WWE Rumor Roundup: Update on Kevin Owens; Elimination Chamber 2026; AJ Styles' intro & more (October 13, 2025)

Let’s discuss the latest rumors making the rounds among fans on social media!

Speculation and rumors are among the favorite pastimes of WWE fans worldwide. Fans from all over the world enjoy discussing and debating various aspects of the world of pro wrestling. In the aftermath of the WrestlePalooza, the rumor mill continues to run in full force.

In today’s edition of the roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including an update on Kevin Owens, Elimination Chamber 2026, AJ Styles’ intro, criticism regarding Triple H, and more.

Update on Kevin Owens

Sean Ross Sapp, in the latest Fightful Select Answers, provided an update on Kevin Owens. Per Sapp, the exact details of Kevin Owens’ neck surgery remain undisclosed. However, if the procedure involved a fusion, his recovery could take up to a year, pointing to a possible return in the summer of 2026.

According to Sean, WWE officials initially did not expect Owens to be cleared in time for WrestleMania 42. The report also highlights that, due to Owens’ history of neck problems, his physically demanding wrestling style, and the severity of the injury, there’s uncertainty about whether he’ll be able to return to in-ring competition at all.

Kevin Owens has been out of action since April 2025 after suffering a neck injury. The setback led to a change in his planned WrestleMania 41 match against Randy Orton, with the then TNA World Champion Joe Hendry stepping in as his replacement.

Elimination Chamber 2026 & recent layoffs

As per reports, the 2026 edition of Elimination Chamber is currently scheduled for February 28 in Chicago, but according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the date could shift by a week in either direction if WWE decides to directly compete with AEW.

According to the Wrestling Observer, the recent WWE talent cuts on Friday were not tied to budget concerns. Bryan Alvarez stated on his subscriber-only X (Twitter) account that the WWE cuts were not budget-related.

Alvarez noted that with over 130 talents currently in developmental and regular new signings, WWE is focused on making space for fresh prospects. Talent who aren’t progressing quickly enough or aren’t seen as having main roster potential are being released to open up spots. The report also suggests that additional cuts could take place as early as next week.

“WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly. If you’re not progressing fast enough or they feel you don’t have what it takes for main roster, you’re out to make room for someone new. Possible more cuts coming next week.”

AJ Styles’ intro 

According to a report from Fightful Select, AJ Styles was unaware of the special introduction planned for him by John Cena at Crown Jewel. After their standout match, both men received a standing ovation upon returning backstage.

Fightful also notes that Styles and Cena received a standing ovation when they went backstage after their Crown Jewel match.

Triple H criticism

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Triple H has faced some criticism over his “political priorities,” referring to his involvement in U.S. politics rather than backstage politics within wrestling.

While he has missed a few television tapings, those absences were reportedly planned in advance. Despite this, sources close to him and others in upper management maintain that his efforts to position himself as a “Dana White”-like figure for WWE have not negatively impacted the product.

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