WWE SummerSlam 2026 Results As Kevin Owens Shockingly Returns, Pins Sami Zayn

At WWE SummerSlam 2026, Sami Zayn sought redemption and a rematch for the WWE Championship after his loss to CM Punk. The path to becoming the #1 contender initially involved a singles match against Finn Balor, but was altered by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who introduced Gunther and a returning Kevin Owens to create a Fatal 4-Way.

Kevin Owens, making his comeback after 17 months due to career-threatening neck surgery, emerged victorious in the four-way match, securing his position as the #1 contender for the WWE Championship. This development sets up a clash between Owens and CM Punk for the championship, while Zayn's hopes for a quick return to the title picture have been dashed.

Owens' surprising return injects fresh excitement into SmackDown's main event storyline. At Night of Champions in June, Zayn had captured his first WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther, but it was short-lived, as he lost the title to CM Punk on Monday Night Raw. Zayn was subsequently granted a rematch for the WWE Championship, but this time, he had to defeat Finn Balor at SummerSlam to earn another shot at the championship.

Just when it seemed Zayn might secure a one-on-one match against Balor for the No. 1 contender spot, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made an unexpected announcement during the Raw opening segment. He revealed that both Gunther and a returning Kevin Owens would join the bout, transforming it into a Fatal 4-Way. In an unforeseen turn of events, Owens outlasted Gunther, Zayn, and Balor at SummerSlam, claiming the #1 contender position and setting the stage for a future WWE title challenge against CM Punk.