Kevin Owens Hoped to Return in Time to Face John Cena One Last Time

WWE wrestler Kevin Owens pushed for additional medical scans during his recovery from neck surgery to attempt a return to the ring before John Cena’s retirement. According to reporting from Wrestling News, Owens sought these tests from WWE doctors during the early months of his rehabilitation following a neck fusion procedure on July 18, 2025.

The drive for accelerated clearance was motivated by Owens’ desire to face Cena in a final match. Owens had been absent from active competition since March 2025, leading to the surgical intervention in July.

Kevin Owens’ Recovery and Medical Advocacy

Following his surgery on July 18, 2025, Owens took an active role in managing his clinical timeline. He stated that he spent the initial months of his recovery pushing WWE medical staff to perform scans that the doctors had not originally planned to run.

This persistence was aimed at verifying his physical readiness for a return to competition sooner than the standard recovery window allowed. The medical necessity of the neck fusion surgery followed a period of inactivity that began in March 2025.

Objective to Face John Cena

The primary catalyst for Owens’ request for additional testing was the impending retirement of John Cena. Owens expressed a specific goal to return to the ring in time to secure one last match against the veteran performer.

By advocating for more frequent or detailed imaging, Owens hoped to provide the WWE medical team with the evidence needed to clear him for contact before Cena officially exited the ring.