The WWE status of Kevin Owens is a tale of waiting, suffering and doubt. Owens has taken himself off the ring since withdrawing his WrestleMania 41 match due to a severe neck injury and the comeback date remains uncertain.
It is reported that he has not received surgery yet. Rather, the former Universal Champion and his medical team are being tentative in watching whether his body is capable of healing itself naturally before deciding to have surgery.
In April, Owens appeared on WWE SmackDown and said he had to have surgery. Experts have forecasted a six-to-eight-month recovery period, but their estimates could run to one year or beyond and even until 2026. Fightful and Wrestling-World sources indicate that he might be out till the end of 2025 and even WrestleMania 42 in 2026.
Even after the long hiatus, Kevin Owens has been open about his future plans. During an interview with the French source le10 Sport, he said candidly:
"It is a very tedious process. I am yet to undergo the surgery. We are in a way waiting to see how events will unfold. However it is a long process. All you need is patience.”
He was quick to add a cautionary note: “It would be untrue at this moment to say that I am definitely going back into the ring. I do not understand whether that is true”. And his page is not idle risk‑avoidance it is wisdom. Neck injuries are not a joke and KO is taking all the options to ensure that his health will be okay in the long term.
What’s Next for Kevin Owens
Owens is leaving no stone unturned: wait and see healing then schedule surgery as per requirement and start rehab. WWE officials are said to be resigned to his absence during the entire year 2025 and even in the early months of 2026. On the one hand, this may disillusion the fans who want to see their team back quickly.
On the other hand, this is a chance. Kevin Owens is a charismatic and promo king, so he can remain on camera even when he is not in the ring, possibly as a manager, via video feuds, or as a Wild Card, without suffering physical setbacks in the process.