Kevin Owens made a surprise return at WWE SummerSlam, ending a 16-month absence caused by a neck injury that nearly ended his career. The emotional comeback immediately changed the championship picture.
Owens hit Sami Zayn with a stunner, and the move secured him the No. 1 contender spot for the Undisputed WWE Championship. That puts him on a collision course with current champion CM Punk.
The return was not announced in advance, and the crowd reacted with shock as Owens appeared for the first time since his injury. He arrived in a fighting mood, wasting no time in going after Zayn.
The stunner not only leveled Zayn but also gave Owens the top contender position, setting up a major title match against Punk. Owens had been sidelined for more than a year after suffering the neck injury, which was serious enough to threaten his wrestling future.
With the No. 1 contender spot now his, Owens turns his attention to Punk and the Undisputed WWE Championship. The two are set for a showdown that will headline a future WWE event, giving Owens a shot at the title he has pursued throughout his career.