The anticipated clash between Kevin Owens and Randy Orton will have to be postponed. On Friday, Owens confirmed via a WWE SmackDown broadcast that he would miss WrestleMania 41 due to a neck injury that has troubled him for several months.

Owens revealed that a doctor advised him to undergo surgery to address the issue. In a heartfelt message, he expressed uncertainty about when he would be able to perform again, thanking the fans and apologizing for the situation.

“The truth is, I don’t know when I’ll have the privilege to be in front of you guys again,” Owens said. Translation: “The truth is, I don’t know when I’ll have the privilege to be in front of you guys again.”

Owens hasn’t participated in a televised match since January 24, though he endured intense matches while injured.

This injury raises questions about Orton’s status at WrestleMania, as WWE has been building towards this match for over five months. Orton’s frustrated reaction to the cancellation included attacking SmackDown’s general manager, indicating a potential shift in storyline.

WrestleMania 41 is set for Las Vegas on April 19-20, featuring top matches such as CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena.