WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 19-20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is fast approaching, but the WWE Universe is grappling with the news that several stars to miss WrestleMania 41 will leave the event without some of its biggest names. Injuries, creative decisions, and unexpected turns have sidelined key performers, forcing WWE to rethink its plans for “The Showcase of the Immortals.” Here’s the latest on the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 and how their absences could redefine the two-night spectacle.
Kevin Owens Out with Neck Surgery
The most significant blow came on the April 4 episode of WWE SmackDown, when Kevin Owens announced he’s one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 due to a severe neck injury requiring surgery. The “Prize Fighter” revealed he’d been wrestling through pain since late 2024, with the injury reaching a breaking point during his unsanctioned Elimination Chamber match against Sami Zayn on March 1. This forced him to pull out of a highly anticipated showdown with Randy Orton, leaving fans stunned and Orton without a clear opponent.
Owens’ emotional address on SmackDown highlighted his frustration, as he’s now facing an indefinite recovery period. His absence as one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 is a massive loss for Night 1, where his gritty style and storytelling prowess were expected to shine. WWE officials are reportedly scrambling to adjust, with speculation swirling about Orton’s next move—possibly a surprise return or a new feud.
Sami Zayn’s Shocking Omission
Adding to the list of stars to miss WrestleMania 41 is Sami Zayn, whose exclusion has left fans bewildered. Despite his standout performance alongside Owens at Elimination Chamber, WWE has opted not to include “The Underdog from the Underground” on the WrestleMania 41 card. Zayn suffered no reported injuries from the brutal unsanctioned match, making this a creative choice rather than a physical necessity.
Zayn’s absence marks his second WrestleMania miss in recent years, following WrestleMania 35. Fans have flooded social media with support, arguing that his charisma and in-ring ability make him indispensable. The decision to keep him among the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 has sparked theories of a post-Mania return, possibly targeting a championship opportunity later in 2025.
Jimmy Uso’s Uncertain Fate
Jimmy Uso’s status as one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 remains in limbo after a vicious assault by World Heavyweight Champion Gunther on the March 31 RAW. The attack left Uso with undisclosed injuries, and his father, Rikishi, hinted on his Off the Top podcast that Jimmy might not even enter Allegiant Stadium—potentially stuck in the parking lot instead.
With Jey Uso set to face Gunther for the title, Jimmy’s potential absence as one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 could amplify the drama of the Uso family storyline. WWE has yet to confirm his condition, but the clock is ticking with just over a week until the event. Fans are holding out hope for a last-minute miracle, but the odds are slimming.
Other Notable Absences
The list of stars to miss WrestleMania 41 doesn’t end there. Asuka, sidelined since late 2024 with a knee injury, won’t return in time, per recent updates from WWE RAW. Bronson Reed, injured during Survivor Series 2024 with a broken foot, is also out, with recovery extending beyond April. Ilja Dragunov, who suffered a torn ACL last year, remains on the mend, ruling him out as one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41. These absences thin the roster, pushing WWE to elevate new talent or lean on returning legends.
How WWE Adapts Without These Stars
The stars to miss WrestleMania 41 are forcing WWE to pivot creatively. Matches like John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship and the triple threat between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins remain intact, but the undercard is in flux. Emerging names like Bron Breakker and Jey Uso could see bigger roles, while whispers of a Rock cameo—despite his uncertain wrestling status—circulate on platforms like ringmattersnow.
The absence of these stars to miss WrestleMania 41 might open doors for surprise returns or debuts, keeping the WWE Universe on edge. While the event loses some star power, it gains unpredictability—a hallmark of WrestleMania’s enduring appeal.
Looking Ahead
For Kevin Owens, recovery is the priority, with no return date set. Sami Zayn’s exclusion could foreshadow a dramatic comeback, perhaps at SummerSlam. Jimmy Uso’s fate hinges on his health, while Asuka, Reed, and Dragunov aim for later 2025 returns. The stars to miss WrestleMania 41 won’t be in the spotlight this April, but their legacies ensure they’ll remain in the conversation.
As WrestleMania 41 nears, the focus shifts to who will step up in Las Vegas. Will the absences create new heroes, or will the void prove too large? The answers unfold in just nine days.
FAQs:
Q: Why is Kevin Owens one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41?
A: Kevin Owens is sidelined due to a neck injury requiring surgery, aggravated during his Elimination Chamber match with Sami Zayn. He announced his absence on the April 4 SmackDown.
Q: Is Sami Zayn injured, or why is he among the stars to miss WrestleMania 41?
A: Sami Zayn is not injured; WWE’s decision to exclude him appears creative. Despite his strong showing at Elimination Chamber, he’s off the WrestleMania 41 card.
Q: Will Jimmy Uso be one of the stars to miss WrestleMania 41?
A: Jimmy Uso’s participation is uncertain after Gunther’s attack on March 31 RAW. No official update confirms his status, but recovery time may keep him out.
Q: Who else joins the stars to miss WrestleMania 41 list?
A: Asuka (knee injury), Bronson Reed (broken foot), and Ilja Dragunov (torn ACL) are also confirmed absent, with recoveries extending past April 2025.
Q: How will WWE adjust without these stars to miss WrestleMania 41?
A: WWE may elevate talents like Bron Breakker or Jey Uso, or introduce surprises like returns or debuts, to fill the gaps on the WrestleMania 41 card.
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