Kevin Owens Opens Up on Neck Fusion Surgery: “No Guarantee I’ll Be Back”

The wrestling world continues to keep a close eye on Kevin Owens, and the latest update from the former Universal Champion is both cautiously optimistic and deeply concerning.

Owens, who underwent neck fusion surgery in July 2025, recently spoke at a NASCAR event in Daytona, Florida, and opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his in-ring future. While the procedure itself went as well as possible, the road to recovery is far from guaranteed.

A “Best Case Scenario” Surgery

Heading into surgery, Owens admitted the tension was overwhelming. Doctors weren’t sure how many levels of his cervical spine would need to be fused, a detail that can drastically impact recovery time—and the possibility of returning to the ring.

“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 explained. “Thankfully, it ended up being only one level which was the best case scenario for something like this.”

A single-level fusion is generally less complicated than multi-level procedures, providing a more hopeful outlook. But even in the best case, for a professional wrestler whose craft relies on high-impact physicality, the uncertainty remains heavy.

A Clouded Future

Despite the relief that surgery didn’t turn out worse, Owens is fully aware of the stakes. “There’s no guarantee that it’s going to work,” he admitted. “Fingers crossed, I get to come back to wrestling in the next year. I really don’t know. My goal is to come back, so hopefully that happens.”

For fans, those words hit hard. A year out is long enough—but the possibility of never seeing Owens in the ring again underscores just how serious the situation is.

Kevin Owens’ Grit and Honesty

This isn’t the first time Owens has battled through physical adversity. His career has been built on grit, resilience, and the ability to connect with fans through authenticity. That same honesty shone through when he noted the mixed emotions of recovery: enjoying more time with his family while also “jonesing to be back out on the road and back doing what I love.”

For now, fans and colleagues alike can only wait and hope. Owens’ determination to return is clear, but the final outcome will depend on how his body responds in the coming months.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Kevin Owens’ update is a reminder of just how thin the line is between the careers professional wrestlers celebrate and the sacrifices that make them possible. Neck fusion surgery has ended many careers before, but Owens’ one-level procedure does provide some hope. If anyone can will themselves back into the spotlight, it’s Kevin Owens—a performer whose authenticity and toughness have made him one of wrestling’s most respected stars. The industry feels his absence, and his eventual return—if it comes—will be nothing short of emotional.

#WWENews