Examine individual changes

'{{short description|French-Canadian professional wrestler (born 1984) }} {{for-multi|the American basketball player|Kevin Owens (basketball)|the British news anchor|Kevin Owen}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Kevin Owens |image = Kevin Owens Photo Op GalaxyCon Raleigh 2023.jpg |caption = Owens in July 2023 |birthname = Kevin Yanick Steen |names ='''Kevin Owens'''<br/>Kevin Steen |height = 6 ft 0 in<ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/kevin-owens|title=Kevin Owens|access-date=December 12, 2014|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224111748/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/kevinowens|archive-date=December 24, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> |weight = 266 lb<ref name=WWE/> |spouse = {{marriage|Karina Lamer<br />|2007}} |children = 2 |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|5|7}} |birth_place = [[Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu|Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec]], Canada |billed = '''[[Marieville, Quebec|Marieville, Quebec, Canada]]'''<ref name=WWE/><ref name=ROH>{{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/kevin-steen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630000719/http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/kevin-steen|title=Kevin Steen|archive-date=June 30, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2011|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> |trainer = [[Jacques Rougeau]]<ref name="LeRoux"/><br/>[[Pierre Carl Ouellet]]<ref name="LeRoux"/><br/>Serge Jodoin<ref name="LeRoux"/><br/>[[Terry Taylor]]<ref name="Rolling Stone"/> |debut = May 7, 2000<ref name="LeRoux"/> }} '''Kevin Yanick Steen''' (born May 7, 1984) is a Canadian [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand under the [[ring name]] '''Kevin Owens'''. Steen began his career in 2000, at the age of 16.<ref name="LeRoux"/> Prior to joining WWE in late 2014, he wrestled under his birth name for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), where he held the [[ROH World Championship]] and [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=BorderWars/><ref name=ROHtag/> He also wrestled extensively on the [[independent circuit]] for 14 years, most notably in [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG), where he held the [[PWG World Championship]] a record [[List of PWG World Champions|three times]], as well as the [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] on three occasions.<ref name="PWGworld"/><ref name=Fear/> Steen also competed for [[International Wrestling Syndicate]] (IWS), where he held the [[International Wrestling Syndicate#IWS World Heavyweight Championship|IWS World Heavyweight Championship]] three times, [[All American Wrestling]] (AAW), where he held the [[AAW Heavyweight Championship]], and [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW), where he held the [[CZW Iron Man Championship]].<ref name=CageTitle>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1499&view=erfolge#erfolge|title=Cagematch title listing|access-date=August 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121034718/http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1499&view=erfolge#erfolge|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen signed with WWE in August 2014, and joined their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental branch]] [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] before debuting on the main roster in May 2015. In WWE, he has won nine championships – the [[NXT Championship]] once, the [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]] once, the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] twice, the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] three times, and the [[Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship]] (the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Raw]] and [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown]] Tag Team Championships) once [[Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn|with]] [[Sami Zayn]]. With the tag team championships win, Owens became the 23rd overall [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|Grand Slam Champion]]. He has also main evented [[WrestleMania]] on two occasions, the first at [[WrestleMania 38]], in which he wrestled [["Stone Cold" Steve Austin]] in a one-off match 19 years after Austin's retirement and the second at [[WrestleMania 39]], where he teamed with Zayn to face [[The Usos]]. == Early life == Kevin Steen was born on May 7, 1984, in [[Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu|Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.killsteenkill.com/bio/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026103616/http://www.killsteenkill.com/bio/|title=Biography|archive-date=October 26, 2012|access-date=May 14, 2012|publisher=KillSteenKill (official website)}}</ref> and raised in [[Marieville, Quebec]], 18 miles east of [[Montreal]]. He has a brother named Edward Lower. He is of French-Canadian and Irish descent and speaks French as his first language.<ref name="Leaders">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-sami-zayn-adrian-neville-fergal-devitt-kevin-steen-hideo-itami-interview-26641720|website=WWE.com|date=September 18, 2014|access-date=August 26, 2015|title=Leaders of the new school|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804234051/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-sami-zayn-adrian-neville-fergal-devitt-kevin-steen-hideo-itami-interview-26641720|archive-date=August 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He learned to speak English by mimicking everything he heard while watching ''[[WWE Raw|WWF Monday Night Raw]]''.<ref name="Leaders"/><ref>[https://www.sportsnet.ca/wwe/longform/how-kevin-owens-ran-his-mouth-to-wwe-stardom-and-a-fight-with-stone-cold/ Gare Joyce, "Ain't that Something?" ''SportsNetwork''.]