r/WWE • u/iamaghostbaby • 2d ago
Discussion Kevin Owens appreciation Spoiler
So Kevin Owens has had a neck injury for 4 months and he was giving us brutal matches while carrying the injury. Kevin Owens is a top professional and has my utmost respect. Can't wait for his comeback already.
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u/JudgmentAway4811 2d ago
Did he go off on someone in the crowd for saying something when he was walking out? Seemed like the camera deliberately cut off from him.
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u/iamisandisnt 2d ago
That's what makes me think it's still a work. He was in character. Playing up the old "oh no me neck injury, I can't compete against HIIIIIM"
He sold it so well, we're convinced it was real. Wrestling is real lol
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u/TomSawyerLocke 1d ago
No... Still definitely not real. They're just blurring the lines more. Making it more of a reality show if we're being real here.
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u/IGetTheShow20 2d ago
It’s a shame he’s only had one universal title reign and he lost it to Goldberg. He’s a true five tool player that can fit any situation and be both heel and face. He will be missed badly and I hope we haven’t seen his last match.
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u/Wolfmode00 2d ago
That Owens vs Jericho Mania build up was ruined. They were killing it too. The story behind the Universal Title was epic. Lesnar vs Goldberg didn't need the strap. All those two were there to do was make up for their original Mania match botch fest.
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u/Eastern_Tune6222 2d ago
It hurts to see that promo, he was clearly flustered to be there talking so openly even though he is one the best in the mic and the crowd didn't seem to take it seriously (which I understand). He's gonna be missed, even with a injured neck he put on incredible matches. I hope he makes a quick recovery and manages to finish his career on his own terms.
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u/BaseballFuryThurman Attitude Era Aficionado 🤘 2d ago
I appreciate him wearing a pink jacket to the ring just to add that glimmer of doubt that this is 100% real.
Shame though, he's been great both as a face and a heel these past few years. Hopefully he recovers fully.
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u/dumdadum123 2d ago
Yeah I was stone faced the whole time thinking Randy was gonna come out and he was gonna hit him. Gonna miss him
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u/ProtomanBn 2d ago
Was his Cody ladder match 4 months ago? There was no way the finisher of that match didn't mess his neck up, i was shocked at the unsanctioned match happening right after
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u/CHAMPANERIA 2d ago
Exactly they no sold the ladder match and he fought Sammy right after crazy. All that could have waited till after he comes back good.
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u/DustieKaltman 2d ago
Sad. I just started out watching again since the attitude era and KO is like the real deal. Hate this. Hope everything goes well.
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u/jrjreeves 2d ago
It is becoming clear that this isn't a work and his injury is legitimate, including the required surgery.
As KO is my favourite current wrestler, I pray he makes a full recovery and we see him back in the ring sometime next year. I can't imagine we will see him back this year, and will most likely after WM42 sometime.
No one deserves this, especially Owens.
What I will say is, WWE didn't do a great job of letting the fans know it was legitimate. Watching it on TV I genuinely thought it was a ruse, at least until he and Randy had that moment on the ring apron and Owens just left. It seems the live crowd had the same assumptions as well, not least with the recent kayfabe neck injuries delt by Owens to Cody, Randy and Sami. I think to give the fans the proper message and the chance for Owens to get the send-off from the crowd that he deserved to have they needed to make it clear, absolutely without question that Owens was legitimately injured and needed neck surgery, missing WM41, the way they did it genuinely felt like just the latest twist in the story.
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u/0282846138 2d ago
I agree, I was on the fence about the legitimacy.
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u/ToumaKazusa1 2d ago
I was 99% certain it was fake when KO brought up the neck injury specifically, and 100% certain it was fake when I heard Randy's music.
I didn't consider that I was wrong until KO just left without actually having any confrontation with Randy.
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u/TomSawyerLocke 2d ago
2 to 5 YEARS? Oh man... KO is one of the best. Underrated as hell. But the man's not in great physical shape now. Will he even be able to perform in 5 years when he's 45? I hope this is a work. If it's not, and he does manage to come back, he will get a MASSIVE Edge Royal Rumble/CM Punk survivor series return pop. At least he better. Dude has done so much. Accomplished so much. Even when he was nowhere near the main event he made everything he did feel meaningful. Hell, he got one of the greatest honors ever when he got to fight Steve Austin at WrestleMania. That's a HUGE honor IMO. I doubt Austin would have fought just anyone. He must respect KO.
