Category: WWE

Kevin Owens Shares Recovery Timeline

Kevin Owens is keeping his chin up — even if it’s his neck that needs fixing.

After delivering a surprising and emotional announcement on WWE SmackDown last week, Kevin Owens confirmed he’ll be stepping away from the ring to undergo neck surgery. The news sparked concern among fans, with some even speculating this could be a career-threatening situation. But if you ask KO himself? He’s not ready to hang up the boots just yet.

Speaking on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, Owens offered a candid and hopeful update on his condition and future in WWE. While acknowledging the seriousness of the injury, “The Prizefighter” made it clear that a return is very much on his mind.

“I know I’ll come back — or at the very least, I really hope I come back. You know, I guess there’s … I never take anything for granted in what we do, so who knows? But it’s pretty likely I’ll come back,” Owens said.

More than just a return, Owens already has his sights set on a dream singles match against none other than Randy Orton. The two briefly clashed at WrestleMania 40 in a triple threat match that also involved Logan Paul, but Owens wants another shot — one-on-one with “The Viper.”

“Maybe we could do it [a match with Orton at WrestleMania] eventually,” he added, suggesting that he’s not done chasing WrestleMania moments.

As for his recovery timeline, the former Universal Champion admitted it’s still early days. He hasn’t spoken to his surgeon yet — that appointment is set for this week — but based on what others have experienced with similar injuries, Owens estimates his absence could last anywhere from six to twelve months.

“Most of the people who have gone through similar things have probably, you know, six months to eight months to a year. So I would assume within that range, but I don’t really know. Like I said, it’s all really new right now.”

Owens’ last match came at Elimination Chamber in February, where he picked up a win over longtime friend (and sometimes rival) Sami Zayn — a fitting high note before taking time off.

While there’s still a long road ahead, Owens’ passion for the business and his desire for that elusive singles match with Orton could be the fuel he needs to power through recovery. For now, fans will have to wait — but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Kevin Owens always finds a way to fight back.

Stay locked in to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on KO’s status and all things WWE.

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.

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.

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

Miro (Rusev)Reportedly Returning to WWE After AEW Departure

Another former AEW star is heading back to WWE, and this time, it’s none other than Miro. The man formerly known as Rusev was reportedly spotted at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, with PWInsider reporting that he has signed a new deal with the company and is finalizing the details of his return.

Miro’s wife, CJ Perry (formerly known as Lana), was not seen at WWE HQ, leaving questions about her potential involvement in his return.

This marks the end of Miro’s five-year absence from WWE. After debuting in the company’s developmental system in 2010, he made a name for himself as Rusev alongside Perry, dominating as a powerhouse and winning the United States Championship three times. He had memorable rivalries with John Cena, AJ Styles, and other top names but struggled to break into WWE’s main event scene consistently.

Following his release in 2020 as part of WWE’s COVID-19 budget cuts, Miro made the jump to AEW, where he initially thrived as TNT Champion. However, after dropping the title to Sammy Guevara in late 2021, his in-ring appearances became sporadic, and he wrestled only 13 matches before requesting his release in 2024. He was officially let go this past February, opening the door for his WWE comeback.

Miro’s return is part of a growing trend in 2025, with multiple former AEW talents making the switch to WWE. Penta and NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints have already debuted, while Rey Fenix is set to appear for the first time this Friday. Meanwhile, Malakai Black is also rumored to be on his way back to WWE in the near future.

With Miro rejoining WWE, the big question now is how he will be reintroduced—and whether this will be the long-awaited push that eluded him during his first run.

Mick Foley Hospitalized After Car Accident, Shares Update with Fans

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley is known for enduring some of the most brutal moments in wrestling history, but his latest battle happened outside the ring. The “Hardcore Legend” revealed on social media that he was hospitalized following a car accident, suffering injuries from his knees to his back, as well as a concussion.

Never one to lose his sense of humor, Foley shared a photo of himself standing beside the wreckage on Facebook, reassuring fans while keeping his signature upbeat attitude.

“TOUGH DAY FOR MICK! I have no idea how I am still walking around after this accident. I’m in the hospital now, and I’m sore from my knees to my neck, including a minor concussion,” Foley wrote.

Foley, a three-time WWE Champion and one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history, has taken some insane punishment throughout his career—from being thrown off Hell in a Cell to countless hardcore brawls. While this latest incident wasn’t part of a scripted match, it’s clear that his resilience remains intact.

Fans have flooded social media with well wishes, hoping for a speedy recovery for the hardcore icon. No further details have been shared about the accident, but knowing Foley, he’ll be back with another update soon—possibly with a tale that makes even this real-life scare sound like just another chapter in his legendary career.

Get well soon, Mick!

UPDATE

Foley posted the following update on Facebook:

“It’s been a little over 24 hours since I climbed out of this car, and I’m feeling very fortunate and very grateful. I do feel like I’ve been run over by a truck, but the idea that someone would be in an accident like this and walk away with only soft tissue injury makes me feel like someone was looking out for me! Thank you to all of you who sent well wishes.

I’m back on the road tomorrow and will not miss a single date!”

Pat McAfee Faces Potential Legal Trouble Over Controversial Comments on His Show

Pat McAfee, known for stirring up controversy both as a WWE commentator and ESPN host, is once again in hot water—this time over comments made on The Pat McAfee Show that could lead to legal consequences.

