Zoey Stark, a prominent WWE competitor, has suffered a major career setback after a severe injury sustained during Monday Night Raw, leading to her long-term absence and prompting concern regarding her ability to compete at WrestleMania 42 in 2026. The WWE star injury forces WrestleMania 42 absence headlines an intense period for WWE, with other top names facing personal and physical challenges.
Devastating Setback for Zoey Stark
On the May 19 episode of Monday Night Raw, Zoey Stark aimed to secure a spot in the women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match. However, a miscalculated missile dropkick resulted in an awkward landing that left Stark in immediate, visible pain. Medical personnel responded swiftly and escorted her backstage for urgent care.
The severity of the injury was confirmed when Stark proceeded with knee surgery, marking the beginning of what is anticipated to be an extended rehabilitation period. According to WWE insiders cited by Fightful Select, expectations are that Stark will not be cleared to return during 2025 and is very likely to miss WrestleMania 42, set for April 2026. This news is deeply disappointing for fans and the roster alike, as Stark had built significant momentum prior to her accident.
Concerns Remain Over Kevin Owens’ WWE Future
The climate of worry within WWE is compounded by Kevin Owens’ current health struggles. In the build-up to WrestleMania 41, Owens was compelled to take a break after incurring a critical neck injury. Although his initial intention was to compete at the marquee event before stepping away, medical assessments deemed this far too dangerous to attempt.
Owens has openly discussed his uncertainty regarding a return to wrestling, sharing that his doctor is monitoring his neck injury before committing to surgery. But, Owens expects surgery to be necessary soon. The former World Champion reflected on the condition of his neck, admitting it had deteriorated over several months. He acknowledged the seriousness of his situation and confessed that his luck prevented a worse outcome. In closing, he refrained from making any promises about his WWE future, suggesting another major loss for the upcoming wrestling seasons.
Ongoing Issues Affect Multiple WWE and AEW Stars
Beyond Stark and Owens, recent developments among other wrestlers suggest mounting pressure across both WWE and AEW. In Orlando, a stalker targeting Liv Morgan was apprehended near the WWE Performance Center, raising concerns around safety protocols for high-profile performers like Liv Morgan. In a separate gesture, a WWE star paid homage to Carlito on Raw, even after the departure of the veteran from the company, underscoring how sudden exits are affecting the locker room.
The fallout continues with R-Truth’s exit from WWE on June 1 after 17 years of service, and speculation persists about his potential return, further stirring uncertainty. Meanwhile, one notable AEW World Champion has expressed growing frustration as competitive losses accumulate. The strain on morale appears palpable, impacting stars across the wrestling landscape, including those awaiting medical clearance and those grappling with match setbacks.
Replacing knocked-out talent has also become a necessity, as shown by a WWE competitor’s removal from their Worlds Collide match due to an in-ring knockout, prompting unplanned changes in event line-ups. New faces like Mariah May are debuting amid this chaos, capturing attention but also stepping into a wrestling scene riddled with injury recoveries and abrupt roster shifts. The return of a forgotten AEW talent was also delayed, pointing to ongoing physical and logistical challenges faced by the industry.
Implications for WrestleMania 42 and Beyond
With Zoey Stark now sidelined until at least 2026 and Kevin Owens’ future in the ring highly uncertain, WWE faces a turbulent period as major stars struggle with injuries and personal crises. These developments not only disrupt current event line-ups but also threaten to reshape long-term storylines and championship pursuits. As fans and insiders look ahead to WrestleMania 42, anticipation is now tinged with concern over whether beloved talents like Stark and Owens will ever return to their previous form, signaling a season of uncertainty for the entire wrestling community.
