One of WWE’s most beloved superstars is officially on the shelf for the foreseeable future. Kevin Owens, the former Universal Champion and fan-favorite brawler, has undergone neck surgery after months of uncertainty about his in-ring future.
Back on April 4 during SmackDown, Owens shocked fans when he grabbed a microphone and revealed he’d been wrestling through significant neck issues. Despite his best efforts to push through the pain for a planned WrestleMania 41 showdown with Randy Orton, Owens confirmed that he would need surgery — stepping away from competition indefinitely.
At the time, reports swirled suggesting Owens had already gone under the knife. However, those claims were premature. According to a new report from Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Owens finally underwent surgery on July 18. WWE insiders have indicated that recovery from this type of neck procedure generally takes about a year — casting serious doubt on Owens’ chances of making it back in time for WrestleMania 42 in April 2026.
That said, every recovery journey is unique. WWE reportedly plans to monitor Owens’ progress closely, with no firm timetable set for his return. The company seems committed to giving Owens the time he needs to heal fully, both for his health and future in the ring.
In a candid interview on Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast before his surgery, Owens opened up about the frustrating nature of his injury. Despite feeling little to no pain at times, the damage to his spinal cord was severe enough that a medical clearance was impossible. Owens explained that doctors advised waiting for natural healing before surgery to improve his long-term recovery prospects.
With surgery now complete, fans around the world will be watching and waiting for updates on Owens’ condition. His grit and resilience have defined his WWE career, and while his road back may be long, no one is counting out the Prizefighter.
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