Kevin Owens Qualified for Money in the Bank
The veteran wrestler secured his spot in the upcoming ladder match after winning a Triple Threat qualifying bout.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Wrestling
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Kevin Owens qualified for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match after defeating Johnny Gargano and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown. The 42-year-old wrestler secured the victory by executing a Pop-Up Powerbomb on Gargano.
Why it matters
The victory marks a significant milestone in Owens's career following his return to WWE at SummerSlam after a 16-month hiatus due to a neck injury. His qualification positions him as a top contender for the Money in the Bank prize.
Owens is a nine-time WWE champion, holding titles including the Universal, United States, Intercontinental, tag team, and NXT championships. This qualifying win comes after he spent 16 months sidelined with a neck injury.
The players
Kevin Owens
He is a 42-year-old professional wrestler and nine-time WWE champion who recently returned from a long-term injury.
Johnny Gargano
He is a professional wrestler who competed against Owens and Cody Rhodes in the qualifying match.
Cody Rhodes
He is a high-profile professional wrestler who participated in the Triple Threat match on SmackDown.
Randy Orton
He is a veteran professional wrestler whose interference during the match helped determine the final outcome.
Jim Ross
He is a legendary wrestling commentator who recently commented on potential future career paths for active talent.
The details
During the Triple Threat match on SmackDown, Randy Orton interfered by preventing Cody Rhodes from breaking up Owens's pin attempt. This pivotal intervention allowed the 42-year-old Owens to successfully secure his spot for the upcoming October event.
Timeline
The Money in the Bank ladder match is scheduled for October 10.
Season Trajectory
This victory reshapes the Money in the Bank field and re-establishes Owens as a primary title contender. His momentum following the SummerSlam event suggests he will remain a central figure in the promotion's championship picture throughout the autumn.
Owens is now locked into a high-stakes ladder match, significantly increasing his odds of holding a championship briefcase in the coming months. His success on SmackDown also potentially impacts the long-term booking strategies for rivals like Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano.
The takeaway
Owens's swift return to main event status underscores the unpredictable nature of wrestling storylines following major injury layoffs. Fans should keep an eye on his participation in October as he attempts to add to his nine previous title reigns.
What happens next
The Money in the Bank premium live event is confirmed to take place on October 10.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the professional wrestling world, visit Wrestling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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