The world of WWE is no stranger to unexpected betrayals and shifting alliances. Recently, fans witnessed another shocking development involving Kevin Owens, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and their now-former New Day stablemate, Big E.
These developments not only reshaped the dynamics of The New Day but also set the stage for intriguing rivalries in the weeks to come.
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Kevin Owens: Never Make It to the Main Roster
Kevin Owens is one of WWE’s most celebrated superstars, boasting an impressive career filled with high-profile matches, championship victories, and WrestleMania moments.3
However, the path to success was far from guaranteed. Owens began his journey in WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, and for a time, doubted he’d ever make it to the main roster.
From humble beginnings to WrestleMania stardom, Kevin Owens’ story is one of perseverance and self-belief. Let’s take a deeper look into his incredible rise and the legacy he’s building in WWE.
Starting in NXT: A Dream Realized
- Kevin Owens joined WWE in 2014 after making a name for himself on the independent wrestling circuit, particularly in promotions like Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
- Despite his undeniable talent and charisma, his untraditional physique didn’t align with WWE’s typical image of a star.
- Owens was assigned to NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, where he quickly rose through the ranks. His rivalry with Sami Zayn, culminating in an NXT Championship win, showcased his storytelling and in-ring ability.
- Yet, despite his success, Owens admitted to harboring doubts about ever transitioning to the main roster.
- “When I first signed with WWE, I was basically told I’d probably stay in NXT and never really see the light of day on RAW or SmackDown,” Owens recalled in an interview.
- Eight months after signing with WWE, Kevin Owens made his stunning main roster debut on Monday Night RAW in May 2015. The moment was unforgettable: Owens, the NXT Champion at the time, confronted John Cena, the face of WWE.
- Not only did Owens challenge Cena, but he also defeated him in his first match on the main roster at Elimination Chamber 2015. This victory established Owens as a force to be reckoned with and silenced critics who doubted his potential.
Kevin Owens: Championship Success
Kevin Owens quickly proved he wasn’t a flash in the pan. Over the years, he amassed an impressive collection of championships:
- Intercontinental Championship: Owens captured this title multiple times, solidifying his status as a reliable mid-card champion.
- United States Championship: His reigns with this title featured high-profile rivalries with stars like Chris Jericho and AJ Styles.
- Universal Championship: Owens reached the pinnacle of WWE when he won the Universal Title in 2016, thanks to a shocking assist from Triple H.
His versatility allowed him to shine as both a ruthless villain and a fan-favorite antihero.
One of the crowning achievements of Kevin Owens’ career came at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. Owens found himself in the ring with his childhood idol, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, in a match that exceeded all expectations.
The bout wasn’t just a dream come true for Owens; it was a symbolic passing of the torch. Owens carried the storyline with his impeccable mic skills, proving he could thrive under the brightest lights.
“I’ve been in the ring with my favorite wrestler of all time, Steve Austin. That’s something I never fathomed,” Owens shared.
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Challenges Along the Way
Despite his success, Kevin Owens’ journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. He has dealt with injuries, creative frustrations, and periods of uncertainty about his role in WWE.
Earlier this year, Owens faced Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event. Though Owens came up short, the match reaffirmed his position as a top-tier talent.
Following his unsuccessful title bid in Berlin, Owens set his sights on dethroning Cody Rhodes, who had established himself as WWE’s top star. Their rivalry reached new heights at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Owens vowed to end Rhodes’ reign as “The American Nightmare.”
The storyline has captivated fans, showcasing Owens’ ability to remain relevant and compelling in a constantly evolving landscape.
Kevin Owens’ Impact Beyond the Ring
What makes Kevin Owens’ story even more remarkable is his humility and gratitude. He often speaks about how WWE has allowed him to provide for his family in ways he never imagined.
“From that point on, I’ve had WrestleManias, I’ve had titles, and I’ve been able to take care of my family in a way I never fathomed,” Owens reflected.
Beyond his accolades, Owens has inspired countless fans and fellow wrestlers with his resilience and authenticity.
Lessons from Kevin Owens’ Journey
Kevin Owens’ rise to stardom offers valuable lessons:
- Believe in Yourself: Owens faced skepticism but trusted in his abilities to prove doubters wrong.
- Seize Opportunities: His bold debut against John Cena set the tone for his career.
- Stay Resilient: Owens has navigated setbacks with determination, continually adapting to the challenges of WWE’s demanding environment.
Whether it’s capturing another world title or delivering memorable promos and matches, Owens remains a cornerstone of WWE programming.
His ongoing rivalry with Cody Rhodes hints at more epic battles, and with Owens, the unexpected is always on the horizon.
Kevin Owens’ journey from doubting his place in WWE to becoming one of its top stars is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion. From his NXT days to WrestleMania main events, Owens has built a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Kevin Owens’ story reminds us that with hard work and belief, even the loftiest dreams can become reality.
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