Kevin Owens Talks Competing In WWE Money In The Bank Ladder Match Despite Neck Injury

WWE's Money in the Bank Ladder Match comes with plenty of physical risks, and a past neck injury could make the challenge even greater for Kevin Owens.

During an interview with WWE, Owens addressed the lingering concerns for his spine, especially heading into this weekend's Money in the Bank match. In a surprising revelation, the former WWE Universal Champion suggested that the new hardware inside his neck might actually benefit him in the grueling bout.

"I think the neck injury happened well before the match [with Cody Rhodes in February 2025], which obviously we weren't aware of," Owens said. "I went into that match half-broken and I didn't even know, and I almost won. Now I have steel plates and screws in my neck. So in theory, if you think about it, stronger than ever, really. I'm not sure that logic would be agreed upon by the medical staff, but to me it makes sense. So yeah, I think that actually plays in my favor."

According to Owens, he sustained neck trauma in a regular match in January 2025. Unaware of the severity, though, he continued on to wrestle then-Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a Ladder Match at the 2025 Royal Rumble, and then, Sami Zayn in an Unsanctioned Bout at Elimination Chamber. Sometime after the latter event, Owens underwent an MRI, which revealed the true extent of his neck damage and a need for surgery.

This development naturally stirred up worry in the Owens' household. "The Prizefighter" himself never considered letting the injury end his career, however.

"It was really scary for them, but there was no world where I wasn't coming back if I had the chance, and they knew that," Owens said. "I don't think they would want me to not be doing this when they know that this is where I belong, you know? Of course, there's concerns and there's fear, especially considering the elements of a Ladder Match and my past and ladder matches. My wife, my kids, my parents, I think they've accepted that slowing down is just not really an option for me. I've told them all, if I have five years left, three years, two years, whatever it is, I'm gonna give it all for that amount of time and they know. I think they're good with it. So yeah, we'll see what happens."

Looking ahead, Owens and five others will compete in the 2026 Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, with the winner receiving a contract for a future title opportunity of their choosing. Battling against him will be Je'Von Evans, Penta, United States Champion Trick Williams, The Vision's Bron Breakker, and CM Punk, the latter of whom remains Owen's main target.

Punk himself is already a two-time MITB winner, having captured the coveted briefcase in 2008 and 2009. Owens has competed in four past iterations of the match, but has yet to claim victory.

The 2026 Money in the Bank premium live event will emanate from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 10. Following an extensive recovery, Owens returned to action on night two of WWE SummerSlam in August, earning himself an Undisputed WWE Championship match against Punk.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit WWE with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.