Randy Orton and Kevin Owens expected to return to WWE soon

Cageside Seats3 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Randy Orton and Kevin Owens expected to return to WWE soon
Summary

Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are set to make their returns to WWE television shortly, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Orton's comeback could happen within a week, as he is expected to enter the main event scene. Owens, who has been sidelined since March 2025, is reportedly ready to wrestle again after losing weight. Additional rumors suggest WWE has mandated Danhausen's appearance on major shows, while discussions about Road Dogg’s potential creative role with TNA have stalled. Fightful Select also indicates that TNA's invitation to LeBron James was primarily a PR strategy.

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Status Watch
  • Randy Orton could return within a week to WWE programming.
  • Kevin Owens nears his in-ring return after significant weight loss.
  • WWE plans to feature Danhausen prominently on major shows.
  • Talks between Road Dogg and TNA have stalled; ongoing discussions for a creative role.
  • TNA's invitation to LeBron James was reportedly just a publicity stunt.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMCageside SeatsRumor Roundup (Aug. 1, 2026): Major WWE returns, Danhausen mandate, Road Dogg, more!
What they're saying
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ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS - APRIL 4: Kevin Owens speaks during SmackDown at Allstate Arena on April 4, 2025 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images) | WWE via Getty Images It’s the last roundup of the week, enjoy it while you can! Lead rumor: Major WWE returns We’ve been waiting for the return of two key names on the WWE roster for months and in one case over a year. The word from the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter is that two of those major names are on the way back sooner rather than later. Indeed, both Randy Orton and Kevin Owens will be back on WWE television soon. In the case of Orton, he could be back “in the next week.” Dave Meltzer noted Orton was originally planned to beat Cody Rhodes for the title but his back was too much of a concern, and they changed a lot of plans to account for it. The timing of his return would seem to indicate he’ll be getting involved in the main event scene on the blue brand, perhaps even at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, Owens has apparently dropped some weight and is nearly ready to wrestle for the first time since March of 2025. Here we go. Other rumors floating around Self Made Pro claims there is a mandate from high up in WWE to make sure Danhausen is featured across every major show. The Observer claims talks with Road Dogg and TNA have “stalled” and they aren’t close to a deal right now. Fightful Select, however, says talks are ongoing for a creative position within the company. They also say Mara Sade is still a free agent but she is still in talks with TNA. No surprise here: Fightful says TNA never actually expected LeBron James to answer their invitation and it was simply a PR stunt. For what it’s worth, Joe Gacy told The FiveMarks that original plans called for Bray Wyatt to lead the Wyatt Sicks stable before his death. Share any more if you have ‘em!

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