WWE superstar Kevin Owens recently shared significant updates regarding his neck fusion surgery and the uncertain outlook on his wrestling future. Speaking candidly during the 2025 Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR event in Daytona Beach, Owens revealed the stress leading up to the operation and the difficult road ahead as he waits to see how his body heals.
The Surgery and Its Challenges
Owens underwent neck fusion surgery on July 18, 2025, following months of pain and complications that ultimately forced him to take time away from WWE programming. The procedure involved fusing parts of his vertebrae to alleviate pressure and instability in his neck. Owens explained that while the surgery was successful, the biggest challenge is the healing process after, which doesn’t come with any guaranteed outcome.
“I needed neck fusion. It was very stressful going into it because we weren’t really sure how severe the fusion was going to be, how many levels, all this stuff,” Owens said during a Q&A session with fans at the NASCAR event. “Thankfully, it ended up only being one level, which is the best-case scenario for something like this. The surgery was successful, I had a great doctor. The thing is now we have to see how the bones fuse and there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work. It’s how my body heals, some guys have had success, some guys haven’t. Fingers crossed I get to come back to wrestling in the next year, really don’t know though. My goal is to come back so hopefully that happens.”
Owens last competed in WWE in March 2025 during the Elimination Chamber event, where he defeated Sami Zayn in an intense Unsanctioned match.
What This Means for Owens’ WWE Future
The reality of neck fusion surgery is that recovery timelines and outcomes vary widely among patients, especially in high-impact sports like professional wrestling. While Owens’ determination to return to the ring remains strong, insiders close to WWE caution that his return may depend heavily on his body’s response to the surgery.
A WWE insider familiar with Owens’ situation told us, “Kevin is committed to making a comeback, but the company is preparing for any scenario. Neck surgeries like this are serious, and while the procedure went well, the healing and rehabilitation phase is critical. WWE is prioritizing Kevin’s health over everything. They want him back, but only when he is fully ready.”
This cautious optimism highlights the delicate balance WWE must maintain between supporting its top talents and safeguarding their long-term well-being.
Rehabilitation and Next Steps
Going forward, Owens will focus on rehabilitation — which will include physical therapy, strength training, and constant medical evaluation. The fusion surgery requires the bones in the neck to fully fuse and stabilize, which typically takes several months. Owens will likely undergo periodic scans to monitor the progress and determine when or if he can safely return to wrestling.
Owens’ update mirrored the reality faced by many wrestlers dealing with serious injuries: the road back is uncertain and often extends beyond initial expectations. He remains hopeful but realistic — capturing the emotional and physical toll a career in professional wrestling can take.
Impact on WWE Storylines and Fans
Kevin Owens is a fan favorite known for his gritty performances and charismatic personality. His absence leaves a noticeable void on WWE RAW and SmackDown. Fans and wrestling analysts alike are watching closely for signs of his return, while WWE may pivot storylines to build towards a potential comeback angle.
Sources close to WWE creative have indicated plans to keep Owens involved in storylines creatively, even if off-screen, to maintain his presence and momentum for when he does return.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Owens’ transparency about the uncertainty of his recovery from neck fusion surgery offers a rare and humanizing glimpse into the challenges wrestlers face behind the scenes. While optimistic about a return within the next year, Owens and WWE acknowledge that health must come first.
According to Owens, “It’s stressful not knowing, but I’m taking it one day at a time. Hopefully, this surgery is the turning point.” For WWE fans worldwide, the hope is clear — that one of the company’s toughest competitors will lace up his boots and step back into the ring stronger than ever.
This article will be updated as more information about Kevin Owens’ recovery and potential return becomes available.