Kevin Owens reveals when he was cleared for WWE in-ring return

Out for over a year with an almost career-ending injury, Kevin Owens has now finally revealed when he was cleared for his return. At WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two, Owens returned as a surprise addition to the Finn Balor vs. Sami Zayn match alongside Gunther. Owens won the match upon his return and earned himself a title shot against CM Punk. Speaking at the SummerSlam 2026 Night Two post-show, Owens opened up in detail about his in-ring clearance. In the same post-show interview, Owens also addressed AEW wrestler Rebel’s current battle with ALS and called her fight “inspirational.”