Kevin Owens is one of those performers who can do anything. He's been both a beloved fan favorite, and one of the most hated heels in the business. He's currently on the mend from neck issues and there's a new report on his potential return in the future.
Fightful Select reported on July 19 on Owens' status and return. According to Sean Ross Sapp, Owens underwent successful neck surgery on July 18. Initial expectations were for him to miss both WrestleMania 41 and 42. The recovery is expected to last for one year, but WWE is intending on progressing based on Owens' comfortability as he recovers.
Kevin Owens was last in the ring back on March 1, losing an unsanctioned match to Sami Zayn at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025. Owens has openly talked about the injury and the pain he was experiencing at the time.
"In the last week, for some reason, the symptoms all came in one shot," Owens told Cody Rhodes on his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About. "Every symptom you'd expect me to have, the pain in the neck, the stuff going down the arms, the legs not really responding, it's all been happening. So it's been pretty [expletive] brutal. I can't wait for the surgery. And then to move forward, whatever that looks like -- but it's been very frustrating."
Kevin Owens deserves a major run as the top champion
Kevin Owens is one of those performers who is a big star in the eyes of fans, but remains just outside the top-tier when it comes to his booking. It has been eight years since Owens has held a singles title and almost ten since he first won the WWE Universal Championship back in 2016. That is amazing when thinking about the level of performer Owens is at this point in his career.
Look at the success "Hangman" Adam Page is having during this run in All Elite Wrestling. What has been so special about this run is that he's been positioned as the "main character" of the company. He's crafted his personality into one who is believable and the fans have responded with all their support. Kevin Owens (along with Sami Zayn) is someone who could be the same type of character in WWE. One whose gravitational pull keeps fans watching week to week. However, the question is whether or not WWE will book him in that position and signs do not point to "yes."
When Kevin Owens returns, that should be the moment he goes on a major run. He is approaching 42 years of age, and past his physical prime. Fans would respond positively if Owens was given the space to stand tall as the top performer on the main roster. He has everything the company asks for in a sports entertainer and he deserves that moment in the spotlight.
Until then, Daily DDT wishes KO a healty and speedy recovery.