'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Kevin Owens missed the recent WWE live events over the weekend. It was revealed that he was struggling with an injury. The same has been cited as the reason why he was absent from SmackDown Live this week.
In case you didn't know...
Kevin Owens has been at the forefront of SmackDown Live over the past few months. His feud with commissioner Shane McMahon began heating up at the Hell in a Cell PPV last year and has been on fire ever since. It seems that being such an integral part of the show over the past few months has taken its toll on the former Universal Champion who is set to fight for the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble.
This weeks episode of SmackDown Live was considered to be quite a low key event. The show focused on the United States Championship and the likes of Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and AJ Styles were not part of proceedings. This was considered quite a bold decision just weeks ahead of the Royal Rumble.
The heart of the matter
It has been revealed that the reason why Kevin Owens hasn't appeared at recent WWE live events is that he is struggling with an injury that "comes and goes". This injury is said to not be very serious and that he can continue his work.
Kevin Owens has a match coming up against AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble where he is in a handicap match with Sami Zayn by his side.
What's next?
Kevin Owens should be in attendance for the go-home episode of SmackDown Live next week where he hopes to send a message to AJ Styles ahead of their historic clash for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Author's take
WWE has definitely had a run of bad luck when it comes to injuries over the past few weeks. The likes of Dean Ambrose, Jason Jordan, Samoa Joe and now Kevin Owens areall on the injured list. It seems that the company could be considered to be overworking their employees. Many stars have been unable to catch a break for more than a year and have been forced to perform for six days a week at TV tapings and live events. It does open a discussion on whether or not WWE should have an offseason or at least a rotational roster.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
