KO makes emotional announcement on SmackDown as Orton is left without an opponent

Summary

– Kevin Owens confirmed on SmackDown that he needs neck surgery

– His WrestleMania 41 match with Randy Orton has been officially canceled

– Randy Orton responded by hitting Nick Aldis with an RKO after the announcement

Kevin Owens will not be part of WrestleMania 41. During the April 4 episode of SmackDown, Owens confirmed in front of a live crowd that he requires neck surgery, ruling him out of his match with Randy Orton.

The announcement came during the second hour of SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. General Manager Nick Aldis introduced Owens with a somber tone, acknowledging how injuries can strike unexpectedly. Owens entered the ring looking emotional.

Owens spoke directly to the fans, saying he’s been wrestling for 25 years and has always given everything he had. That effort, he admitted, came at a cost. He revealed he’s been battling a neck injury and now needs surgery. The news officially removed him from his planned match against Orton at WrestleMania.

“Not being in the ring with Orton at Mania really sucks,” Owens said before thanking WWE for allowing him to break the news personally. He told the crowd he wasn’t sure when he’d be back but promised never to take anything for granted again.

The Chicago crowd gave Owens a strong ovation, chanting his name as he hugged Nick Aldis and left the ring. As Owens exited, Randy Orton’s music played, and Orton made his way to the ring.

With Owens gone, Aldis informed Orton that he no longer had a WrestleMania opponent. The crowd booed. Orton responded the only way he knew how—by delivering an RKO to the GM.

Owens’ timeline for recovery remains unknown, but the moment served as a heartfelt goodbye—for now.