Author: John Bass

Kevin Owens Opens Up About Neck Injury: “25 Years In, It Was Bound to Happen”

Just days after confirming he’s out of WrestleMania 41, Kevin Owens has shed more light on the injury that’s taken him off the road — and it turns out, the damage may not have come from one of his high-risk, headline-grabbing matches.

During an appearance on the My Mom’s Basement podcast ahead of this week’s WWE SmackDown, Owens candidly spoke about his neck issues, revealing that the injury likely happened during a routine match in January, not during his more extreme outings like his ladder match with Cody Rhodes or his Unsanctioned Match with Sami Zayn.

“25 years in, with the stuff I’ve done, I feel like it was bound to happen,” Owens said. “It sucks. The timing sucks, for sure… but I felt great even recently. This wasn’t something constant. It was just something that didn’t feel right the last few months.”

Owens explained that he had undergone a full-body MRI back in December — mostly out of curiosity — and while it revealed wear and tear (including his well-documented knee issues), doctors at the time gave him the green light. But a match in January changed everything.

“There were two things that really jarred my neck,” he recalled. “That’s when the issues started. I knew something was wrong. This week we did another MRI and found out it’s serious.”

So serious, in fact, that WWE’s medical team told Owens he wouldn’t be cleared for WrestleMania. That revelation hit hard.

“I was so shocked I almost stopped listening,” Owens admitted. “I knew something was up, but I didn’t think it was that bad. I thought we’d take care of it after WrestleMania.”

Unfortunately, that’s not how things played out. Owens now faces neck surgery and is staring down an uncertain recovery timeline. He hasn’t yet consulted with a surgeon but believes he could be out anywhere from six months to a year.

Missing Randy Orton at WrestleMania: “That Bugs Me the Most”

Perhaps the most painful part of the timing is that Owens was set to face Randy Orton in a one-on-one match at WrestleMania 41 — a dream bout for KO.

“That’s the part that bugs me the most,” he said. “I know I’ll be back. At least I hope I will. But this year was supposed to be me vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania. That’s huge for me.”

Owens took some solace in the fact that he shared the ring with Orton last year — albeit in a multi-man match he jokingly noted included “that other annoying guy” (take your guess on that one).

Injury Came from a “Regular Match”

In a fascinating twist, Owens pushed back against fans assuming his injury must have come from a violent spot in one of his more chaotic matches.

“It happened in a regular match,” Owens clarified. “No hardcore things. Nothing. Just two very simple things I’ve done a million times. That’s what’s funny about it. Sometimes it’s just bad luck — and I think in that match, those two things were just this much off.”

He also addressed fan criticism and misconceptions surrounding his in-ring style and recent use of barbed wire, pointing out that just because he didn’t bleed doesn’t mean it wasn’t legit.

“Our entire craft is making people believe something that’s not actually happening — and I’m very good at that,” he said. “Some people will never believe me anyway, and that’s fine.”

What’s Next?

As of now, Owens will undergo surgery soon and meet with specialists to finalize his recovery plan. There’s no concrete timeline for his return, but he remains hopeful and focused on coming back strong.

For now, the KO Show is on pause — but if we’ve learned anything about Kevin Owens over the last 25 years, it’s that this isn’t the end. Just the next chapter.

Stay with Wrestling News Blog for updates on KO’s surgery, recovery timeline, and the fallout from his WrestleMania absence.

Mark Davis Reportedly Suffers Broken Foot on AEW Dynamite

Another AEW star is heading to the sidelines, as new reports confirm that Mark Davis sustained a broken foot during his match with Powerhouse Hobbs on the March 26 episode of AEW Dynamite.

The injury, which caused the bout to end abruptly, had remained somewhat of a mystery until Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer provided a key update. Meltzer noted that the Aussie Open powerhouse fractured his foot during the match, which is expected to keep him out of in-ring action for at least a couple of months.

While AEW has yet to issue an official statement, there’s reportedly been backstage talk about keeping Davis visible on TV during his recovery — possibly in a non-wrestling or background role — to maintain his presence and keep momentum going for Aussie Open.

This injury comes at a tough time for Davis, who, alongside Kyle Fletcher, had been gaining traction as part of AEW’s tag team division. With Fletcher recently making solo appearances, it’ll be interesting to see how AEW handles Davis’ absence and whether Fletcher continues to work singles matches in the meantime.