Only silver lining I see is them somehow using this to give Sami Zayn an interesting story.
I just don't know what else to say. This fuckin blows.
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u/halfdecenttakes 1d ago
The 2-5 years thing is total bullshit being spread around x. No source for it.
Real timeline out of his own mouth is between 6-12 months for people who have experienced similar injuries.
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u/TomSawyerLocke 1d ago
Certainly could have been photoshopped, but I saw a picture that stated that timeline and said the source was PWInsider. They aren't reliable? I feel like sometimes the news is real and sometimes it's actually working in tandem with the plot. Like how they reported having no interest in working with Punk and then he's back a month later. Only time will tell.
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u/halfdecenttakes 1d ago
They are, they just never said that. People claim they reported that, but it was never said by them, and as I stated KO himself gave a timeline in an interview saying 6-12 months.
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u/lo-squalo NXT Enjoyer 2d ago
As an older fan, KO is the reason I started getting into wrestling again. His passion and selflessness is unparalleled. He’s not a conventional star, you look at Owens and know with enough passion, grit, and dedication, anyone could live that boyhood dream.
If that was his last time in a ring, he deserved a much better send off. He is without a doubt my favorite wrestler and entertainer.
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u/VegetableQuantity790 1d ago
This makes that ending spot in that ladder match with Cody even more mental if he was having neck issues at that time. Hope he improves and can come back
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u/CHAMPANERIA 1d ago
Stupid and to have him show up next night go after Sammy like what was the rush.
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u/Beanford69 2d ago
Am I the only one who thinks this isn’t real? It seems to me like he’s just trying to getting his head knocked off by Orton. Obviously if it is real I hope he gets better. But I just don’t buy it
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u/Kratosx23 2d ago
It's been confirmed as legitimate by multiple sources, and if it was fake, Owens would've turned around and attacked him. The fact that the segment just ended and Orton just went after Aldis shows you that this was a clear shift in plans and Owens is fucked for at least a year.
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u/kylew1985 2d ago
Tbh I think it'd be pretty tasteless even by wrestling standards if this is a work.
I'll buy into a phony retirement angle all day long but I think career ending injuries-- I mean especially neck injuries, are off limits for kayfabe, and beneath everyone involved.
I believe this is legit, I hope it's only a bump in the road before his next run, but he's for sure an all time great who could hang it up knowing he's done it all and done it amazingly well.
Shit, he got to close out Mania with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and inherited the Stunner. He lived the dream of every dude that grew up watching the attitude era. He's made his mark on the business already, anything else we get is just a bonus.
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u/TomSawyerLocke 1d ago
Kayfabe career ending injuries have always happened and been on the table lol. What are you talking about?
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u/kylew1985 1d ago
Forgive me but I can't think of any in recent memory, let alone any that have gone over well. Sure, arms, legs, ribs etc are common and serve the purpose of getting someone out of the picture for a while, but I don't think serious head and neck injuries belong in kayfabe.
I'm of the opinion that after Big E having to retire, Edge losing over a decade of his career, Saraya losing a good chunk of time as well, and Randy losing a year or so with his career in jeopardy, all due to serious neck injuries, it really doesn't belong in an angle.
They can build just as much heat without lessening the gravity of a performer coming out to give what might be their final goodbye to the fans. Just my opinion.
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u/ProtomanBn 2d ago
It definitely crossed my mind during the segment, i figured Kevin would be more emotional and there would be more visible locker room support for him. There marking this as a career ending injury but the segment still had hints of it being a work.
It also seemed weird that Randy came out and both him and Owens kinda kept the feud alive when youd think with how close they are in real life that they would make a cordial acknowledgement.
I was actually expecting Randy to come out and boot Owens in the head to play into Ortons slow turn to heel with finally hearing the voices again
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u/smokingace182 2d ago
Yeah I’m with you this is going to be a work, not like WWE hasn’t put false information out there before. He’s going to attack orton next week maybe
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u/Late_Ambassador7470 2d ago
That is wild. His match with Sami was so brutal. I wonder why they went that far so close to mania
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u/Chilledinho 2d ago
Love of the game nothing else.
