After months of uncertainty, Kevin Owens has taken a crucial step toward an in-ring return, successfully undergoing neck surgery on Friday, July 18. The news, reported by Fightful Select, confirms that the former Universal Champion is now officially on the road to recovery from the injury that has kept him out of action since April.
The procedure, however, initiates what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation period. Sources within WWE estimate a recovery timeline of at least one full year, a development that makes it highly probable Owens will miss WrestleMania 42 in April 2026. The company reportedly plans to monitor his progress and comfort level as the new year begins to establish a more concrete timeline.
Owens first announced the need for surgery on the April 4 episode of WWE SmackDown, revealing a severe neck and spinal cord issue. The diagnosis forced him to withdraw from a high-profile match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 and step away from wrestling indefinitely to avoid the risk of more severe consequences.
In the weeks leading up to the operation, Owens noted that while he was no longer in significant pain, his spinal cord required time to heal naturally before surgery could be performed. This delay was a necessary medical precaution to ensure a smoother recovery process. The successful procedure on July 18 puts an end to speculation and corrects previous false reports that the surgery had already taken place shortly after his announcement.