CM Punk. Image via: Andrew Timms/ WWE via Getty Images
However, the former NXT Champion made his unannounced return to the ring on Night 2 of SummerSlam 2026 to participate in an impromptu Fatal 4-Way match. In doing so, Owens became the new No.1 contender for CM Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship. KO later revealed that he would cash in his title opportunity on the August 21 episode of SmackDown, taking place in his home country of Canada.
Kevin Owens was ruled out of action for more than a year due to a major neck injury. Because my mom, through her health issues over the last several years, her ability to fly and go to shows that are far away, it’s just not the case anymore, owens said, “my parents will get to be there, my family will get to be there and that wouldn’t have been the case if the match happened somewhere else,.
I’m sure he’d happily say the same, like, we don’t gel” , said Kevin Owens. In the aforementioned interview, Owens also said that his entire family will be in attendance to watch him compete for the WWE title. In an interview with Faces Magazine, The PrizeFighter admitted that he and Punk do not get along with each other and added that the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion would say the same. “You know, some people, you’re just not compatible with, and he’s one of them. He outlasted Finn Balor, Gunther, and his best friend, Sami Zayn, to win the match. This will mark a huge showdown in Kevin Owens’ WWE career. Moreover, standing in his way is CM Punk, a man he has real-life issues with, with the expectation of the match being a hard-hitting showdown. With KO ready to bring his A game in front of his homefield fans and family, it will be interesting to see if he leaves Toronto with the Undisputed WWE title.