Kevin Owens is scheduled to appear as the grand marshal for NASCAR’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 this Saturday night, replacing the previously announced Rey Mysterio. The announcement was made today by the Daytona International Speedway, where the race will be held.
In a social media post, the speedway stated, “UPDATE: Stepping in for Rey Mysterio, we’re excited to welcome @FightOwensFight as the Grand Marshal for tomorrow night’s #CokeZeroSugar400!” No official reason was given for the substitution. The news comes just a day after Mysterio had posted about the honor of being selected for the role.
Both Owens and Mysterio are currently out of action due to injuries that forced them to miss WrestleMania 41. Mysterio has been sidelined with a torn groin since April, though his expected recovery timeline suggests a return could be near. He recently appeared at Lucha Libre AAA’s Triplemania to induct Konnan into the AAA Hall of Fame.
Owens has not competed since March and underwent successful neck surgery on July 18 to address a significant neck and spinal cord injury. While the procedure was a critical first step in his recovery, he is expected to face a lengthy rehabilitation period. Reports from July indicated that such an injury typically requires at least a full year of recovery, making it highly probable that Owens will also miss WrestleMania 42 in April 2026.
Prior to his surgery, Owens described his symptoms as “brutal” during a podcast appearance in late June, noting significant neck pain, numbness down his arms, and weakness in his legs. The severity of the symptoms prompted the decision to move forward with the operation.
The injury was first revealed to the public on the April 4, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown. During the broadcast, an emotional Owens announced he was withdrawing from his scheduled match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 after doctors advised him to stop wrestling immediately, warning of potentially permanent or fatal consequences if he continued.
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