SummerSlam: Kevin Owens thought WWE career was over until 'a few weeks ago' - 'I definitely did not make peace with it'
WWE wrestler Kevin Owens made a surprise return to the ring at SummerSlam 2026 after a 17-month absence due to a severe neck injury. Owens revealed that he was only cleared to compete a few weeks ago and is now set to challenge CM Punk for the title.
Why it matters
The return of a high-profile athlete highlights the physical risks inherent in professional wrestling and the personal challenges of career-threatening injuries.
After 17 months away, Kevin Owens made a stunning return to the ring Sunday at WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 in U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Along with Gunther, Owens was announced as a surprise entrant into the Undisputed WWE title No. 1 contender match between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor, which Owens then won by pinning Zayn .
Owens, 42, was last seen before WrestleMania 41 when he was lined up to take on Randy Orton. His momentum hit an abrupt halt when he suffered a bad neck injury that required surgery, bringing Owens' career into question. On the WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 Post-Show , the former Universal Champion discussed his road back to the ring.
"It was a rough road, honestly. It really was. But none of that matters now because I'm here," Owens said.
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