Steve Carrier on March 7, 2026
Kevin Owens’ path back to WWE television may finally be getting a clearer timeline.
The former Universal Champion has been out of action since suffering a serious neck injury in 2025 that ultimately forced him to miss WrestleMania. After months of silence surrounding his recovery, a new report suggests the company may soon have a better idea of when — or if — he can return to the ring.
According to Bodyslam.net, Owens is expected to undergo another medical evaluation later this year to determine how his recovery is progressing following surgery.
Sources familiar with the situation say Owens underwent neck fusion surgery in July 2025 after the injury derailed his WrestleMania plans. The report also notes that while Owens has made a few WWE-related appearances since then, he has largely remained out of the public eye while focusing on healing. The outlet also revealed that WWE is keeping a hopeful outlook about Owens’ future even though a firm timeline has not been established.
“On the Road to WrestleMania last year, it was revealed by PWN that Kevin Owens was injured and would miss WrestleMania. As a result of the injury, Kevin Owens underwent successful neck fusion surgery in July of 2025.”
The report continued by explaining that Owens’ recovery process is still ongoing and that WWE officials are planning to take another look at his condition later this year. Despite the long recovery process, there is still optimism inside the company that Owens could eventually step back into a WWE ring.
“Sources indicate to Bodyslam that Kevin Owens is set to undergo re-evaluation this Summer to see how things are coming along recovery wise.”
“Another source indicates that WWE is hopeful that Owens will be able to return at some point in 2026.”
Neck fusion surgeries are known to require lengthy recovery periods, and while the average timeline can range from six months to a year, the physical demands of professional wrestling often extend that timeline even further.
For now, Owens’ comeback remains uncertain until doctors can determine how his body is responding to the procedure. The upcoming evaluation this summer could play a major role in deciding whether the Prizefighter is able to resume in-ring training.
Owens has been one of WWE’s most reliable performers for years, and his absence has been noticeable as the company heads deeper into the road to WrestleMania season. If the recovery continues to trend in the right direction, WWE fans could eventually see Kevin Owens back where he belongs — inside the ring.
Do you think Kevin Owens will be able to make a full return to WWE in 2026, or should the company take even more time before bringing him back? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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