Kevin Owens Returns At SummerSlam, Earns Huge WWE Opportunity

After more than a year away from the ring, Kevin Owens made a major impression with his WWE return at SummerSlam.

In the opening night of SummerSlam night 2, Owens was added to the WWE title number one contenders match, which was originally set to be between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor. However, shortly before the match began, Nick Aldis announced that more participants would be added to the bout. Aldis first introduced Gunther, but then announced that the match would be a 4-way. Owens’ music hit to a huge ovation as the former Universal Champion made his entrance.

Owens teased an alliance with Zayn, but things quickly broke down. Owens won the match by hitting a stunner on Zayn.

Owens was last in the ring at Elimination Chamber 2025, where he faced Zayn in an unsanctioned match. Owens was set to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania, but was removed from the show as he required neck surgery. Joe Hendry was the replacement for Owens at WrestleMania 41.

Kevin Owens New Number One Contender Following SummerSlam Win

Due to the stipulation of the match, Owens is now the new number one contender for the WWE Championship. The current champion is CM Punk as he retained the title over Cody Rhodes on night one. Rhodes lost the match thanks to interference from a returning Randy Orton.

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