Kevin Owens has not competed in a WWE match since July 2025, following a serious triple fusion neck surgery that required extensive recovery. The French–Canadian wrestler has expressed hope for a return to the ring in 2026, a timeline that WWE currently supports as his rehabilitation progresses.
Ongoing Recovery and Medical Assessments
‘The Prizefighter’ endured a triple fusion neck surgery in July 2025, a procedure considered one of the most severe for a wrestler but crucial for stabilizing his spinal condition. Owens explained at a NASCAR event in August that his surgery involved only one spinal level, which is a favorable outcome given the risks of such operations. He emphasized that while bone fusion typically aids recovery, there is no certainty of a full return to wrestling, as some athletes have had their careers ended by similar surgeries.
According to sources from BodySlam, Owens is set to undergo a re-evaluation during the summer to assess his recovery status. WWE remains optimistic about his return sometime this year, though details remain tentative. The 41-year-old’s fans were given a glimpse of hope in November when Owens shared footage of himself running and skipping, likely at the WWE Performance Center, suggesting progress in his rehabilitation.
Owens’ absence interrupted a high-profile feud that was expected to culminate at WrestleMania 2025 against Randy Orton. With Owens sidelined, Orton is now preparing for his third WrestleMania main event, continuing without Owens as planned. Owens himself confirmed that his neck issues would necessitate a significant time away from competition to ensure proper healing.
Recent Exchange with Logan Paul over WWE 2K26 Ratings
In early 2026, WWE unveiled the ratings for the upcoming WWE 2K26 video game, with Kevin Owens present alongside Joe Tessitore and Big E. The broadcast noted Logan Paul received a 90 rating, placing him fifth among WWE superstars. Paul joined the reveal remotely, sharing his reaction while Owens took the opportunity to challenge the rating hierarchy.
Owens, respecting Paul’s athleticism, found it difficult to accept that seasoned wrestlers like Sami Zayn and Finn Balor were ranked below the social media star. Owens argued that Paul’s rating of 90 was generous, suggesting he would have earned a score in the low 80s under different circumstances.
Paul responded by joking that Owens should have a zero rating due to his inactivity in the ring, which Owens countered by explaining the complexities of wrestling and reiterating that his own rating of 87 was maintained despite his surgery. The playful back-and-forth escalated with Paul ridiculing Owens for being out of action and Owens firing back about Paul’s on-screen appearances and personal style.
The dispute highlighted the ongoing banter between the two, showing their strong rapport and chemistry in and out of the ring. Fans engaged enthusiastically with their exchange, which reflects the dynamic that has developed between them in their previous wrestling encounters.
Significance of Owens’ Recovery to WWE’s Future
Kevin Owens’ potential return in 2026 carries weighty implications for WWE’s roster and storyline development. As a former Universal Champion and a fan favorite, his comeback would reignite interest in high-profile feuds and add depth to WWE’s competitive card. The timing of his evaluation this summer will be critical in determining whether he can resume wrestling at his previous performance level or if further setbacks might delay his re-entry.
Owens’ ability to overcome a severe neck injury is closely monitored not only by his supporters but also by industry experts who recognize the difficulty of returning to professional wrestling after such surgeries. His case may also influence protocols for managing spine-related injuries among athletes in contact sports.
With Randy Orton continuing his main event trajectory and new talents rising within WWE, Owens’ return would add valuable experience and star power to an evolving landscape. WWE and fans alike await updates from his upcoming medical assessments to gauge the likelihood of a successful comeback later this year.
Sources indicate to Bodyslam that Kevin Owens is set to undergo re-evaluation this Summer to see how things are coming along recovery wise.
Another source indicates that WWE is hopeful that Owens will be able to return at some point in 2026.
(Bodyslam+) pic.twitter.com/L2lKxQ3YB9
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) March 7, 2026
CM Punk, Seth Rollins & Brock Lesnar tie the top of the Raw WWE 2K26 superstar ratings with a 94!
CM Punk – 94
Seth Rollins 94
Brock Lesnar – 94
Jey Uso – 91
Logan Paul – 90
Bron Breakker – 90
Finn Balor – 88
Bronson Reed – 88
Dominik Mysterio – 87
Damian Priest – 87
Kevin Owens… pic.twitter.com/RzVEnU7CGs— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) February 27, 2026
“Kevin what’s your rating? oh it should be zero since u aren’t even wrestling”
“You don’t know how wrestling works”
THINGS ARE GETTING TENSE BETWEEN LOGAN PAUL AND KEVIN OWENS 😭
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 27, 2026
