Kevin Owens is closing in on his WWE return, and the company already has a brand lined up for him once he is ready to come back.
PWInsider states that Owens is very close to returning following his lengthy absence due to neck surgery. When he does return, the former Universal Champion will be part of the SmackDown roster.
The news clears up some of the mystery surrounding Owens after he was spotted in Minneapolis during SummerSlam weekend. His presence in town led to immediate speculation about a possible appearance, especially after Fightful Select revealed that he had also been training at the WWE Performance Center earlier in the week.
Owens is in Minneapolis for scheduled photo opportunities, but he was also seen around WWE’s media area. It was later clarified that he had pushed for an on-screen return in some capacity earlier this year, even before he was ready to step back into the ring.
There is still no exact date for his comeback, and WWE has not announced his first opponent. However, the latest information makes it clear that Owens is nearing the end of his recovery and that SmackDown will be his home when he returns.
Owens has not wrestled since March 2025, with neck surgery forcing him to miss two straight WrestleManias. His return would give SmackDown another established main-event name and open the door for several fresh feuds after the longest absence of his WWE career.
Kevin Owens may not be back on television yet, but the wait appears to be almost over. Once he is cleared, SmackDown is where WWE plans to bring him back into the fold.
Who should Kevin Owens face first when he returns to SmackDown? Leave your feedback in the comments.
