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WWE Makes Surprising Change to 'WrestleMania 41' Card

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 12:07 AM ET

WWE has altered major plans for "WrestleMania 41."

The company has been building rivalries on "Monday Night Raw" and "Friday Night SmackDown" in the buildup to the two-night PLE scheduled for April 19 and 20. Fans already know what the two main events will be for "WrestleMania."

On night one, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins will collide in a triple threat match. Night two's headliner is set to be an Undisputed WWE Championship match between titleholder Cody Rhodes and John Cena.

One grudge match that was heavily promoted for "WrestleMania 41" was Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens. PW Nexus initially reported that Owens was dealing with an injury. During the April 4, 2025 episode of "WWE SmackDown," it was confirmed that Owens is out of the planned match against Orton.

Say it ain't so...@FightOwensFight has to back out of #WrestleMania due to a neck injury.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Drtth3KW2B
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

Owens has been dealing with neck issues, and he couldn't pinpoint what was causing the issue. Upon visiting doctors, Owens was told he needs to undergo neck surgery.

At this time, there is no word on what is planned for Orton in Las Vegas. The rivalry between "The Viper" and "The Prizefighter" began when Owens turned on Cody Rhodes. Owens felt that Orton took Rhodes' side, and he injured the neck of his former friend with a package piledriver.

Orton returned during the "Elimination Chamber" PLE. Following Owens' unsanctioned match against Sami Zayn, Orton delivered an RKO. He went to punt Owens in the head, but WWE security stopped him. Orton had vowed to pull off the move at "WrestleMania 41" before their match was removed from the card.

Owens figures to be out of action for a lengthy amount of time. He told fans that he promises to never take his ability to perform for granted.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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