KEVIN OWENS made a shocking comeback to WWE after nearly 18 months away due to a severe neck injury.
The 42-year-old had not stepped into the ring since March 2025, when he faced his lifelong best friend Sami Zayn in a heated unsanctioned match at Elimination Chamber.
He successfully underwent neck fusion surgery in July 2025.
On Sunday in Minnesota, Owens made his return as newly appointed SmackDown GM Nick Aldis featured his rival Gunther in a number one contenders match between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor, which was ultimately changed to a fatal-four-way.
Zayn was surprised by the news, as was the large crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Although Owens and Zayn shared a warm embrace to start, they quickly escalated into a high-octane showdown.
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Owens clinched the win by delivering a stunner to Zayn, earning him the opportunity to challenge CM Punk, who had defeated Cody Rhodes the previous night.
As a former WWE world champion, Owens has been greatly missed by both fans and fellow wrestlers.
He was set to have a rematch with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 but announced earlier that he would be sidelined for an indefinite period due to his injury.
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Wrestlers with severe neck injuries often face shortened careers, as it ranks among the most debilitating injuries in the sport.
Stone Cold Steve Austin lost several years to a neck injury inflicted by Owen Hart at SummerSlam in 1997, retiring at just 38.
Edge was forced to retire but made a triumphant return to the ring after nine years. Similarly, Paige had to step back but returned to WWE after a long hiatus (though she wrestled in AEW) due to comparable issues.
