Kevin Owens' long road back
That changed in April 2025, when Owens announced a neck injury that forced him to miss WrestleMania 41 and undergo fusion surgery. Since then, he's been absent from the ring, but now, signs point to a return. Owens has kept his hand in, coaching on WWE LFG and appearing at the NXT Great American Bash Tailgate & Watch Party, keeping his name in the public eye.
While the exact timing of his return remains unclear, Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Owens is expected to come back soon. Meltzer also noted that Owens dropped some weight during his recovery, suggesting a return to in-ring condition.
Orton's unexpected absence and a potential return
Randy Orton's absence has been just as puzzling. After an unsuccessful title challenge at WrestleMania 42, Orton vanished from WWE programming, reportedly due to a back injury. But Meltzer claimed Orton said he wasn't hurt, leading to speculation that the company made plans adjustments once it became clear his back was an issue. Now, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter states Orton could return in the next week, fueling excitement ahead of the SummerSlam event beginning August 1.
The report also suggested Orton could continue his story with Rhodes or target CM Punk when he does return. With the Undisputed WWE Championship picture still in flux and Sami Zayn's recent title wins and losses, the timing could be just right for Orton to make a dramatic impact.
What their returns could mean
If both Owens and Orton return soon, WWE could gain two of its most experienced performers. Both men are seasoned storytellers and have histories with several major names in the title hunt. They could either reunite as a team or reignite old rivalries, bringing much-needed energy to the division. With both men potentially stepping into the mix, the near-future of WWE's title storylines looks to be in for a shakeup.
Their returns, if confirmed at the right time, could also provide momentum ahead of key events and storylines, including any developments on the SmackDown roster, where both had been key players before their absences.