In a shocking turn of events, WWE superstar Kevin Owens has announced he will undergo neck surgery, effectively sidelining him from WrestleMania 41. This revelation came during the April 4, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, where Owens candidly discussed his injury, which has been a lingering issue for several months.
Owens, known as "The Prize Fighter," made his announcement following reports that he was dealing with a serious injury. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete at the prestigious event, stating, "Just not getting to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks. That’s the part that bugs me the most." His match against Orton was highly anticipated, making this news even more disheartening for fans.
Prior to his announcement, Owens had appeared on SmackDown, where he revealed the specifics of his condition. He disclosed that he had been experiencing neck issues for several months and would require surgery, specifically neck fusion surgery, to address the problem. Mike Johnson of PWInsider confirmed that the injury is legitimate and not a storyline ploy, with sources within WWE expressing sympathy for Owens. One insider described the situation as "awful," highlighting the seriousness of his condition.
In an interview with Robbie Fox on the podcast "My Mom’s Basement," Owens elaborated on the circumstances surrounding his injury. He stated that he first underwent a full-body MRI in December 2024, which showed no major issues aside from some wear and tear and mild to moderate spinal stenosis. "Your spine and everything looks good for what you’ve been doing, you’re fine," WWE doctors had told him at the time, giving him a clean bill of health.
However, things took a turn in January 2025 during a match where Owens felt two significant jolts to his neck. He recalled, "In the match, two things happened that really jarred my neck, and that’s when the issues started." Despite feeling good initially, the follow-up MRI conducted earlier this week revealed significant damage, leaving him unable to compete at WrestleMania.
Owens expressed frustration over the leaking of his injury news before he could make the official announcement himself. He stated, "It really annoys me. I woke up to seeing that it was already leaked, and it really upset me, especially because I know that whoever leaked it is some office employee that shouldn’t know this stuff in the first place." This breach of confidentiality added to his disappointment as he felt robbed of the opportunity to share his news on his own terms.
Reflecting on the timeline for his recovery, Owens noted that while he feels good, he is uncertain about when he will return to the ring. He estimated that most wrestlers who undergo similar surgeries are out for six to eight months, possibly up to a year. "I would assume in that range. But I don’t really know," he added, emphasizing the unpredictability of recovery.
Despite the setback, Owens remains optimistic about his future in wrestling. He highlighted his strong support system, saying, "I have a great support system. My family is great. My coworkers are great and everything. It sucks, man. Just not getting to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks." His determination to return and continue his career shines through his words.
As the wrestling community rallies behind Owens, fans are hoping for a swift and smooth recovery for the beloved superstar. With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, the absence of Kevin Owens will undoubtedly be felt, but his health and recovery must take precedence.
In the meantime, WWE officials will be scrambling to adjust the WrestleMania card, ensuring that the event remains as exciting as ever despite the loss of one of its top stars. The anticipation for WrestleMania continues to build, but the spotlight now shifts to Owens and his journey back to the ring.
As Owens prepares for surgery, the wrestling world awaits updates on his condition, hoping for good news in the coming weeks. For now, fans can only reflect on the incredible matches and moments Owens has provided over the years, eagerly anticipating his return.
