Kevin Owens’ Injury Could Sideline Him for a Year or Longer

Kevin Owens broke the hearts of fans during the April 4 episode of SmackDown when he revealed he’s dealing with a serious neck injury and will miss WrestleMania 41. And now we know—it’s not a storyline. It’s very real, and it could sideline him for a long time.

According to earlier reports, Owens’ neck issues are completely legitimate, and he’s expected to undergo surgery soon. One WWE source even called the situation “awful.” Another mentioned that fusion surgery may be necessary, which comes with a long road back—and no guarantees.

So what does that kind of recovery look like? Here’s what wrestlers typically face after neck fusion surgery:

• 0–6 weeks: Full rest, minimal movement, pain management, and no in-ring training at all.
• 6 weeks–3 months: Physical therapy picks up, along with light strength training and cardio—but still zero bump-taking.
• 3–6 months: Wrestlers begin returning to training slowly. Bumps are reintroduced with caution. Constant medical evaluations are needed.
• 6–12 months: In the best cases, wrestlers return in six months, but most take 9–12 months before they’re cleared for a full-time return. Every movement is closely monitored to avoid re-injury.

The neck isn’t something anyone plays around with in wrestling. Doctors won’t clear talent unless the bones are fully fused and there’s zero risk to the spinal cord.

Some of the most well-known wrestlers in history have walked this road. Stone Cold Steve Austin had his neck fused in 1999 but retired in 2003 after dealing with pain for years. Edge retired in 2011 and only returned nine years later after his neck fully healed with the help of newer technology. Kurt Angle rushed back in just a few months but later admitted it permanently affected his mobility.

This isn’t just a setback for WrestleMania—it’s a huge blow to WWE and fans who were excited for Owens’ match with Randy Orton, which had been building for months. But Owens made it clear: “I waited my whole life for this, and now I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

No return timeline has been confirmed, but if fusion surgery is the route, Owens may be out for most—or all—of the next year.