar – one half of the Viking Brothers – was forced to pull out just a few hours before the show began.

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce took to social media to confirm the news, as he said: ‘Sometimes in our industry you’ll hear the phrase “card subject to change”, and today’s one of those days.

‘Ivar is medically unable to compete tonight which means Andrade new opponent, and a new opponent he has in Imperium’s Giovanni Vinci.’

WWE superstar Ivar (L) was forced to pull out of his fight on Monday Night Raw at late notice
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WWE superstar Ivar (L) was forced to pull out of his fight on Monday Night Raw at late notice

Ivar had been scheduled to face Andrade El Idolo during the highly-anticipated event
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Ivar had been scheduled to face Andrade El Idolo during the highly-anticipated event

Ivar had been expected to take on Andrade El Idolo on the night – however the Mexican will now face Giovanni Vinci inside the ring.

Despite the disappointment, many fans will still be excited for the CM Punk’s return to his hometown of Chicago on the night.

Punk, who stunned WWE fans with a sensational return at Survivor Series four months ago, will head back to his hometown for what promises to be a special edition of Monday Night Raw.

The 45-year-old is due to appear at Chicago’s Allstate Arena, where he will address the crowd after recently revealing he is set to miss WrestleMania XL through injury.

The sold-out show will have brand new seating sections opened to meet demand ahead of Punk’s return.

CM Punk is set to return to Chicago for the first time since making his shock WWE comeback
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CM Punk is set to return to Chicago for the first time since making his shock WWE comeback

His comeback at Survivor Series is said to have garnered more than 71 million views across the promotion’s social-media platforms, setting a record for WWE engagements online.

Punk had spent nine years away from the company before reappearing, having been controversially released by rival outfit AEW.

At the end of January, the former WWE champion revealed he will not be able to compete at WrestleMania in April after tearing his tricep at the Royal Rumble.

However, he claimed his aim was still to headline WrestleMania down the line – and said he was first coming for Drew McIntyre after he mocked his injury and broken dream.