The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble delivered all the excitement fans could ask for, with jaw-dropping moments and hard-fought battles, but it wasn’t all celebration. Two of WWE’s biggest superstars, Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, sustained injuries that could change the course of their careers—at least temporarily. Here’s what we know about their injuries, and what comes next for them.
The Royal Rumble Mayhem
The Royal Rumble match is famous for its chaotic nature, but it’s also known for pushing WWE superstars to their limits. This year’s event proved no different, as both Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens suffered injuries during their intense matches.
Cody Rhodes, who has been one of the most promising superstars in WWE, was competing in a high-stakes match when he appeared to suffer a shoulder injury. Initial reports suggest that the injury occurred during one of the more physically demanding sequences of the match. While it didn’t immediately seem serious, further assessments post-event indicated that Rhodes might require time off to recover. Fans are hoping that his shoulder injury won’t affect his highly anticipated participation in WrestleMania 41, but that remains uncertain at this stage.
Kevin Owens, another fan favorite, didn’t fare much better. Owens, who has been involved in a storyline with Roman Reigns, faced off in a brutal match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. During a high-impact spot, Owens appeared to twist his knee awkwardly, which immediately raised alarms. Medical personnel rushed to the ring, and Owens was taken backstage for further evaluation. While the severity of his injury is still being determined, early reports suggest it could sideline him for a few weeks—though the damage may not be as long-term as some feared.
The Fallout from the Injuries
These injuries come at a critical time for WWE, with WrestleMania on the horizon. Both Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens have been integral parts of WWE’s major storylines, and their injuries could leave a significant gap in the roster if they’re unable to compete. WWE officials are no doubt keeping a close eye on their recovery and will likely make announcements regarding their status as soon as more information becomes available.
For Rhodes, this injury could potentially stall his momentum, especially after his impressive return to WWE. Fans have been eagerly anticipating his storyline, and any delay could change the course of his involvement at the biggest event of the year. WWE fans are notoriously passionate, and they’re already wondering if Rhodes’ injury will lead to a dramatic comeback story or cause a setback for his career.
Similarly, Owens has been a key player in WWE’s top storylines, particularly in his feud with Roman Reigns. If he is sidelined, it could impact the build-up for some of WWE’s most anticipated matches at WrestleMania. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery, as Owens’ return to the ring is a major draw for the company.
The Impact on WWE’s Roster
These injuries serve as a reminder of the physical toll that professional wrestling takes on its performers. While fans see the excitement, the danger is always present. WWE stars train their bodies to endure extreme physical stress, but accidents are inevitable in a high-intensity sport like wrestling.
With the Royal Rumble behind us, the spotlight shifts to who might fill the void left by Rhodes and Owens’ injuries. Will new superstars rise to the occasion, or will WWE have to adjust its booking for WrestleMania to account for these setbacks? The company has proven time and time again that they can adapt to changes quickly, but the loss of two fan favorites—especially this close to WrestleMania—could be a huge challenge.
What’s Next for Cody and Kevin?
Both stars will likely undergo medical evaluations over the next few days to determine the full extent of their injuries. While no official word has been given on their timeline for recovery, fans are hoping that Rhodes and Owens will recover quickly and return to action soon. With WrestleMania just around the corner, WWE will need to make adjustments to its plans—but given the unpredictable nature of wrestling, anything can happen.
In the meantime, the WWE Universe will continue to watch, eagerly awaiting the return of two of its top stars. Let’s hope they’re back in the ring sooner rather than later.