Ex-WWE Universal Champion Makes Big Announcement on SmackDown, Leaves Fans Worried
Kevin Owens announces neck injury requiring surgery during SmackDown, canceling his WrestleMania match with Randy Orton.
WrestleMania plans shifted dramatically on SmackDown as Kevin Owens delivered unexpected news about his physical condition, forcing WWE officials to make immediate adjustments to the premium live event card.
Owens revealed he’s been battling a neck injury for the past four months and now requires surgery, effectively removing him from competition for the foreseeable future. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years and there is a price to pay for what I’ve put my body through,” Owens stated during his somber announcement. He added that he’s currently uncertain about his return timeline.
The situation grew tense when Randy Orton, who was scheduled to face Owens at WrestleMania 41, made his way to the ring as Owens was departing. The two locked eyes briefly on the ring apron before Owens continued to the back without further interaction.
Once in the ring, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis informed Orton that he no longer had a match at WrestleMania due to the circumstances. Orton’s response was immediate and physical – he dropped Aldis with an RKO before leaving the ring without speaking.
Say it ain't so…@FightOwensFight has to back out of #WrestleMania due to a neck injury.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Drtth3KW2B
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025
The cancellation leaves Orton without a WrestleMania opponent with the event rapidly approaching. WWE has not yet announced whether Orton will receive a replacement opponent or what plans might be developed to fill the void left by this significant card change.
