Kevin Owens has received a Kevin Owens hilarious new nickname while sidelined due to neck surgery, keeping him out of WWE action for an uncertain period. His absence follows a serious injury that forced him to withdraw from key events, including a WrestleMania 41 match earlier this year.
Owens’ wife shared a lighthearted moment on her Instagram story, posting a photo of Owens with their pet snake and dubbing him “Snake daddy,” injecting humor during a difficult recovery phase for the former Universal Champion.
Earlier this year, Owens was scheduled to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 but had to pull out because of the injury. Joe Hendry, former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, stepped in to answer Orton’s Open Challenge at the event but was quickly defeated by Orton, known as The Viper.
Kevin Owens has not competed since his Unsanctioned Match against Sami Zayn at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, and recent reports suggest his neck injury might also keep him out of WrestleMania 42 next year, worsening concerns around his in-ring future.
Vince Russo Criticizes Owens’ Absence from WrestleMania 41
Veteran wrestling personality Vince Russo voiced his frustration over Owens and Sami Zayn missing WrestleMania 41. On Sportskeeda Wrestling’s BroDown show, Russo expressed disbelief at both wrestlers sustaining significant injuries during their brutal match at Elimination Chamber, rendering them unable to participate in WWE’s marquee annual event.
“Here’s what I don’t understand. We know we are going into the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania. Back in the day, when there was a big show coming up, the guys would be extra careful, and they made sure they didn’t f each other up or f themselves up for the big show. Look what happens. What does Kevin Owens do? He and Sami Zayn both F themselves up at Elimination Chamber, and neither one is gonna be on WrestleMania. Are you morons?” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Legend
Russo’s remarks highlight the tension and disappointment felt by fans and insiders alike over the absence of two prominent stars during wrestling’s biggest spectacle. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn is slated to compete against Karrion Kross at WWE SummerSlam 2025, but Owens’ return date remains uncertain as he continues his recovery.
Implications of Owens’ Injury on WWE’s Future Events
Kevin Owens’ forced hiatus due to neck surgery has triggered widespread concern about the trajectory of his wrestling career, as well as the impact on WWE’s event lineup. Missing consecutive WrestleMania events deeply affects storylines, fan engagement, and Owens’ standing among the company’s top athletes.
The nickname “Snake daddy,” though humorous, underscores the challenges Owens and his family face during this pause from competition. His ongoing rehabilitation will be closely watched, as the WWE universe waits anxiously to see when the Prizefighter can compete again.
