Kevin Owens has been away from WWE television since April this year due to a serious neck injury. However, The Prizefighter was recently seen at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, D.C. He was sitting in the front row during John Cena's retirement match alongside legends like Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam, Trish Stratus, and Kurt Angle.Owens also shared a heartwarming handshake and embrace with Cena when The Cenation Leader stopped at ringside to greet his friends and peers during his emotional final entrance to the ring. Watching KO sit beside mostly the retired legends, a lot of fans have been wondering whether he has quietly drawn the curtains on his wrestling career.However, that is not the case. Kevin Owens has not retired from wrestling. He is currently recovering from a fusion surgery, which is the reason behind his absence from the programming. The Prizefighter has been sharing regular updates about his medical condition and did not close the door entirely on his in-ring return.Owens' appearance at ringside for Cena's retirement match at Saturday Night's Main Event was a special tribute, as he had a history with The Last Real Champion. He hugged John Cena during the entrance and looked to be in good physical shape. But there was no indication of retirement.When is the expected timeline of Kevin Owens' return?Injuries have been the most cruel aspect of pro wrestling, and there's no denying that. Just when Kevin Owens was at the peak of his heel run, a neck injury crushed his dreams, putting him on the shelf. He underwent successful one-level neck fusion surgery in July 2025 after being sidelined since April.Recovery from this procedure typically takes 12–15 months for wrestlers. Besides, WWE is very cautious with such neck injuries and gives superstars more than the required time to fully heal. Therefore, Owens can return to the company by mid-2026 or the end of the year.The Prizefighter is currently undergoing rehab and was seen posting a training video in November 2025 showing him running drills. Kevin Owens has expressed hope to return next year. However, he emphasized that there's no guarantee, prioritizing long-term health.It remains to be seen how things shape up in the next few months and whether the WWE Universe gets a glimpse of Owens soon on television.