In a heartfelt surprise appearance, WWE superstar Kevin Owens extended his support to the independent wrestling scene by opening Green Mountain Wrestling’s (GMW) recent show via a special video message. This marked a rare public engagement for the former WWE champion, who has been sidelined due to neck and spinal injuries. Owens, speaking from his home under his real name Kevin Steen, congratulated the promotion on crowning its first-ever champion and expressed admiration for its growth.
Kevin Owens’ Unexpected Indie Appearance
On September 14, 2025, Green Mountain Wrestling hosted a pivotal event in Barre, Vermont, where they were set to crown their inaugural champion. The show began with a video message from Owens, who surprised fans by appearing under his pre-WWE ring name, Kevin Steen. Owens opened the message by acknowledging his absence in person and conveyed his excitement about GMW’s progress.
“I wish I could be there in person because I’ve been keeping up with Green Mountain Wrestling for a while, and it’s been exciting to see it grow,” he said. Owens went on to send good wishes to the wrestlers competing for the title and the live audience, ending the message with his trademark humor, asking the promotion’s technical crew to “get my face off the screens” since some “just want to see a bunch of guys punch each other in the face” instead of hearing him talk forever[1][2][3].
Sources close to GMW insiders indicated that their collaboration with Owens helped elevate the show’s profile significantly, bringing more attention to the burgeoning promotion. Owens’ video was also noted as a nod of respect to the grassroots wrestling community that helped launch his career.
Owens’ Injury and WWE Absence
Kevin Owens has been absent from WWE programming since early April 2025. His final televised match took place on March 1, 2025, against Sami Zayn at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. His neck issues worsened during a brutal ladder match against Cody Rhodes at Royal Rumble 2025, where he took a punishing Alabama Slam through a ladder. Initially, Owens tried to push past the pain but eventually underwent spinal fusion surgery in July 2025 to address the damage[1][2].
In an update to fans, Owens reassured that the surgery was limited to a single vertebral level, considered the best-case scenario, but noted that recovery would be a lengthy process before he could return to WWE action. Much speculation surrounds his comeback, with WWE insiders suggesting that Owens is targeting a return sometime in 2026, contingent on his healing and rehabilitation progress.
Why Owens Chose the Independent Spotlight Now
According to a WWE insider, Owens’ choice to open the GMW show via video was not only a gesture of goodwill but also a symbolic reconnection with the independent wrestling world he came from. “Kevin has always had deep respect for the indies and where he started as Kevin Steen. Despite being a major WWE star, he never forgot those roots,” said the insider.
This appearance also highlights how Owens remains connected to wrestling despite his injury hiatus. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to maintain his profile with fans and show support for smaller promotions striving to make a mark.
Green Mountain Wrestling and Its Growing Influence
Green Mountain Wrestling has been steadily building momentum in the indie scene, particularly in the Northeast U.S. region. The September 14 event was crucial for the brand as it crowned “Moonlight Son” Mike Skyros as its first-ever GMW Champion. Owens’ involvement, even remotely, lent significant credibility to the promotion and drew increased attention from wrestling fans beyond Vermont.
Further elevating its profile, GMW is collaborating with Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) on a forthcoming show slated for November 9, 2025, in Vermont. Such partnerships signal the promotion’s ambitions and the increasing interconnectedness of the wrestling independent circuit[2].
What This Means for Fans and WWE Future
Owens’ injury has been a significant loss for WWE, removing one of its most dynamic performers at a time when the roster is undergoing major transitions. His thoughtful engagement with the indie scene during recovery may hint at a future where WWE talent maintain stronger connections with promotions outside WWE, offering fans fresh wrestling opportunities.
A WWE source close to Owens also revealed, “He’s been focused on recovery but staying mentally active by watching indie tapes and keeps in touch with people from that world. This appearance was a feel-good moment for him and for fans.” Though his WWE in-ring return timeline is uncertain, Owens continues to show the passion that made him a fan favorite[1][3].
Kevin Owens’ surprise video opening for Green Mountain Wrestling reflects his ongoing impact on professional wrestling beyond WWE, as well as his resilience and dedication during injury downtime. Fans eagerly await his eventual comeback, while the indie scene benefits from his visible endorsement.