Kevin Owens Confirms Neck Surgery, Will Miss WrestleMania 41

Rumors had surfaced on Friday that Owens was injured, but the severity of his injury wasn't known. Owens took to the ring on Friday night to deliver the devastating news, revealing that he has been dealing with a serious neck injury for the past four months. He told the WWE Universe, “The reality is, for the last four months, I’ve been dealing with a pretty serious neck injury, and now I need neck surgery.” He also admitted he has no idea when—or if—he’ll be able to return to the ring.

Randy Orton, who was present during Owens’ in-ring announcement, was visibly emotional and shared a respectful moment with Owens before he exited the ring. Orton, a veteran who himself returned from serious back fusion surgery last year, appeared gutted by the news and offered a heartfelt sign of respect.

This unfortunate development abruptly ends Owens’s road to WrestleMania, where he had been scheduled to face Randy Orton. Just hours before Owens’ public announcement, reports surfaced suggesting he was dealing with an undisclosed injury and that alternative plans were quietly being considered for Orton with only 15 days remaining before WrestleMania 41. Whatever WWE is going with as a backup plan wasn't made clear. That said, Orton did RKO Aldis when Aldis dared tell him that he no longer was going to have a match at WrestleMania.

Owens Going Down Is A Huge Blow For WWE

The injury is a major blow not only for Owens but for WWE’s WrestleMania card, which now loses one of its most consistent and passionate performers. Owens has been a steady performer for WWE and just recently signed a new long-term extension. He is widely regarded as one of the company’s best all-around talents—as good on the mic as he is in the ring. He can make any story work, and a grudge match with Orton would have been insanely entertaining.

There is no projected timeline for Owens’ return. After the announcement, fans flooded social media with support, wishing Owens a speedy and full recovery.