Kevin Owens, a prominent WWE superstar, has hinted at a possible comeback following the recent crowning of a new champion, fueling speculation within the WWE Universe. The latest championship victory stirred Owens to break his silence, drawing attention to his highly anticipated Kevin Owens WWE return.
Kevin Owens’ Hiatus and Injury Recovery
Kevin Owens has been absent from WWE programming since March 2025, primarily due to serious neck injuries sustained earlier this year. His last official match took place at the Elimination Chamber, where he faced Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned contest. Plans were in place for him to battle Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41, but ongoing medical concerns ultimately forced his withdrawal from scheduled appearances and matches.
Owens made his initial WWE comeback on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, not as a competitor but appearing among fans during John Cena’s farewell match. While rumors of his return have swirled, Owens continues to train for a potential return in 2026, though a fixed date remains unconfirmed. Sparks of renewed interest were lit after the emergence of a new WWE titleholder, which Owens publicly acknowledged.
New United States Champion and Owens’ Reaction
On the December 26 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, the spotlight was on United States Champion Ilja Dragunov as he defended his title against former tag team ally Carmelo Hayes. Hayes, who had previously issued an open challenge, was granted this match after earlier interference sabotaged his last attempt. Known for his aggressive, high-impact style, Dragunov initially dominated the bout, leaving the American challenger scrambling for answers. In a dramatic twist, Hayes reversed momentum and successfully pinned Dragunov, capturing his first singles championship on WWE’s main roster and marking a landmark in his young career.
Celebrating his victory, Carmelo Hayes shared a video of the match’s final moments online, showcasing the critical sequence when he delivered both the First 48 and Nothing but Net to secure the win. This prompted a reaction from Kevin Owens, whose message of respect signaled his continued engagement despite time away from the ring.
Owens Commends Hayes’ Breakthrough Moment
Upon seeing Hayes’ celebration, Kevin Owens took to social media to personally congratulate the new champion with a heartfelt message:
“Special moment.Well-deserved moment.Congrats, man! https://t.co/0SkeN22RPR” — Kevin (@FightOwensFight), December 28, 2025
This endorsement from a respected figure like Owens amplified the significance of Hayes’ accomplishment and suggested a potential storyline opportunity upon Owens’ return. While no timeline for Owens’ full WWE comeback has been announced, this interaction indicates both respect for Hayes and Owens’ readiness to step back into the spotlight.
Future Implications for the WWE Roster
The championship shift places Carmelo Hayes in a defining position as he embarks on his first reign with a major singles title. As Hayes continues to prove himself, it remains to be seen how long he can hold onto the United States Championship amid growing challenges. With Kevin Owens training for his eventual return, and fellow superstars like Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, and the legendary John Cena remaining closely linked to WWE headlines, the anticipation among fans and within the locker room is mounting.
Owens’ message not only amplifies excitement for his awaited comeback but also signals a potential fresh rivalry or alliance when he steps back into the WWE Universe. This recent exchange underscores WWE’s dynamic landscape, promising fans compelling storylines and intense in-ring action as stars like Hayes and Owens prepare to shape the next era of competition.
Craziest feeling ever , I felt the people lift me to top rope, can’t even explain it . https://t.co/ll5CqjaP67
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) December 27, 2025
Special moment.
Well-deserved moment.
Congrats, man! https://t.co/0SkeN22RPR
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) December 28, 2025
