Kevin Owens’ Cryptic Tweet Raises Doubts About Neck Surgery Status

Kevin Owens’ WrestleMania 41 heartbreak hit fans hard—but his latest comment on Twitter has some wondering if the recovery timeline may not be as clear as we thought.

After it was widely reported that Owens underwent neck surgery on April 7, fans assumed he’d be on the shelf for the next 12 to 15 months. Dave Meltzer even said in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, “Owens’ surgery was believed to have taken place on 4/7,” and added that the recovery time for that type of surgery typically keeps someone out “12 to 15 months.”

But now, Kevin Owens himself is raising eyebrows with a quick—and cryptic—reply. When asked by a fan on April 11 if there were any updates on his health, Owens didn’t exactly clarify anything. Instead, he tweeted: “I’m currently battling a cold. Oh and my neck is bad.”

No mention of surgery. No timeline. Just a casual confirmation that his neck is still “bad.” Which now has people asking… did the surgery actually happen?

Earlier, Meltzer noted that “Owens put the timetable as six to eight months, or maybe a year,” depending on how rehab goes. WWE sources had previously described the situation as “awful,” with many speculating that Owens was headed for neck fusion surgery—a procedure that carries major recovery hurdles.

Here’s what a typical fusion recovery looks like:

• 0–6 weeks: No in-ring activity. Complete rest and pain management.
• 6 weeks–3 months: Physical therapy begins, no bumping allowed.
• 3–6 months: Light bump training starts, still closely monitored.
• 6–12+ months: Cleared if bone fusion is successful, but not guaranteed.

Legends like Edge and Stone Cold Steve Austin had to retire after neck issues, while others like Tommaso Ciampa made it back quicker—though Ciampa’s surgery reportedly involved a different method.

Now, with Owens’ vague response casting doubt, it’s unclear whether he went under the knife or is trying alternate treatment first. Either way, the clock on his comeback just got even murkier. Ringside News will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available.

UPDATE: Dave Meltzer’s report about Kevin Owens was proven to not be accurate.

Do you think Kevin Owens is keeping surgery details private on purpose? Or are we looking at a totally different recovery route? Drop your thoughts in the comments—should KO take all the time he needs, or are you hoping to see him back before the year is out?