Kevin Owens made a massive, successful return at WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 in U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. To start Sunday’s show, reappointed “SmackDown” general manager Nick Aldis announced that Gunther and Owens were added to the No. 1 contender match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn. In his first match in 17 months, Owens then claimed the right to challenge Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk.
Owens immediately got in his first licks in 17 months, taking out Gunther and Balor with corner cannonballs, leaving him alone in the ring with a stunned Zayn. The two old frenemies embraced and then began throwing down for an epic, emotional start.
Owens’ momentum continued fast and furious, as he dropped Zayn with a senton, followed by a Swanton Bomb onto all three men outside. Gunther received another in the ring before countering Owens’ Stunner with a sleeper hold. Balor swiftly broke things up, leaving Gunther in control of the action.
Balor then found his chance to shine when he hit Zayn and Gunther with Slingblades before a double shotgun dropkick. The Coup de Grace missed on Gunther, allowing “The Ring General” to find his patented powerbomb, right into a Boston Crab off Balor’s kick-out. Owens broke it up and stomped out Gunther in the corner. The crowd couldn’t have been more hyped for Canada’s finest.
A massive avalanche brainbuster from Owens planted Balor in the middle of the ring, with Zayn trying to steal the pin. Balor kicked out, and they went straight back to the top rope. Owens wound up knocking off Balor, stopping the Coup de Grace, and going for a Swanton Bomb on Zayn. The knees got up, sending Owens to the corner and lining him up for a Helluva Kick. Gunther intercepted with a big sleeper hold, only for Balor to hit a Coup de Grace on both. Gunther broke up Balor’s pin with his fingertips, somewhat botching the near-fall.
Owens returned to the mix to hit Stunners on both Balor and Gunther. Zayn had one teed up, but reversed into a big Blue Thunder Bomb for the near-fall. Yet Owens perservered and found it again on Zayn after halting the Helluva with a super kick, then scored the pin to polish off massive return win and become the official No. 1 contender.
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