Hello folks, today I will be looking at one of the most versatile superstars on the WWE roster; someone that WWE (most particularly RAW) is in need of. An individual that takes whatever is given to him and simply thrives no matter what it is, a star that has been in the business for quite some time now and knows the ins and outs of the business in, quite frankly, every aspect – that man I speak of is none other than Kevin Owens. You throw him in a comedy angle? He’s going to make you chuckle. You want him to be a no nonsense, complete and utter badass? He’s your man. His irrefutable ability to adapt to any environment is simply unparalleled. I can’t think of anybody else that I can safely say is as versatile as Kevin. I genuinely can’t. When he initially came on the WWE main roster, he went straight to the top, thrown to the sharks, upon his debut he feuded with 16-time World Champion John Cena. In fact, he defeated John Cena in his in-ring debut, as you all know. During that time, Owens’ character was on the no nonsense side of things. He wasn’t, for the most part, your typical cowardly heel that runs away from competition.
It was Cena’s notorious United States Championship open challenge – which was one of the only positive parts of the product at the time. It had that unpredictable factor incorporated into it every week – can’t say that about much these days in regards to the product. Anyways, Cena had the open challenge and it was answered by then NXT Champion Kevin Owens. However, the bell never rang, as Kevin Owens said he wasn’t competing on Cena’s terms and said he already had a title – the NXT Championship. He promised him that they would indeed go at it at some point, though, but on his terms.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBiGXrDCKw4]
At the Elimination Chamber PPV in 2015, they had their match, in which Kevin Owens defeated John Cena in a Champion vs. Champion match. I’d say that it was a pretty big deal, as Cena rarely loses. And usually when new stars come to WWE, they don’t particularly flourish when put in a rivalry with him (Nexus, a pristine example). So, this was different to an extent, a rightful positive came out of it. Along with his entire NXT run, this was a perfect copy of a realistic badass with no care in the world for anyone but himself.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BEuVo4YqKQ]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LJ1TXol1yU]
Kevin Owens, the multi talented human being that he is, could make you laugh as well. A prime example of that – his best friend angle with Chris Jericho. I thoroughly enjoyed that storyline, those two had such great chemistry. The bits and pieces of segments they were in never disappointed. Jericho always finds a way to reinvent himself and Owens is as adaptable as you’ll ever see, so they meshed rather well together.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_8Jul4x83g]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjkRBwZ0cZo]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK3HbusT3hM]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s83qeS54K0s]
During his rivalry with Shane McMahon on SmackDown Live, he had a brief segment with Vince, where he proceeded to headbutt him and brutally attack him as he uttered the words “you’re fired.” This was cool, I like how they incorporated Vince into this rivalry. Not only because it makes sense with Vince being Shane’s father, but because very seldom does Vince get involved in a storyline, this was great for Owens. As a fan, I was happy, as Vince getting involved was sort of a gesture to express the fact that he respects Owens, as an employee and competitor, and he evidently thought Owens was worth his valuable time.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp0J7P62NFU]
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, longtime friends, became official, if you will, as a tag team in the WWE not too long ago. Kevin Owens faced Shane McMahon at the Hell in a Cell PPV. As Shane was attempting to notoriously jump off the cell onto a beaten down Owens, Sami randomly appears to rescue Kevin. This time around, regarding Kevin Owens’ character, it was a little mix of comedic segments and seriousness. Kevin, as always, made it work.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXgwY3PMI2g]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFHmX4_uduc]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym5eJeFnO4k]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLCwMhgSsLw]
Fairly recently, he played the part of a cowardly heel while in a feud with the monster among men Braun Strowman – that, I didn’t like as much. I’m not fond of the chicken sh*t heel. Sure, you’re a bad guy, you have to pick your spots, you’re an opportunist, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to flee from competition. The type of heel I enjoy the most, is a Samoa Joe-like heel – minus the constant losing – someone who speaks the truth, someone who isn’t afraid, someone who doesn’t always get cheap heat, but rather digs down deep and surprises us fans with more. That’s how Owens was in NXT and on the main roster for some time. Although I didn’t enjoy the constant running Owens did during this particular feud, to be fair, it kind of made sense. I mean, he had a literal monster among men on his tail on a weekly basis. Who wouldn’t run? Despite the running, he still found a way to successfully entertain. For that, I thank him. He’s a huge reason why I still tune in.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU-U2yIOUl4]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mirtMxHEnbQ]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oco8wS4tCOM]
To conclude – It’s obvious RAW is in desperate need of numerous changes, let’s be real, but Kevin Owens being back really fills a void, I feel. He fits anywhere, he’s capable of executing whatever is thrown at him. RAW just feels a little more bearable and enjoyable when he is apart of the show. That’s my two cents. You may disagree with me, but you have to understand that it’s okay to be wrong, in this case you certainly would be. Kevin Owens is the man. Owens simply displays everlasting ability to adapt. I can’t wait for his return. Goodbye and goodnight.
