WATCH: Kevin Owens gets into heated confrontation with fan after making emotional announcement on SmackDown

WWE's Apex Predator Randy Orton is now left with no opponent at WrestleMania following Kevin Owens' emotional announcement.

WATCH: Kevin Owens gets into heated confrontation with fan after making emotional announcement on SmackDown

Kevin Owens [via WWE]

While WrestleMania 41 is just two weeks away, excited fans were met with some unfortunate news. Before the latest episode of SmackDown, it was revealed that Kevin Owens was dealing with a neck injury. He later explained his condition on the show, just before his match with Randy Orton.

On the latest episode of SmackDown, GM Nick Aldis gave Owens an emotional welcome as he entered the arena. Despite playing a heel character, Owens spoke from the heart and said the WWE Universe couldn’t imagine how disappointed he was. He shared how much he was looking forward to facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania and how hard it was to step away because of his injury. The moment left many fans emotional and concerned about his recovery.

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After announcing that he would undergo surgery and miss WrestleMania, the former WWE Universal Champion was heading backstage. But on his way out, something unexpected happened — a fan said something offensive to him. Although it wasn’t clear what was said, Kevin Owens looked visibly angry and was seen shouting, “Say that again!”

At that moment, the camera feed was cut as Nick Aldis and Orton noticed something was wrong. After Owens’ emotional announcement, Aldis told Orton he no longer had an opponent for WrestleMania. Frustrated, Orton ended the segment by hitting an RKO on the SmackDown GM.

Finn Balor sent a heartfelt message after Kevin Owens’ announcement on SmackDown

Although they shared a great rivalry on screen, Finn Balor and Owens were great friends in real life. After The Prizefighter announced that he would be missing his WrestleMania match due to his neck injury, Balor couldn’t stop himself from reacting. Despite being a heel, the inaugural WWE Universal Champion sent a wholesome message to him on social media.

Finn Balor and Kevin Owens
Finn Balor and Kevin Owens [via WWE]

Balor took to X and showed support for his best friend and longtime rival, saying he loved him. It was a kind gesture from the veteran, and fans saw how much the wrestlers care for each other during tough times. It was a heartbreaking moment for Mr. Wrestling, as he lost the chance to face a legend like Orton just two weeks before WWE’s biggest event.

I love Kevin Owens

Finn Balor on X

Balor’s road to WrestleMania has been full of ups and downs. He lost his Intercontinental Title match to Bron Breakker a few weeks ago due to interference from Dominik Mysterio and Carlito. Just when it seemed like there was tension in The Judgment Day, Balor and Dom Dom reconciled and picked up a win against Penta and Breakker on the latest episode of Raw. While not confirmed yet, fans expect a multi-man match for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania involving Balor.

Can SmackDown GM Nick Aldis be Randy Orton’s opponent at WrestleMania

After Owens announced he would miss WrestleMania 41, Orton was clearly disappointed. Every wrestler dreams of competing at the Showcase of the Immortals, and the 14-time world champion didn’t want to miss the chance to wrestle in his 20th WrestleMania match. After The Viper hit Aldis with an RKO, fans began speculating whether the GM might wrestle his first WWE match.

Randy Orton and Nick Aldis
Randy Orton and Nick Aldis [via WWE]

Although the British GM debuted in WWE as an authority figure, the WWE Universe is well aware of his wrestling background. He has extensive experience on the independent circuit, having won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship once. It wouldn’t be surprising if fans see Aldis lace up his boots for his first WWE match at WrestleMania.

However, with WrestleMania just two weeks away, it won’t be easy for Aldis to get match-ready. Orton is more likely to face someone else at the Showcase of the Immortals. Former AEW star Aleister Black could return to WWE and potentially challenge Orton at WrestleMania.

Related: Wyatt Sicks member sends cryptic message hinting at faction’s return ahead of WrestleMania 41