Kevin Owens is set to make a surprise return to the NXT spotlight at the brand's upcoming event on Sunday, June 28. The former world champion will feature as a special guest at the Great American Bash watch party outside the WWE Performance Center.
Owens will appear over a year after suffering a serious neck and spinal cord injury in January 2025, but fans should not interpret his appearance as an indication of an in-ring return. He will participate in the event as a guest rather than compete or get involved in any physical altercation.
The 42-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful WWE career, capturing multiple championships, including the Universal, United States, Intercontinental, and Tag Team titles. He has also headlined WrestleMania twice, facing "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38 and teaming with Sami Zayn to defeat The Usos for the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 39.
Owens has been sidelined since before WrestleMania 41 after suffering a significant neck injury that ultimately required surgery. Despite being unable to wrestle, he has stayed involved with the company in various capacities, including serving as a coach on WWE's LFG series.
The NXT Great American Bash will mark the event's first-ever live broadcast on The CW Network. The card is set to feature Tony D'Angelo defending the NXT Championship against Naraku, Lola Vice challenging Kendal Grey for the NXT Women's Championship, and Zaria facing Tatum Paxley in a rematch for the NXT Women's North American Championship, among several other matches.
