Kevin Owens was backstage at WWE Backlash in Tampa on Saturday, according to PWInsider, marking a continued involvement with the company despite being sidelined from in-ring competition since his neck surgery last July.
Owens has been working behind the scenes on the WWE LFG project during his recovery and his Backlash presence reflects that ongoing connection to the business. He also delivered news that Canadian WWE fans have been waiting to hear, announcing a three-show return to Canada in August through a video posted to his X account.
“Hello, my name is Kevin Owens. You may know me from several wrestling matches I’ve had in the last 26 years or so. Not so much in the last year. I haven’t wrestled then. I had neck surgery. It was a whole thing.”
He then laid out the full tour schedule.
“WWE is coming back to Canada in August. Thursday, August 20th, London, Ontario, at the Canada Life Place. The next night, Friday, August 21st in Toronto, SmackDown. Friday night SmackDown. That’s going to be big. Scotia Bank Arena. And then Monday, August 24th. It’s Raw in Ottawa at the Canadian Tire Center.”
Owens also leaned into the timing of the announcement, noting it coincided with his birthday and the 26th anniversary of his first wrestling match.
“Think of it as like a birthday present from me to you, even though it’s my birthday. And also, I won’t be paying for the tickets. But, you know, in spirit. It’s a nice gesture. Go buy the tickets, go to the shows, have a blast. And I really miss you guys. And I mean that 100%.”
Tickets went on sale last week. No timeline for Owens’ return to in-ring competition has been announced.