At WWE SummerSlam on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, Kevin Owens made an unexpected return after nearly 16 months away due to a serious neck injury. Owens stunned the crowd at Bank Stadium in Minneapolis by hitting a stunner on Sami Zayn, securing his position as the No. 1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Earlier in the event, a contender match for the Undisputed WWE Championship was set between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor, both of whom had earned the opportunity to vie for the title. Following his loss to Gunther on Night 1, Nick Aldis was reinstated as SmackDown’s general manager and made the executive decision to add "The Ring General" to the match. Aldis also indicated there was one more person he planned to add to the contest.

Upon his return, Owens immediately targeted Finn Balor and Gunther, while Sami Zayn appeared shocked in the ring. Despite Zayn landing a Blue Thunder Bomb on Owens, he was unable to secure the pin.

Owens’ return was met with an enthusiastic response, with the crowd nearly shattering the glass at Bank Stadium. His performance showed no signs of diminished ability despite his lengthy absence.

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