Photo Credit: ESPN
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WWE could welcome two major stars back very soon, while CM Punk continues to embrace his current role. Meanwhile, one of wrestling’s greatest tag teams has started a new chapter in AEW. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens reportedly approaching long-awaited returns, Punk addressed the possibility of another heel run, and The Motor City Machine Guns made an emotional debut for All Elite Wrestling.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens should return to WWE programming soon. Orton could reportedly return within the next week. Therefore, many fans now believe he could appear during SummerSlam this weekend.
Orton has remained absent from WWE television since Wrestlemania 42 in April. He challenged Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship during the Night 1 main event. Rhodes retained the title, but Orton shocked everyone after the match. He delivered his trademark Punt Kick to Rhodes before disappearing from television.
Although Orton previously suggested he simply took time away from WWE, Meltzer reported that an injury caused his absence. Even so, the veteran appears close to returning. That news excites fans because Orton remains one of WWE’s biggest attractions.
Orton debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2002. Today, the 46-year-old stands as WWE’s longest-tenured active superstar. Throughout his remarkable career, he has collected numerous championships and headlined countless premium live events. However, injuries have challenged him several times. He previously missed about 18 months between 2022 and 2023 because of a serious back injury.
Kevin Owens also appears close to returning after a lengthy recovery. Owens has not wrestled since March 2025 because of a neck injury that required surgery. His rehabilitation has lasted much longer than expected. Nevertheless, reports indicate he has lost significant weight during recovery and continues moving toward medical clearance.
Owens has built his reputation through toughness and determination. Consequently, fans eagerly await his return to WWE television. His comeback would immediately strengthen the company’s main event scene heading into the second half of 2026.
Meltzer also noted that Orton and Owens could challenge CM Punk if Punk retains the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Either rivalry would instantly become one of WWE’s biggest headline programs.
While speculation continues about SummerSlam, CM Punk discussed another popular topic. During an appearance on SiriusXM’s WWE Radio on Thursday, Punk addressed whether he prefers working as a heel or a babyface.
Punk explained that fans ultimately determine those roles instead of wrestlers. He believes audiences currently support him too strongly for a heel turn to succeed. Punk added that fans would likely continue cheering him regardless, which would defeat the purpose of becoming a villain.
His comments make perfect sense considering his current popularity. Since returning to WWE in November 2023, Punk has remained one of the company’s most beloved performers. Fans consistently give him some of the loudest reactions on every show.
Punk already enjoyed a legendary career before his return. However, his latest run has added another memorable chapter. Earlier this year, Roman Reigns defeated Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship during the WrestleMania 42 main event.
Following that loss, Punk stepped away for a brief break. He returned earlier this month on Raw in his hometown of Chicago. WWE revealed him as the surprise challenger for then-WWE Champion Sami Zayn. Punk defeated Zayn and captured the WWE Championship before an enthusiastic hometown crowd.
That victory created one of SummerSlam’s biggest matches. Punk now prepares to defend the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. Since both competitors receive overwhelming fan support, many people have wondered whether WWE could turn one wrestler into a villain.
Based on Punk’s comments, that possibility seems unlikely for now. Elsewhere in professional wrestling, The Motor City Machine Guns officially debuted in AEW during Thursday night’s episode of Collision. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley returned to their hometown of Detroit for the memorable appearance.
After the show, Sabin shared his excitement on social media. He called the debut one of his favorite career moments, highlighting the emotional significance of performing in Detroit. Sabin and Shelley originally formed The Motor City Machine Guns in 2006. Over the next two decades, they earned recognition as one of wrestling’s greatest tag teams. They captured championships and produced classic matches across TNA, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The duo finally signed with WWE in 2024. They immediately won the WWE Tag Team Championships, proving they still belonged among wrestling’s elite teams. Unfortunately, WWE gradually reduced its focus on the SmackDown tag team division.
That shift limited opportunities for The Motor City Machine Guns. WWE eventually released Sabin and Shelley from their contracts in April 2026. Their departure surprised many fans who believed the team still had plenty to offer.
Now, AEW provides another opportunity for the decorated veterans. They enter one of wrestling’s deepest tag team divisions, featuring teams such as FTR, The Young Bucks, and Adam Copeland with Christian Cage. Reports also continue linking New Day to AEW after their WWE non-compete clause expires.
The Motor City Machine Guns already own legendary careers. Still, AEW offers several fresh dream matches that wrestling fans have wanted for years. Their arrival strengthens an already loaded tag division while giving Sabin and Shelley another chance to create unforgettable moments.
As SummerSlam approaches, WWE could soon regain Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. At the same time, CM Punk remains comfortable as one of wrestling’s biggest fan favorites. Meanwhile, AEW has added another championship-caliber team through The Motor City Machine Guns. Together, those developments ensure professional wrestling enters August with tremendous momentum across both major promotions.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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