Kevin Owens Talks About Being NXT Champion and the “Era of Owens”

In a new post on WWE.com, Kevin Owens talks about being NXT Champion and the “Era of Owens” that began when he defeated Sami Zayn via knock out to become champ during the “NXT Take Over: Rival” special on Feb. 11.

Owens, who won the NXT Championship two months-to-the-day of his “NXT” debut, talks about the struggle he faced in getting signed by WWE,

“I guess it was the exact kind of criticism you would expect for someone like me trying to make it in an industry where aesthetic appearance is so important. I’ve been told I wasn’t in good enough shape and that I looked too bland. I also had people tell me I was too hard-headed and didn’t play by the “rules” enough.  All I can say about that is I am who I am. I’ve done pretty well for myself so far so I must be doing something right. 

Am I willing to change some things in order to improve and get even further? Of course. Am I willing to listen and learn from anybody willing to teach me? Absolutely. But I really believe I can do those things while still being genuine and true to myself.”

He then goes on to talk about how he mentally prepares for his matches, saying,

“I approach every match the same way, really. Before I step through the curtain, I mentally commit to the fact that I will get hurt, that I will be in pain, that I will go through hell and that I am going to hurt another human being, cause them pain and put them through hell. I make myself OK with that. And then I soak in the comfort of knowing that it’s all to make my family’s life better until my music hits. Then it’s time to give everything. No regrets.”

Owens then discusses this new era of him being the NXT Champion and what the future holds for him, saying,

“Whatever I want. Bálor, Breeze, Itami, Corbin, Parker, English, Dillinger, Cassady, Amore, Kalisto, just to name a few … that’s potentially a lot of good fights coming my way. And I look forward to each and every single one of them.”

Editor’s Note:
Owens is a beast and is redefining what a dominant WWE superstar can look like. His main struggle was that he didn’t fit the build of a “John Cena superstar,” but his merchandise sold out instantly after his initial debut, and he is quickly proving to everyone that he’s the real deal.