Following a serious neck injury that required surgery and forced him to miss his scheduled match at WrestleMania 41 in 2025, Kevin Owens has been absent from WWE programming for over a year. As one of the company’s most prominent performers, his eventual comeback remains a major point of interest for the WWE Universe.
While his recovery timeline has kept him on the sidelines, speculation regarding his next steps continues to grow. Whether he returns to the ring or explores a different capacity within the organization, there are several compelling directions for the former champion.
Resuming the Rivalry with Randy Orton
Before his injury, Owens was locked in a heated feud with Randy Orton. The animosity, which included a brutal attack that sidelined Orton for months, was set to culminate at WrestleMania 41. Picking up where they left off would provide a logical conclusion to their grudge match and deliver the encounter fans were denied a year ago.
A Potential Babyface Turn
Owens spent much of his recent run as a notorious heel. However, given the nature of his absence and the natural sympathy fans have for performers returning from career-threatening injuries, a shift to a babyface persona seems highly probable. His natural charisma and connection with the audience make him a strong candidate for a hero’s welcome upon his return.
New Challenges and Alliances
Beyond existing rivalries, fresh opportunities await. A high-profile feud with CM Punk, based on their history in the independent circuit, remains a dream match for many fans. Alternatively, Owens could align with LA Knight to combat the influence of The Bloodline, or even reunite with his long-time friend and rival, Sami Zayn, to navigate Zayn’s recent character evolution.
Exploring Non-Wrestling Roles
Given the severity of his neck surgery, the company may opt to ease Owens back into the fold. His reputation as one of the best talkers on the roster makes him an ideal candidate for a General Manager role on either Raw or SmackDown. This would allow him to remain a central figure on television while managing his physical recovery.
Source: WrestleTalk
