Visibly, Kevin Owens has always been at the top of his game. Whether in the championship picture or not, he has always had a significant role in the show. He is a fan favorite and has shown his dedication to the industry over his last decade in the company.
Kevin Owens, despite his past impressive performances, has recently faced a less-than-stellar win-loss record. He appeared coasting after his involvement with Cody Rhodes and The Bloodline. However, a new opportunity at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Bash in Berlin 2024, presented by Rhodes, has highlighted the necessity for change and improvement in Owens’ career.
Since being given this opportunity, Owens has been visibly reluctant and almost frustrated that he didn’t earn the match. Many, including myself, were surprised he didn’t turn on Rhodes at the Bash in Berlin or beforehand, but is it time now? Will a heel turn break him out of his coasting and earn him a chance at a championship?
KO “The PrizeFighter”
In my article celebrating Kevin Owens’s 10th anniversary, I discussed how Owens became the 23rd Grand Slam Champion in WWE. He held the Intercontinental and United States Championships numerous times while holding the Universal Title once. He put the cherry on top and became the Grand Slam Champion at WrestleMania 39, winning the tag team titles with long-time friend Sami Zayn.
Out of all of the championship runs KO has had, the only one where he was a face was when he was teaming with Sami Zayn. This shows how Owens is at his prime when he is a heel. Deep down, he’s genuinely the Prizefighter he debuted as in NXT. Is it time for him to make his return?
“Good Guy” Owens
I don’t want to say that Owens’s face run hasn’t been entertaining because it has. Owens can mold to any position and still successfully execute what is required of him. He has an immense sense of charisma, which helps him be flexible in the company with the stories. No matter his role, he gets down to business and has fun, whether in his promos or in the ring.
He does his job and keeps the audience entertained.
Owens has been a face over the last few years, with his top point in this run being capturing the WWE Tag Team Championships with Sami Zayn. After losing the tag titles, Owens has been helping Rhodes fight off The Bloodline. This resulted in Owens sacrificing himself many times at Rhodes’ expense.
Is his poor win-loss record status because he hasn’t been able to channel the old KO?
Poking the Bear
Owens seemed like a solid babyface until Rhodes handed him a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Bash in Berlin 2024. Owens was visibly frustrated that he never did anything to earn that opportunity. Yet Rhodes insists that he deserves it for sticking by his side against The Bloodline.
Most of the WWE Universe expected Owens to turn on Rhodes at some point before or after their championship match. Leading up to the match this past weekend in Berlin, Germany, it’s like Rhodes’ kept poking the bear that’s in KO.
Owens said he doesn’t want to face Rhodes because he doesn’t believe he’s 100% and doesn’t want anyone else telling him that he doesn’t deserve another championship run, especially since he did nothing to earn the championship match physically.
During the match, Rhodes favored the injured knee, visibly frustrating Owens. Owens had said he didn’t want to face Rhodes for that reason. He doesn’t want people to think he can’t beat Cody Rhodes at his best. This held him back and contributed to his loss. With Rhodes’ injured knee being an obvious target in the match, Owens didn’t go for it like he would’ve done.
After the match, when Rhodes won, he raised Owens’ hand to show respect, but Owens quickly refused.
Pushing Owens to His Limits
Whether Owens turns on Rhodes or someone else, eventually leading to a conflict with Rhodes, he has it coming for him. Even though Owens said it himself, it’s not like that for Rhodes.
KO said on The Grayson Waller Effect on Smackdown Live (08/23/24) that the previous “friendships” he has had in the company where he turned his back on them were expected. Even though he denies it, Cody Rhodes is the most obvious person for him to turn on, especially now, after they disagreed on whether he should face Rhodes.
The golden belt that Rhodes holds around his waist is the biggest target. Ultimately, business is business, and everyone wants to be on top. Owens has turned on friends before to get to the gold; this can be no different.
There was a point in the match in Berlin where Owens snapped for a minute against Rhodes. He took a shot at the knee before hesitating a powerbomb on the apron. Owens never pulled the trigger on the powerbomb and was frustrated with himself. The audience expressed their disappointment, while Michael Cole and Wade Barrett continued to say it was a choice he should’ve made if he wanted to be champion.
Owens is building up this anger, from his own to hearing everyone else’s input. While it was shocking that he still needs to turn on Rhodes, it can’t be far down the line. The next PLE is Bad Blood on October 5, so maybe Owens will have something up his sleeve.
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