WWE Rumor Roundup - Roman Reigns' backstage argument with Nia Jax, Company apologizes to superstar, Two big names request for a break (3rd July 2021)

#2. The real reason behind Kevin Owens and Xavier Woods' recent WWE absence

I fought like hell.Now, I need a little break.I’ll be back soon.Thank you, guys.

— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) June 21, 2021

Xavier Woods and Kevin Owens were both written off TV for a brief period recently, and there has been some doubt over their respective WWE statuses.

Bobby Lashley beat down Woods following the Hell in a Cell match on RAW. Kevin Owens was also not on WWE TV for a week after the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, but he returned for a Last Man Standing match on the most recent SmackDown show.

😱 😱 😱#UniversalTitle #RoyalRumble @FightOwensFight @WWERomanReigns @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/UaPhwoEy0i

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2021

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Kevin Owens was never expected to be out for long as he had just asked for a short vacation. Woods also requested a week off, and he is slated to be back this coming week on RAW.

"The situation with Owens was this. When he tweeted that he was going to take time off and we were told he asked for time off, it was always just a two week vacation and never to be a long-term thing. So he’s back on the 7/2 show doing a last man standing match with Zayn as a Money in the Bank qualifier. Woods had also asked for a week off so they did the angle. Lashley injured him, but he’s also back this coming week." reported Meltzer

Bobby Lashley vs. Xavier Woods set for next week's WWE Raw https://t.co/2r7e9K1Typ pic.twitter.com/GZsEzS35qG

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) June 29, 2021

For Woods and KO, regular business resumes after a much-needed break.