Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are both confirmed for tonight’s WWE SmackDown, the first since SummerSlam 2026, live from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Owens makes his first SmackDown appearance since returning to the ring last Sunday. The Prizefighter had been out of action for 17 months before Nick Aldis surprisingly added him to the Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match against Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor, and Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
That should set up a confrontation with CM Punk, who is also advertised for tonight’s show.
Xfinity Mobile Arena announced Orton’s SmackDown return following his comeback at SummerSlam, where he blindsided Cody Rhodes:
“JUST ANNOUNCED! The Viper Randy Orton returns to SmackDown after RKOing Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.”
Orton had been off WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Rhodes in an Undisputed WWE Championship match and then hit him with a Punt Kick.
Also on tonight’s card, Charlotte Flair faces Jade Cargill. Both competed Sunday in the Ladder Match for the Interim WWE Women’s Championship. Chelsea Green won that match and makes her first appearance as champion tonight.