Kevin Owens has been sidelined for nearly a year following a severe neck and spinal cord injury that required surgery early in 2025. Due to the seriousness of his condition, WWE removed Owens from all in-ring competition, and he has not appeared on television since. Fans were hopeful for a surprise return for Owens at the upcoming Royal Rumble event, especially given his history of unexpected comebacks, but recent updates have dashed these hopes.
Owens was initially booked to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41, but the match was canceled because of his injury. Orton instead faced Joe Hendry at the event while Owens concentrated on his rehabilitation.
WWE Does Not Expect Owens to Compete at Royal Rumble
According to Fightful Select, WWE has not medically cleared Kevin Owens to return to competition as of the last weekend before the Royal Rumble. This development means Owens will not participate in the men’s Royal Rumble match as many fans had anticipated. The news adds further disappointment to Owens’s ongoing recovery and absence from live events.
Fightful Select also reported on Owens’ former tag team partner, Seth Rollins, confirming that Rollins will also miss the upcoming event in Riyadh due to a shoulder injury sustained during the 2025 Crown Jewel match against Cody Rhodes.
Injury Updates on Other WWE Superstars Before Royal Rumble
Dominik Mysterio remains off television while recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in a match against his father, Rey Mysterio. Meanwhile, Braun Strowman was recently hospitalized due to a knee infection, adding to concerns about his health leading into 2026 events.
Additional Developments Within WWE’s Roster and Upcoming Events
Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, has promised that the 2026 Royal Rumble will deliver numerous surprises, signaling that the event will be a major occasion despite the absence of notable talents like Owens and Rollins. However, spoilers have emerged from the Royal Rumble’s host country, Saudi Arabia, revealing the return of a WWE Hall of Famer, which has stirred excitement and speculation among fans.
Meanwhile, WWE’s Paige is rumored to possibly make a comeback, though no official confirmation exists yet regarding her status for the Royal Rumble. Talent within WWE continues to draw attention, including a female star who was recently compared favorably to Shawn Michaels, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to showcase rising performers.
Jey Uso, involved in a significant rivalry following his 2025 Royal Rumble victory, surprised fans by breaking character to publicly praise an intense WWE adversary, reflecting the tense but respectful dynamics within the roster.
Implications of Owens’ Continued Absence and WWE’s Path Forward
Kevin Owens’ lack of clearance to return at the Royal Rumble underscores the lasting impact of his injury and the cautious approach WWE is taking regarding his health. The event was seen as an ideal platform for Owens to mark his comeback, but his prolonged absence dampens enthusiasm for fans awaiting his return to WWE programming. With other key performers like Seth Rollins also recovering from injuries, WWE faces the challenge of maintaining high excitement levels for its marquee events despite notable absences.
As WWE looks ahead to WrestleMania and other major shows, the focus will likely remain on recovering stars like Owens and Rollins, alongside emerging talents. The company’s commitment to surprising fans, as promised by Triple H, suggests that creative plans are underway to fill gaps caused by injuries with unexpected returns and new storylines, aiming to preserve momentum throughout 2026.