The situation stems from a February 26 episode of McAfee’s show, where he and his co-hosts discussed an online rumor involving an Ole Miss college student allegedly having an affair with her boyfriend’s father. While McAfee didn’t mention the student by name, The Athletic has since identified her as 18-year-old freshman Mary Kate Cornett, a business major with no ties to sports.

The discussion happened during a segment with NFL insider Adam Schefter, who was covering Ole Miss quarterback and NFL Draft prospect Jackson Dart. Despite no apparent connection between Dart and Cornett, the rumor gained traction after McAfee’s show addressed it. Former NFL receiver Antonio Brown, personalities from Barstool Sports, and ESPN St. Louis radio host Doug Vaughn further amplified the story, leading to widespread social media harassment directed at Cornett, her boyfriend, and her family. The harassment escalated to the point that Cornett had to relocate to emergency housing.

Cornett has since hired attorney Monica Uddin and is pursuing legal action against McAfee, ESPN, and potentially others involved. Speaking on the ordeal, Cornett expressed how deeply the situation has affected her life.

“I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done,” she said. “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life.”

As of now, neither McAfee nor ESPN have responded to the controversy. With legal action on the horizon, this situation could have serious consequences for McAfee’s media career—not to mention his role with WWE.

John Cena Opens Up About Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Teams with Neutrogena for Awareness Campaign

John Cena has always been known for his resilience, both in and out of the wrestling ring. Now, he’s using his platform to spread an important message about skin health. The WWE legend and Hollywood star has teamed up with Neutrogena to promote their Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, revealing that he was previously diagnosed and treated for skin cancer.

Cena’s Personal Battle with Skin Cancer

In an interview with PEOPLE, Cena admitted that he had been “stubborn” when it came to sun protection, assuming he was immune to the long-term effects of sun exposure. However, after years of outdoor activity with minimal protection, he was diagnosed with skin cancer and had a cancerous spot removed from his right pectoral muscle.

“I didn’t want to have a routine, and I also thought the problem would never reach me,” Cena admitted. “It wasn’t until I went to a dermatologist, got a skin checkup, and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec.”

Even after that first scare, Cena’s battle wasn’t over. A year later, he had another spot removed near his right shoulder, leaving visible marks that fans can actually see when he wrestles in WWE.

Spreading Awareness and Encouraging Prevention

Now, Cena is using his experience to encourage others to take sun protection seriously. He emphasized how overwhelming the statistics on skin cancer are, but noted that personal stories are what truly make an impact.

“The best way to hammer home a point is human-to-human connection,” Cena said. “That phone call is not what you want to get… because it is unpredictable, and you don’t know how bad it’s going to be.”

Through his partnership with Neutrogena, Cena hopes to educate fans on the importance of sunscreen and regular skin checkups, making sun protection a priority rather than an afterthought.

A Champion’s Message

Cena has spent decades inspiring fans with his “Never Give Up” mantra, and now he’s applying that same mindset to health advocacy. By sharing his story, he’s not only raising awareness but also encouraging people to take proactive steps in preventing skin cancer—because even superheroes like Cena aren’t invincible to the sun’s dangers.

WWE Raw Preview 3/31/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix from the O2 Arena in London, England, with a special start time of 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT.

  • WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Rhea Ripley. Bianca Belair will be the special guest referee
  • John Cena and Cody Rhodes to go face-to-face
  • Logan Paul to call out AJ Styles
  • Jimmy Uso vs. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther (non-title)
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker and Penta vs. Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Dominik ysterio
  • The New Day in action

Jerry “The King” Lawler Gives Health Update, Opens Up About Stroke Recovery

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler recently provided an update on his health, discussing his ongoing recovery from a 2023 stroke and revealing details about his recent knee surgeries. The legendary commentator and former in-ring competitor spoke with Sportskeeda’s Bill Apter, sharing both the challenges he’s facing and his determination to keep moving forward.

Lawler’s Knee Surgery & Future Plans

At 74 years old, Lawler remains active but admitted that his knees have been giving him trouble. He recently underwent knee replacement surgery on his right knee, with another procedure expected for his left knee in the future.

“I feel great. I feel good except my knees are a little bit under the weather. I had my right knee replaced about six or seven months ago, and they said that takes about a year to get back to normal. My left knee needs to be replaced, too, but I’m going to wait a while on that one.”

Despite these setbacks, Lawler remains in good spirits and continues to make public appearances when possible.

Stroke Recovery: A Daily Battle

Lawler also reflected on the lingering effects of his 2023 stroke, admitting that while he has recovered enough to resume some activities, the impact is something he deals with every day.

“That’s [stroke] something that’s here constantly every day. I haven’t gotten over [it] because the effects of the stroke are always there. My whole right side of my body is damaged, and I can’t write real good, I can’t draw, but I can still sign autographs. Other than that, I feel fine.”

Fans will recall that Lawler was hospitalized following the stroke but made an inspiring recovery. While his days of wrestling and regular commentary are behind him, “The King” still finds ways to connect with the WWE Universe.

Lawler’s WWE Status & Recent Appearances

After decades as one of WWE’s most recognizable voices, Lawler’s long-standing contract with the company was not renewed in 2024. However, WWE still acknowledges his legacy, and he was seen on-camera during the February 7, 2025 edition of SmackDown, where he was shown in the crowd and received a warm ovation from the Memphis audience.

Although his full-time days in WWE may be over, Lawler remains a beloved figure in wrestling history. His resilience through health struggles is yet another testament to why he is, and always will be, The King.