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BREAKING: Randy Orton & Kevin Owens Set for Imminent WWE Returns
WWE Superstars Randy Orton and Kevin Owens Set for Big Returns After SummerSlam
TL;DR: Two of WWE’s biggest stars are almost back! Randy Orton might return within a week, while Kevin Owens has recovered from neck surgery and dropped weight during his 16-month break. Both could shake up the championship picture very soon.
What’s Happening?
According to wrestling insider Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are both expected to return to WWE television "very soon" — possibly right after SummerSlam this Saturday.
Randy Orton: The Viper Is Back
When Is He Coming Back?
- Possibly within the next week
- Could show up on Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown after SummerSlam
Why Was He Gone?
- Orton wrestled Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in April and lost
- During that match, commentators mentioned he was dealing with a back injury
- Orton later tweeted he was just "milking it" and enjoying summer vacation
- But Meltzer reports: Orton was actually injured — not just taking time off
The Secret WrestleMania Plan
Important Insider Info: Orton was originally scheduled to BEAT Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania!
WWE changed plans only when they realized his back wouldn’t hold up. That’s why the door was left open for a future match.
Who Will He Fight First?
Meltzer thinks Orton will target one of two top stars:
- Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) — to finish their WrestleMania story
- CM Punk — who faces Rhodes at SummerSlam Night 1
Why now? Orton has said he wants his 15th World Championship. Returning now only makes sense if he’s going after the title — and Rhodes is the champ.
Kevin Owens: The Prizefighter’s Long Road Back
How Long Has He Been Gone?
- 16+ months — last match was March 2025
- Missed two WrestleManias in a row
What Was Wrong?
- Neck injury requiring surgery — a very serious issue for any wrestler
- Recovery was "lengthy and frustratingly long" (Meltzer’s words)
What Has He Been Doing?
Owens stayed busy during rehab:
- Coach on Season 3 of WWE LFG (A&E’s wrestling competition show)
- Appeared in WWE digital videos with:
- Sami Zayn & Becky Lynch (celebrating Sami’s title win)
- Kit Wilson on Club WWE
- Dropped significant weight during recovery — now in great shape
Why This Matters for WWE Fans
| Superstar | Time Away | Health Status | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Orton | ~4 months | Back injury (healed?) | Instant main event player; 14-time World Champ chasing #15 |
| Kevin Owens | 16+ months | Neck surgery recovered | Fan favorite returns; fresh matchups with new roster |
Big Picture: Both men are former World Champions and fan favorites. Their returns add star power, fresh storylines, and dream matches we haven’t seen before.
Summary
- Randy Orton may return within a week after SummerSlam
- He was secretly injured at WrestleMania — not just on vacation
- Original plan: Orton beats Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42
- Now: Likely targets Rhodes or CM Punk for the Undisputed Title
- Kevin Owens returns after 16 months out with neck surgery
- Owens lost weight, coached on WWE LFG, stayed visible digitally
- Both returns could reshape the main event scene immediately
FAQ
When exactly will Randy Orton return?
A: "Perhaps in the next week" per Meltzer — likely the Raw or SmackDown after SummerSlam (August 11–15 timeframe).
Was Randy Orton really injured, or was he just taking time off?
A: He was injured. Meltzer confirms Orton had a back issue that forced WWE to change WrestleMania plans. Orton’s "just milking it" tweet was likely a work (storyline).
Why has Kevin Owens been gone so long?
A: He had neck surgery — a major procedure with a long, difficult rehab. He missed two WrestleManias because of it.
What is WWE LFG?
A: Legends & Future Greats — an A&E competition show where WWE developmental talent compete for a contract. Owens was a coach/mentor on Season 3.
Could Orton and Owens team up or fight each other?
A: Absolutely! They have history (teamed as KO Show, fought as rivals). With both returning now, anything is possible — including a blockbuster match between them.
Bottom Line: WWE’s roster just got a whole lot scarier (in a good way). Keep your eyes on Raw and SmackDown after SummerSlam — The Viper and The Prizefighter are coming home.