No firm return date has been confirmed, but based on current expectations, fans may not have to wait too long to see Davis back on his feet — and back in the ring.

Kevin Owens Announces Neck Surgery, Officially Out of WrestleMania 41 — Orton Left Without an Opponent

WrestleMania season just took a major hit. On Friday night’s WWE SmackDown, Kevin Owens delivered a heartbreaking update: he’s undergoing neck surgery and will be sidelined indefinitely — including missing out on a highly anticipated showdown with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis opened the segment, setting a somber tone and reminding fans why WWE always warns against trying this at home. Aldis then brought Owens to the ring so the former Universal Champion could break the news himself.

Owens revealed that he’s been quietly battling a neck injury for the past four months but only recently discovered the full extent of the damage. The diagnosis? Surgery is required — and the timing couldn’t be worse. Owens admitted that missing WrestleMania stings, especially since he was set to face a legend like Randy Orton on the grandest stage of them all.

In an emotional moment, Owens thanked WWE for letting him speak directly to the fans, unsure of when he’ll be able to perform in front of them again. He expressed his gratitude and apologized, visibly emotional as he walked away.

But the moment didn’t end there.

As Owens made his exit, Orton’s music hit. The Viper walked to the ring and locked eyes with Owens on the apron. No words were exchanged — just a silent, mutual moment of respect. With Owens gone, Aldis told Orton the reality of the situation: with Owens out, Orton has no WrestleMania opponent.

Orton’s answer? A thunderous RKO to the General Manager.

While Owens begins his road to recovery, the question now looms large: what’s next for Randy Orton heading into WrestleMania 41? And more importantly, when — or if — we’ll see KO back in the ring.

Stay with Wrestling News Blog for updates on Owens’ recovery.

Pwinsider is reporting that according to multiple WWE sources, the situation is serious, with Owens likely needing surgery — potentially spinal fusion.

AEW Collision Preview 4/5/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TBS and Max taped Wednesday night from the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois.

  • Cash Wheeler vs. AEW Trios Champion Pac
  • Top Flight vs. Cru ( Action Andretti & Lio Rush)
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico – (Ricochet on commentary)
  • Powerhouse Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone` & Harley Cameron vs. ROH Women’s world Champion Athena & Julia Hart
  • Sitdown with Daniel Garcia and Adam Cole
  • Best Wrestler Alive Max Caster Open Challenge
  • We’ll hear from Jay White

AEW Dynasty 4/6/2025 (Card)

AEW Dynasty – Sunday April 6, 2025 – Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CARD

AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Swerve Strickland

AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Kenny Omega (c) vs. Ricochet vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey

AEW WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) vs. Megan Bayne

WOMN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH:
Mercedes Mone vs. Julia Hart

MASK VS TITLE MATCH FOR THE ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Bandido

AEW WORLD TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Death Riders (c) (Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Rated FTR (Cope, Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood)

AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP – NO TIME LIMIT, NO OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE:
Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Adam Cole

AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
The Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith

MEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH:
Will Ospreay vs. Kevin Knight

MEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH:
Mark Briscoe vs. Kyle Fletcher

Top Flight & AR Fox vs. CRU & Nick Wayne

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/4/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix International, from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

  • Last Man Standing Match: Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
  • CM Punk to confront Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins
  • Rey Fenix debuts
  • Naomi vs. B-Fab

Darby Allin Reportedly Set to Begin Mount Everest Climb on April 15

AEW star Darby Allin is officially gearing up for one of the most dangerous challenges of his life—climbing Mount Everest. After his plans were postponed last year due to a foot injury, the former TNT Champion is now set to begin his ascent on April 15, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

A Risky Undertaking

Climbing Everest is no small feat, especially for someone without extensive mountaineering experience. The journey to the summit typically takes around two months, though unpredictable weather and other challenges can extend the timeframe. With over 340 recorded fatalities on the mountain, Everest remains one of the most treacherous climbs in the world.

One of the most haunting aspects of the mountain is Rainbow Valley, a section near the summit known for the brightly colored clothing of fallen climbers whose bodies remain frozen in place. Another infamous landmark is Green Boots, the body of an unidentified climber who perished in 1996 and has since become a grim marker for those making the climb.

