Kevin Owens has spent years as part of either RAW or SmackDown, despite once being told he’d almost certainly never be part of the main roster.
This week marks ten years since Owens debuted in WWE NXT and he was moved to WWE’s main roster the following year.
In a recent interview with Collider, Owens recalled being told he’d likely spend his entire WWE tenure as part of NXT. He said,
“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. And then, about eight, nine months later, I was on RAW with John Cena. From that point on, I’ve had WrestleManias, I’ve had titles, and I’ve been in the ring with my favorite wrestler of all time, Steve Austin. I’ve been able to take care of my family in a way I never fathomed.”
Owens was called up to RAW in 2015 and the following year would lead the red brand with a 188-day reign as Universal Champion.
Owens’ next match will come at this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he’ll challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes.
Kevin Owens recently spoke about WWE’s surging popularity and what he believes is responsible. Click here to find out more.