Kevin Owens’ in-ring future after neck injury and surgery remains in question, as the WWE star delays undergoing a necessary operation and offers no certainty about a return. Facing a lengthy absence and ongoing medical evaluations, Owens and his team are awaiting his body’s response before moving forward, raising doubts about his wrestling prospects.
Kevin Owens Withdraws From WrestleMania After Serious Neck Setback
On April 4, during SmackDown, Kevin Owens announced that he would be unable to participate in WrestleMania or fulfill his scheduled match with Randy Orton due to a debilitating neck injury. This development forced WWE to replace Owens with TNA performer Joe Hendry, who was defeated by The Viper, Randy Orton, in quick fashion at the event.
Ever since his public injury declaration, both Owens himself and several media reports have stressed that his rehabilitation process is anything but straightforward. Medical professionals involved, including his own doctor, have emphasized the need for patience as recovery timelines stretch into the distant future.
Owens Speaks on Surgery Delay and Physical Condition
In a recent conversation with Bernard Colas from e10Sport, Owens clarified that he has not yet gone through with surgery. This delay is part of a deliberate plan, as both the former World Champion and his doctor have opted to monitor any potential natural improvement in his neck. This careful approach intends to give his body adequate time to possibly heal itself before resorting to surgical intervention.
“I still haven’t had the surgery. There’s a lot of things to consider before the surgery,”
Owens stated.
“We’re waiting to see how things progress naturally. There’s no doubt I need surgery, but before we do the surgery, we just have to see how much it can slightly improve without surgery… It’s a very slow process. You just have to have patience.”
—Kevin Owens, WWE Superstar
Owens was candid about the severity of his condition, sharing that he had continued to perform at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber even while already experiencing neck issues. He acknowledged the gravity of wrestling with a “very bad shape” neck but recognized he was lucky to have avoided even more dire injury consequences.
Future in the Ring Uncertain
Offering a sobering outlook, Owens admitted that there’s no definite promise he will compete in the ring again. Recovery remains unpredictable, and surgery success alone cannot ensure a full return to his previous athletic level.
“It would be… false to be able to tell you right now that I will absolutely return to the ring… I don’t know if that’s true.”
—Kevin Owens, WWE Superstar
In parallel news, WWE sources have hinted that Zoey Stark, who is also coping with a long-term absence, may remain sidelined up to and beyond WrestleMania 42, highlighting the challenging road many wrestlers face following serious injuries in the company.
Spotlight on Ongoing Recovery Trends Across WWE
Kevin Owens’ hesitancy and careful medical strategy illustrate a broader truth about professional wrestling—where severe injuries can abruptly alter high-profile careers. His situation is amplified by other recent updates in WWE, including Liv Morgan’s ongoing recovery from a head injury and speculation about the long-term status of additional stars including Zoey Stark and AJ Lee.
Elsewhere in the wrestling landscape, figures such as CM Punk and John Cena have drawn attention with their comebacks and farewell events, but the specter of career interruption due to injury looms at all levels of competition. The evolution within WWE, particularly with hints of a less nurturing environment since Vince McMahon’s departure, adds another layer of uncertainty for talent contending with health setbacks.
Outlook for Kevin Owens and the WWE Roster
The deliberate approach chosen for Kevin Owens’ rehabilitation reflects the mounting challenges high-impact athletes face after major injury. While fans and colleagues hope for his eventual return, no guarantees can be made at this stage, leaving questions about both his and other stars’ futures unanswered. With his in-ring career hanging in the balance and no clear timetable for surgery or recovery, the wrestling world awaits further updates, watching closely as Owens attempts to overcome adversity and medical uncertainty.
