Kevin Owens Injury Could Sideline Him for a Year or Longer

According to earlier reports, Owens neck issues are completely legitimate, and hes expected to undergo surgery soon. One WWE source even called the situation awful. Another mentioned that fusion surgery may be necessary, which comes with a long road backand no guarantees.

So what does that kind of recovery look like? Heres what wrestlers typically face after neck fusion surgery:

• 06 weeks: Full rest, minimal movement, pain management, and no in-ring training at all.
• 6 weeks3 months: Physical therapy picks up, along with light strength training and cardiobut still zero bump-taking.
• 36 months: Wrestlers begin returning to training slowly. Bumps are reintroduced with caution. Constant medical evaluations are needed.
• 612 months: In the best cases, wrestlers return in six months, but most take 912 months before theyre cleared for a full-time return. Every movement is closely monitored to avoid re-injury.

The neck isnt something anyone plays around with in wrestling. Doctors wont clear talent unless the bones are fully fused and theres zero risk to the spinal cord.

Some of the most well-known wrestlers in history have walked this road. Stone Cold Steve Austin had his neck fused in 1999 but retired in 2003 after dealing with pain for years. Edge retired in 2011 and only returned nine years later after his neck fully healed with the help of newer technology. Kurt Angle rushed back in just a few months but later admitted it permanently affected his mobility.

This isnt just a setback for WrestleManiaits a huge blow to WWE and fans who were excited for Owens match with Randy Orton, which had been building for months. But Owens made it clear: I waited my whole life for this, and now I dont know when Ill be back.

No return timeline has been confirmed, but if fusion surgery is the route, Owens may be out for mostor allof the next year.