Kevin Owens: Hostile Takeover

Tonight, NXT presents their latest WWE Network Takeover entitled Rival. The show is headlined by best friends turned bitter enemies, NXT Champion Sami Zayn taking on Kevin Owens. It is ‘bout to be a classic. But could WWE have built it up better. Especially Owens. Who aside from his debut has been pretty bland. I would even go as far as to say, if he wasn’t the former Kevin Steen I would be dead against him getting a title bout so fast. Here’s five ways in which Owens could have been booked stronger.

1) Beat Adrian Neville: When Owens faced Neville on 12/18 it was another in a line of NXT Main Event classics. It is a shame that the match ended in a double countout. It was a small blemish in an otherwise perfect match. Owens getting the win over the former NXT Champ would have made his rise to the championship easier. It would have also given him the chance to debut or establish a finisher (possibly his sick pop-up Powerbomb). Owens didn’t even have to pin or submit Neville, he could have rolled in the ring at the 9 count and won via count-out.

2) More Matches: So far Owens’ in ring NXT career consists of a win over jobber CJ Parker and the aforementioned draw with Neville. Is that really enough to be challenging for the belt? I understand that NXT has some limitations. 1) the shows only being one hour long and 2) Squash matches would be comparing Owens to the likes of Baron Corbin and Bull Dempsey. A good strong win over one of NXT’s bigger names would have done wonders. It wouldn’t have even had to have been a main event. One match would have done.

 

3) Promos, Promos, Promos: Having Zayn injured and off TV would have been the perfect opportunity for Owens to gloat. Owens is a god on the mic and a promo in front of the rowdy NXT crowd would have done him many favours for those not familiar with him. I get that they didn’t want him to explain too much but he could easily done some cryptic messages or fables. His mic work so far has been lacking, he could be the best in the whole of the WWE if given the chance. Why haven’t they utilised this yet?

4) Full Interview with Renee Young: Carrying on from the last point, here’s a promo that actually happened. This could have been the moment that Owens owned, instead it was pointless and forgettable. He sat down for an interview then walked out, that’s it. They were trying to put over his character but Owens could have done so much more if he spoke. He still could have walked out and kept his mystique but give him some damn mic time.

5) Turned Super Heel at Contract Signing: So they finally did give the man the mic. And he played it well. He reminded me of a comic book supervillain, Lex Luthor-esq. The way he moulded Zayn into what he wanted and got the title shot. They’ve done well to play up this since with Zayn admitting that Owen pushed his buttons to get what he wanted. However, what would have worked much better and put Owens over as the mega heel, is for him to have been on the attack. Not to attack Zayn but Regal. How cool would have it to have been to see Owens hold Regal hostage, so that he could get a title shot? Zayn having to give into Owens demands and grant his rival a title bout. Of course being a super douche, Owens would beat up Regal anyway. Adds an extra level of heat to this already spicy feud.

But when NXT Takeover Rival starts, no-one is going to worry about how Owens has been built up. Like always, NXT Takeover looks an incredible card and will be a great show. And Owens versus Zayn will be the cherry on the top. The only real question is who will walk out as champion.

Will Kevin Owens capture the NXT title? Or will Zayn defeat his blood rival? Let me know @marcusandberg