Backstage Update on the Imminent Return of Two Top WWE Stars

WWE could have two of its top stars back on television shortly after SummerSlam. The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are both expected to return “very soon.”

Orton hasn’t wrestled since losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in April. After the match, he said he planned to take the summer off before eventually returning to chase another world championship. Meanwhile, Owens has been sidelined since April 2025 while recovering from an injury and subsequent neck fusion surgery, which forced him to miss the last two WrestleManias.

According to Dave Meltzer, Orton’s comeback could happen as early as next week. While WWE hasn’t announced any creative plans, Meltzer wrote that Orton is expected to either pick up his unfinished business with Cody Rhodes or begin a new program with CM Punk. The latter two are going to face each other at SummerSlam for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Additionally, Meltzer indicated that Orton has been away dealing with an injury, despite his recent claims that he was “milking it” and “trying to enjoy” his summer before coming back and winning his 15th world title. Meltzer also reports that Oton was originally scheduled to beat Rhodes for the title at WrestleMania 42, but after realizing his recurring back injury was an issue, “all kinds of plans were changed.”

Talking about Owens, Meltzer noted he’s made progress during his recovery and has also dropped weight while working toward an in-ring return. While neither return has been officially announced, the report suggests both veterans are getting closer to stepping back into the ring.