Not even a month after making his return to WWE from a neck injury that almost ended his career, this Superstar was helped backstage.
Things could not look worse for WWE Superstar Kevin Owens, who is less than a month into his return from a neck injury that nearly ended his career.
During an untelevised live event in North Charleston, South Carolina, the “Prizefighter” was seen limping after beating The Miz in a singles match.
Kevin Owens had to be helped to the back after suffering an apparent knee injury at #WWECharleston pic.twitter.com/X2jhLUIgOP
— Kevin Bilodeau (@KevinLive5) August 31, 2026
WWE medical personnel had to come out and assist him backstage. He continued favoring his leg as he walked to the backstage area.
The severity and legitimacy of the injury are unknown at the time of this writing. Hopefully, it is not serious, as he came back after a 17-month hiatus and is feuding with CM Punk over the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Kevin Owens’ neck injury and WWE return
At Elimination Chamber on Mar. 1, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Owens defeated his close friend Sami Zayn in an “Unsanctioned” match. Afterward, he was confronted by Randy Orton, who was returning after a several-month hiatus.
All signs pointed towards Owens and Orton facing at WrestleMania 41. However, that would not happen, as the “Prizefighter” suffered a neck injury that required surgery. Joe Hendry, a former TNA wrestler, took his spot and answered Orton’s open challenge at the Showcase of the Immortals.
For over a year, it was quiet from Owens’ end. He made his surprise return at SummerSlam 2026. He was added to a No.1 contendership match by Friday Night SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
The match was originally supposed to be Sami Zayn vs. Finn Bálor. However, Aldis added his opponent from the previous night, Gunther, to the match, making it a triple threat. The surprises weren’t done there, as KO’s music hit, marking his return to the ring after 17 months.
He would go on to win the match, pinning Zayn. Unfortunately, he would lose to Punk during the Aug. 21 edition of SmackDown. He later faced Bálor and Gunther in another No.1 contendership match to challenge Punk again, but it ended in a no contest, thanks to Zayn.
Things could not look worse for WWE Superstar Kevin Owens, who is less than a month into his return from a neck injury that nearly ended his career. During an untelevised live event in North Charleston, South Carolina, the “Prizefighter” was seen limping after beating The Miz in a singles match.