Kevin Owens returns to WWE at SummerSlam, becomes title contender
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 11:14 PM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Kevin Owens returned to WWE after 17 months sidelined by a neck injury, making his appearance during the opening match of night two of SummerSlam in Minnesota. He was introduced as the fourth competitor in the match featuring Sami Zayn and Finn Balor, and received an overwhelming reaction from the crowd. Following his return, Owens secured a victory, positioning himself as the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Social media buzzed with fans expressing their excitement over Owens' return and anticipation for a potential match against CM Punk for the title. SummerSlam continues into the night, adding to the event's significant moments.
- •Kevin Owens returns after 17 months due to a neck injury.
- •He was introduced during the opening match at SummerSlam in Minnesota.
- •Owens became the number one contender for the WWE Championship.
- •Fans reacted positively on social media to his return.
- •Owens is set to face CM Punk for the title.
- 2:10 AMYahoo Sports — SummerSlam: Kevin Owens thought WWE career was over until 'a few weeks ago' — 'I definitely did not make peace with it'
- 11:14 PMYahoo Sports — WWE fans react as Kevin Owens makes stunning return at SummerSlam
"Kevin Owens made a dramatic return to WWE as he was added to the opening match on night two of SummerSlam in Minnesota. Owens has been out of action with a neck injury for around 17 months and some had even suggested he might never even wrestle again.
"Owens, a beloved former champion, suffered a grisly neck injury 17 months ago that threatened to end his WWE career. On Sunday, he made his surprise return at SummerSlam.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 2:10 AMSummerSlam: Kevin Owens thought WWE career was over until 'a few weeks ago' — 'I definitely did not make peace with it'
Owens, a beloved former champion, suffered a grisly neck injury 17 months ago that threatened to end his WWE career. On Sunday, he made his surprise return at SummerSlam.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 11:14 PMWWE fans react as Kevin Owens makes stunning return at SummerSlam
Kevin Owens made a dramatic return to WWE as he was added to the opening match on night two of SummerSlam in Minnesota. Owens has been out of action with a neck injury for around 17 months and some had even suggested he might never even wrestle again.
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