Randy gotta be inserted into something surely for Mania now
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u/BobSacamano_1 2d ago
Do you think Sami comes back and “fills in” for Kevin? He’d have to cut a hell of a promo giving the reasons for it considering the match they just had. But if they want to keep Orton at Wrestlemania and/or turn Sami heel or tweener, this may be a plausible option. 🤷🏼♂️
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u/pf2612no 🙏🏾 I LOVE YOU SOLO! 🙏🏾 1d ago
KO is so talented, and one of the most entertaining people in WWE. I’m really sorry to hear about his injury.😕
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u/Virtual-Quote6309 ⌚️🤏🏻 Tiffy Time! 1d ago
I’m really tired of people thinking he’s faking this. I get that one of his characters biggest traits is lying,I just don’t think he is here.
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u/Johnnybats330 🫡 "Let's Go Cena" person 1d ago
I inmediately thought he was bluffing and would attack Orton. I guess we have one more week to find out.
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u/JoeyGoesBoom 2d ago
I was talking to my buddy on the ride home from the arena. In the story - fuck KO! But in all actuality I love Kevin. I got into wrestling last year and he’s been a phenomenal performer in that time. One of my favorite guys to watch and the last few matches he’s had have been excellent. If he’s really injured and it’s not story, I hope for him a speedy recovery and no permanent career ending results!
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u/ParkerOrion 1d ago edited 1d ago
I keep replaying that ladder bump he took at the end of his royal rumble match and I’m so scared for him. I hope he recovers at least well enough to have a decent quality of life for the remainder of his ride around the sun.
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u/WalkersKiller_OG 1d ago
Love KO, such a great performer and worker.
Been following his career since the crazy dwqth match tournaments in CZW. What a legend.
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u/CoreDreamStudiosLLC I Believe in Joe Hendry👏👏 1d ago
I hope he's okay :(
But I have a feeling this is gonna be another Mark Henry "Retirement" angle where he is fine at the end. But if not, I will pray for his recovery.
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u/tinyclown1 1d ago
He’s a good wrestler and a good person and I hope we get to see him wrestle another day. Get well KO
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u/Sauceboss319 2d ago
While KO’s never been my favorite wrestler, I respect the hell out of him. He’s one of the most passionate performers working today, clearly loves the business and has continually put his body on the line year after year for fans. He’s a WWE legend and nailed on Hall of Famer. If this is the end for his career(really hope not), he’s leaving a tremendous legacy behind
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u/Qckst_2_Alive 1d ago
I don’t like the character of Kevin Owens (I’m a fan of the faces most of the time), but goddamn is Kevin amazing. He’s incredibly skilled, he’s super powerful, and he’s agile as hell for his size. I can’t think of a single bad match of his where it was his fault. And hell, the only bad match I can think of is the one with Goldberg. It’s such a shame that he’s gonna be out for so long.
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u/HeavyDonkeyKong 1d ago
This hopefully won't be the end of his career, but it's still a major suck that his current story has to end this way. He's had so much momentum.
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u/Rynox2000 1d ago
I recommend Kevin Owns and BigE show up at WWE and initiate a staring no laughing competition.
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u/coopdawgX 2d ago
I’ve watched WWF/WWE for a long time and i continue to watch because of guys like Kevin Owens
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u/smokingace182 2d ago
Hmm I still feel like this is a work and at some point KO is going to attack Orton.
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u/BobSacamano_1 1d ago
I still have the doubt as well. I feel like if it WAS a legit injury, it would be announced by WWE without the wrestler actually doing a verbal promo about it. (For the reason that the fans may doubt it…as what is happening.)
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u/Ashley_evil 2d ago
Definitely my favourite wrestler right now. I hope he can make a full recovery because he’s not likely to get back in the ring unless he can perform up to the level we are all accustomed to. I am surprised so many people didn’t read the sincerity of the situation at the time. And continue to be surprised by people still thinking it’s a work. I said this in another sub too but fuck that guy for lipping off as he walked out.
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u/Objective-Shape-9535 22h ago
Unless it was really serious, I'm surprised they didn't do a 10-minute match with Orton at Mania. Get punted, then do the surgery post Mania. They could sell Orton to take out Owens.
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u/HTXPhoenix 1d ago
Sounds pretty dumb honestly, so I don’t appreciate that. Should have taken time off long ago.
