Kevin Owens Announces Neck Surgery – Kevin Owens delivered heartbreaking news during the April 4, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, confirming that he will be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a severe neck injury that requires surgery. The update comes just over a week before WrestleMania 41, where Owens was originally scheduled to face Randy Orton in a highly anticipated match.
Owens came to the ring to directly address the recent reports surrounding his health and WrestleMania status. Speaking candidly to the live crowd and fans watching at home, Owens reflected on his 25-year career, acknowledging the sacrifices he has made to live out his dream.
“I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and I’ve given everything I have in this ring,” Owens said. “Because of it, I’ve been able to experience things I never imagined. I’ve been able to support my family in ways I never thought possible.”
However, Owens revealed that the physical toll has caught up with him. He shared that he has been wrestling through a serious neck injury for the past four months. After receiving new medical evaluations this week, Owens was told that surgery is now necessary.
“The timing couldn’t be worse,” he admitted. “Not getting to step into the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks.” He thanked WWE for giving him the opportunity to speak openly with fans and vowed not to take any moment in the business for granted again.
“I don’t know when I’ll have the privilege to be in front of you again, but for now—I just want to say thank you. And I’m sorry.”
The emotional moment was followed by a surprise appearance from Randy Orton, whose music hit as Owens stood on the apron. Orton approached Owens at ringside and quietly acknowledged the situation before Owens exited up the ramp. In a brief but striking moment, Owens was seen exchanging heated words with a fan as he made his way backstage.
The segment didn’t end there.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis approached Orton with more bad news. “I hate to be the one to tell you this, but that means you don’t have a match at WrestleMania,” Aldis said.
Randy Orton’s response was swift—and brutal. Without hesitation, Orton dropped Aldis with a sudden RKO, sending a clear message to anyone who might be watching: The Viper doesn’t take rejection lightly.
With Kevin Owens officially ruled out of WrestleMania 41, the road to the event has taken an unexpected detour. As WWE scrambles to find a new direction for Randy Orton, fans are left wondering if the RKO to Aldis was a statement—or the start of a new feud.
Kevin Owens Announces Neck Surgery
