WWE could soon receive a major boost to its roster following SummerSlam. A new report indicates that two of its biggest stars are nearing their returns.
While WWE has officially announced nothing, the latest update suggests fans may not have to wait much longer.
The timing is particularly interesting with SummerSlam set to reshape the championship picture and several top stars already circling the main event scene.
Report provides latest update on Randy Orton and Kevin Owens
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, both Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are expected to return “very soon,” with Orton potentially back as early as next week.
Meltzer wrote, “Orton and Owens are both expected to be returning very soon, Orton perhaps in the next week. Owens has dropped weight after a lengthy and frustratingly long recovery from neck surgery.”
The report also addressed Orton’s absence. It noted that despite publicly saying he was enjoying time away, he had in fact been dealing with a back injury.
Meltzer further claimed, “He was actually scheduled to beat Rhodes at Mania unless they felt his back was going to not allow it. When they realized that was the case, all kinds of plans were changed.”
The report includes speculation that Orton could resume his rivalry with Cody Rhodes. Alternatively, he could begin a new program with CM Punk, whose Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes headlines night one of SummerSlam. However, those scenarios remain speculative and have not been confirmed by WWE. If Orton does strike soon, it could be an RKO out of nowhere in more ways than one.
Owens has been sidelined significantly longer. His last WWE match came in March 2025, before neck surgery kept him out of action for over a year. During his recovery, he remained visible through projects such as WWE LFG and several WWE digital appearances.
If the report proves accurate, WWE could welcome back two proven main-event stars shortly after SummerSlam. This adds a plethora of fresh options to the title picture and strengthens the roster heading into the fall season.
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