Kevin Owens has announced he will miss WWE WrestleMania 41 due to injury.
The former world champion revealed the news during last night’s episode of SmackDown, stating that he is undergoing surgery for a neck injury he’s been dealing with for around four months. As a result, his match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 has been cancelled.
Before exiting the ring, Owens admitted that he doesn’t currently know when he’ll be able to return to action. As he made his way to the back, Orton made his entrance and the two had a brief staredown – suggesting their rivalry could continue upon Owens’ return.
Orton entered the ring where SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed that The Viper no longer has a match at WrestleMania 41. Orton deliberated the news for some time before eventually hitting an RKO on Aldis to close the segment.
Owens last competed at WWE Elimination Chamber in March where he defeated long-time frenemy Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match. The bout was controversial due to its use of real barbed wire which was reportedly at the behest of one of the competitors.
Kevin Owens Set A Major Royal Rumble Record Earlier This Year
Prior to his battle with Zayn, Kevin Owens’ long-term title feud with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came to an end at the Royal Rumble – where The American Nightmare retained the gold in a ladder match.
Despite losing, Owens also set a record – having competed in the most championship matches at Royal Rumble events of anyone in WWE history with eight. Previously, he co-held the record with seven separate titles matches alongside Triple H, Roman Reigns and The Miz.
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