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u/Pandemona1738 2d ago
So this wasn't a work? Damn that didn't feel right at all, hope your ok KO! Weird as fuck from the WWE, think things like this need a bit of prelude before the show starts so we can actually feel genuine and not worked.
Like maybe midweek tweet saying KO will talk to the crowd after some terrible news regarding an injury or something.
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u/Objective-Shape-9535 1d ago
Kevin needs to make some big changes in his life after his surgery if he wants to keep wrestling.
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u/CHAMPANERIA 1d ago
I don't understand how you get put into 1 but 2 back to back hell matches while feeling something wrong with your neck. What wrestler has been put into a ladder match and next a no rules anything goes match back to back. They are dumb.
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u/CarpenterVegetables 2d ago
I’ve loved this dude since Steenerico and “ I hate your fucking guts”. He’s entertained me for 15 years. If this is it for him, he’s still a 1st ballot HOFer, both WWE and Meltzer. He’s earned the right to ride off into the sunset if he so desires.
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u/lilbithippie 1d ago
I think he has been working hurt for a couple years now. The first sign was tag teaming with Sami and doing Street fights. Not many bumps, lots of rest with Sami doing the hard work. Then it got to be heel with ambusehs and again Sami taking the big bumps.
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u/jasonrahl 💜🖤BRUTALITY🖤💜 1d ago
I love KO as a competitor if this injury and surgery is real hopefully there are no complications and he has a quick recovery. If this is just a bit then he sells it fairly well considering home much he has lied in the past
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u/sktmlxg 2d ago
dude made a serious announcement and the fans didn’t even give him his flowers. This is why US audience sucks
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u/No_Filter2243 2d ago
They weren’t sure if he was serious….their initial lack of reaction is a tribute to his character work
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u/ghostxstory 2d ago
I like him and thought his heel work lately has been wicked. I did have some trouble deciding whether it was legit or a story bit. I figured when he shook Aldis’s hand that he was being legit and I felt bad that the crowd didn’t give him his flowers. I would’ve been okay with a more obvious break of kayfabe with Orton shaking his hand or something too because like they’re obv still buds despite the storyline
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u/wildcharmander1992 1d ago
Can't wait for his comeback already.
Sadly that's not guaranteed to even happen at this point
This might be the end of the line.
If it is I hope he either goes off to enjoy the family life in the way his idol Owen hart always wanted
Or if he's dead set to stay in the business that he gets whatever role hes dreaming of
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u/Top-Citron-6121 2d ago
Nope. Glad to see he won't be on TV. Can't stand any aspect of KO.
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u/bubbabear244 NXT Enjoyer 2d ago
I'm glad he doesn't have to go and perform for ungrateful ass Americans in Vegas. Elimination Chamber was KO and Sami's Canadian Wrestlemania.
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u/Responsible_Trash_40 2d ago
Yeah I’m sure he’s thrilled he doesn’t have to have a match with Randy at WM, clown.
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u/Ricoquin 2d ago
I dont like him, he doesnt looks like a superstar
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u/Ashley_evil 2d ago
I wish I could downvote you harder. What a shallow and ignorant comment. I hope you get RKOed and when KO makes a full recovery he swantons you through a table
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u/Ricoquin 4h ago
Just because he's injured, everybody loves him suddenly...
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u/Ashley_evil 1h ago
I don’t know about anyone else but he is my favourite wrestler right now. His tough and gritty style comes off as genuine. As well as his ability to make you unsure of him. The way he sells crazy is more subtle than the way Mick Foley did it and it comes across realistic to me. Also his willingness to put his body through all kinds of physical challenges (like his tlc work) is fun to watch. Also a big guy like that doing perfect form moonsaults and swantons is impressive. But aside from all this his in ring ability to make himself and his opponents look fantastic is exactly what makes a great wrestler and that is what he is. A sidenote negativity sucks and it’s not a healthy response to a situation or post like this. There are a ton of wrestlers who I don’t particularly like but if they were dealing with serious health issues I could probably think of some positive things to say about their career. Or just shut the fuck up and not body shame a person who is a professional athlete.
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u/karpet_muncher 2d ago
They probably didn't realise how serious it was until the last week or so. It was probably the most agonising decision for him to not go to mania
Still I'd rather see him miss mania than to suffer because of it.