Kevin Owens’ Injury: Reality or Storyline?

During the brutal ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, the action took an unexpected turn. Owens, bloodied and battered, found himself caught between ladder rungs, sustaining deep cuts to his face and nose. The incident sparked immediate speculation among fans about whether the injury was real—especially after Sami Zayn and WWE officials rushed to ringside.

However, available evidence suggests that Owens’ injury is a storyline device meant to heighten the drama between him, Rhodes, and Zayn. Sami’s ambiguous role—accentuated by his choice to wear a black hoodie reminiscent of his 2017 heel turn—and the simmering pre-Rumble tensions between Owens and Zayn hint at a potential future betrayal or alliance. Despite the severity of his on-screen injuries, WWE has not confirmed any lasting harm, indicating that the storyline may be a temporary method to write Owens off TV.

Royal Rumble 2025 Match Grades

Below is a breakdown of the key matches and their critical reception:

Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens (Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship)

Grade: A
This brutal, high-risk encounter featured jaw-dropping moments, such as Owens’ Avalanche Fisherman’s Buster and Rhodes’ Alabama Slam delivered through a ladder. Critics particularly praised the storytelling, noting that Rhodes’ almost "possessed" aggression could be a sign of a forthcoming heel turn.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Grade: A‑
Charlotte Flair made a dramatic return from injury, entering at #27 and ultimately winning the match—a decision that divided fans. While her star power justified her victory, some critics argued that it overshadowed rising talent like Roxanne Perez and Jordynne Grace. Alexa Bliss’ surprise comeback and Perez’s standout performance provided additional high points.

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Grade: B+
Jey Uso’s unexpected win, which included eliminations of John Cena and Logan Paul, polarized audiences but undeniably injected fresh energy into the main event scene for WrestleMania 41. Highlights from the match included a brief alliance between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, as well as CM Punk’s elimination of Reigns.

DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Tag Team Titles)

Grade: B
This two-out-of-three falls match was solid overall, but predictable interference from the Street Profits and some pacing issues left the audience wanting a more dynamic contest.

Who Won the Men’s Royal Rumble 2025?

Jey Uso emerged as the surprise winner by outlasting 29 competitors, including finalists John Cena and Logan Paul, to secure a title shot at WrestleMania 41. Entering the match at #20, Uso eliminated fan favorites like Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn before delivering a heart-stopping finale that saw him topple Cena. His victory sets the stage for a potential clash with either World Heavyweight Champion Gunther or Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, depending on how WrestleMania unfolds.

Key Takeaways

• Owens’ Status: Although his on-screen injuries looked severe, they are most likely part of a storyline, hinting at a twist involving Sami Zayn.
• Rhodes’ Reign: Cody Rhodes’ violent retention of his title points to a darker character arc, potentially setting up a WrestleMania showdown with Jey Uso or CM Punk.
• Jey Uso’s Rise: Once considered a midcard performer, Uso’s Rumble win firmly establishes him as a main-event threat.

Looking Ahead to WrestleMania 41

With Charlotte Flair now targeting Rhea Ripley and Jey Uso setting his sights on championship gold, WWE’s road to WrestleMania promises to be explosive. Stay tuned for further updates on Owens’ recovery and the evolving persona of Cody Rhodes!