What’s Next for Darby?

Allin has never shied away from extreme challenges, whether inside the ring or in his personal life. He’s previously expressed his desire to push his limits beyond professional wrestling, and this Everest climb is the latest example of that mindset.

As he embarks on this dangerous mission, AEW fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his progress. If successful, Allin will join a rare group of individuals who have conquered the world’s tallest peak. However, given the risks involved, this journey will undoubtedly test his endurance and determination like never before.

Stay tuned for updates on Darby Allin’s Everest expedition as he takes his daredevil persona to new heights—literally.

Tony Khan Open to Moving “AEW Collision” from Saturday Nights

AEW CEO Tony Khan has addressed speculation surrounding AEW Collision possibly moving to a different night in the future. While Khan remains confident in the show’s performance on Saturdays, he acknowledged that any potential change would depend on AEW’s network partner, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Khan Praises Collision’s Growth on Saturdays

Speaking about Collision, Khan expressed pride in how the Saturday night program has developed its audience.

“I think we have a great thing on Saturdays,” Khan said. “We’ve consistently been one of the top shows in our time slot, and we’ve been building a great audience. ‘Collision’ is having a great year.”

He also pointed out how the show has performed well relative to other cable programs and believes it has built strong momentum heading into 2025.

Could Collision Move to a Different Night?

Despite his satisfaction with Collision’s current schedule, Khan made it clear that he’s open to change if WBD suggests it.

“I would be open to basically anything within reason the network asked me to do. I am really very proud of the run we’re having,” Khan explained.

This flexibility could come into play once WBD’s current deal with the NBA expires, as the network will likely reassess its programming strategy. AEW has benefited from sports lead-ins in the past, and Khan acknowledged that these have helped boost Collision’s success.

What’s Next for AEW Collision?

For now, Khan is focused on maintaining Collision’s momentum and ensuring its long-term success, much like Dynamite, which has been a major player for WBD since 2019. While nothing is set in stone regarding a potential schedule change, the AEW boss remains committed to working with the network to make the best decision for the company’s future.

With AEW’s media rights negotiations on the horizon, the placement of Collision could become a key discussion point. Whether it stays on Saturdays or moves to another night, it’s clear that Khan and AEW are ready to adapt.

AEW Star Orange Cassidy Reportedly Sidelined with Serious Injury

It looks like AEW’s “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy might be facing a significant setback. According to a report from Fightful Select, Cassidy is dealing with a serious injury that has forced him off television. While AEW sources couldn’t confirm specifics, there is speculation that he may have suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

At this point, there’s no word on whether the injury will require surgery or how long Cassidy could be out of action. However, given the nature of a potential pec tear, it could be a lengthy absence, meaning fans might not see the laid-back fan favorite in the ring for quite some time.

When Did the Injury Happen?

The exact moment Cassidy sustained the injury remains unclear, but many believe it happened during the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Final on March 19. That match, which also featured Mark Davis, was ultimately won by Ricochet and “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

Cassidy had only just returned to AEW television earlier this year after taking a brief hiatus. Upon his return, he participated in the AEW International Championship Contender Series, securing a win over Roderick Strong before falling to Konosuke Takeshita. He was also in action at AEW Revolution on March 9, appearing on the Zero Hour pre-show. Teaming with Mark Briscoe and Big Boom AJ, Cassidy picked up a win against Johnny TV and the MxM Collection, thanks in part to ringside interference from Big Justice.

What’s Next for Cassidy?

With Cassidy now on the shelf, AEW will have to adjust its plans for him moving forward. The AEW International Championship scene has been heating up, and his absence could open the door for new contenders to step up. Whether or not he’ll need surgery remains to be seen, but if a torn pec is indeed the diagnosis, fans should prepare for an extended recovery period.

For now, AEW has yet to make an official statement regarding Cassidy’s condition. Stay tuned for more updates as we learn more about his status and potential return timeline.

TNA Impact Preview 4/3/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV as the build continues for Unbreakable later this month. The lineup includes:

  • Masha Slamovich, Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee vs. Tessa Blanchard, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx
  • Elijah vs. Frankie Kazarian
  • Spitfire vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
  • We’ll hear from The Hardys
  • We will have a special announcement from Santino Marella
  • The System public firing
  • We’ll hear from Steph de Lander and Mance Warner