Last Time In Action: Finn Balor defeated Royce Keys, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams (SmackDown, July 24); Sami Zayn and Gunther lost to CM Punk and Cody Rhodes (Saturday Night’s Main Event, July 18); Gunther defeated Nick Aldis (SummerSlam, August 1); Kevin Owens defeated Zayn (Elimination Chamber, March 1, 2025)
Owens made a triumphant, surprise return to kick off SummerSlam, one of two Superstars added at the last minute to the No. 1 Contender’s Match by reinstated SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
The Prizefighter outlasted Gunther and the previously announced Balor and Zayn, dropping his longtime frenemy with the Stunner to secure the win and earn a shot at CM Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship.
A fantastic match that earned justified “this is awesome” chants from the fans, it featured some hard-hitting, physical in-ring action in which all four men shined.
Late in the match, Owens unloaded with an onslaught of Stunners, downing Balor, then Gunther, before finishing with Zayn.
The match not only brought the goods between the ropes, but it provided night two of the summertime spectacular with a genuinely shocking moment at the top of the broadcast.
Furthermore, it sets up a fresh match between Owens and Punk, two men with a rich history of dislike but who have yet to battle each other in a high-profile match-up of any kind in a WWE ring. That is a marquee match-up that will appeal to the hardcore wrestling fans, between two of the best talkers in the business.
Excitement levels should be otherworldly for that one.
Owens defeated Gunther, Zayn, and Balor