</ref> Steen participated in ice hockey, soccer, and baseball, but never considered developing a career out of them—especially soccer, after suffering an injury at age 11—and instead considered becoming a [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] after he and his father watched a videotape of the match between [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]] and [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[WrestleMania XI]].<ref name="LeRoux">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/26/943617.html|title=Steen believes in goals, not dreams; Montreal grappler expanding his horizons|date=February 26, 2005|last=LeRoux|first=Yves|access-date=October 23, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722153136/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/26/943617.html|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steenwrestling.com/bio.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133757/http://www.steenwrestling.com/bio.htm|archive-date=July 16, 2011|title=Biography}}</ref> == Professional wrestling career == === Early career (2000–2004) === When Steen was 14, his parents allowed him to start training with Serge Jodoin, a wrestler based in [[Quebec]].<ref name="LeRoux"/> The following year, Steen began training with [[Jacques Rougeau]].<ref name="LeRoux"/> He also trained with [[Terry Taylor]], whom he has called his "main trainer".<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/who-is-kevin-owens-the-guy-who-gatecrashed-raw-speaks-20150518|title=Who Is Kevin Owens? The Guy Who Gatecrashed 'Raw' Speaks|date=May 18, 2015|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|access-date=May 19, 2015|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520161403/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/who-is-kevin-owens-the-guy-who-gatecrashed-raw-speaks-20150518|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen had his first match on May 7, 2000 (his 16th birthday) in [[L'Assomption, Quebec]].<ref name="LeRoux"/> Steen trained with Rougeau and wrestled for Rougeau's [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] for four years, before beginning to wrestle with several other Canadian promotions.<ref name="LeRoux"/> === International Wrestling Syndicate (2003–2009) === On August 16, 2003, Steen made his [[International Wrestling Syndicate]] (IWS) debut at Born to Bleed. [[Pierre Carl Ouellet]] defeated [[Sami Zayn|El Generico]] and Steen at Blood, Sweat and Beers in a triple threat match on October 18, 2003. On November 15 at Payback's A Bitch, El Generico defeated Steen in their first-ever singles match against each other.<ref>Mithen (May 6, 2022) [https://mithgifs.substack.com/p/holy-grail?s=r "The Quest for the Holy Grail and How it was Found"], [[Substack]], Retrieved on May 6, 2022.</ref><ref>[http://the-w.com/iws-paybacks-a-bitch-official-results-enter-x "IWS Payback's A Bitch Results Press Release"], ''Internet Wrestling Syndicate'', Retrieved on August 31, 2016.</ref> IWS held its 5th anniversary show "V" on June 15, 2004, at Le SPAG, where El Generico defeated PCO in an IWS title match to win his first [[International Wrestling Syndicate#IWS World Heavyweight Championship|IWS World Heavyweight Championship]], only to have Steen cash in his #1 contendership won earlier that night against Excess 69. Steen defeated El Generico, also winning his first IWS World Heavyweight Championship. Steen's first title reign in 2004, marked a pivotal milestone in the history of the promotion when he became the first IWS World Heavyweight Champion to internationally defend the title, in defeating [[Roderick Strong]] on October 30 in Rahway, [[New Jersey]] for [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] (JAPW).<ref>[http://www.japw.net/history/past-event-results/2004-results "Jersey All Pro Wrestling 2004 Results"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202080646/http://www.japw.net/history/past-event-results/2004-results |date=February 2, 2017 }}, ''[[JAPW]]'', Retrieved on March 25, 2015.</ref> On September 22, 2007, at Blood, Sweat & Beers, Steen defeated [[Jay Briscoe]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=September 13, 2007 |title=IWS "Blood, Sweat and Beers" on 9/22 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/iws-blood-sweat-and-beers-on-922/ |access-date=2022-09-19 |website= |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On February 16, 2008, at Violent Valentine, El Generico defeated Steen for the IWS World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=February 8, 2008 |title=IWS Violent Valentine Preview – 2/16 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/iws-violent-valentine-preview-216/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On March 22, 2008, at Know Your Enemies, Steen regained the IWS World Heavyweight Championship by defeating [[Max Boyer]] & former champion El Generico in a 3-Way match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=March 19, 2008 |title=IWS – Do You KNOW YOUR ENEMIES? |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/iws-do-you-know-your-enemies/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On May 24, 2008, at Freedom to Fight, Steen became the first-ever to hold two IWS titles simultaneously when he defeated Max Boyer to win the IWS Canadian Championship in an IWS Championship Unification match.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}} === Combat Zone Wrestling (2004–2006, 2008, 2014) === [[File:Kevin Steen.jpg|thumb|left|Steen entering [[2300 Arena|Viking Hall]] for his match at [[CZW Cage of Death#Cage of Death VI|CZW Cage of Death VI]] on December 11, 2004]] Steen made his [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW) debut on September 10, 2004, at ''High Stakes II'', where [[SeXXXy Eddy]] defeated Steen, [[Sami Zayn|El Generico]] & Excess 69 in an IWS 4-Way Match, which was unofficially chosen as "CZW Match of the Year".<ref>[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=274 "CZW High Stakes II: Night Show"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916040117/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=274 |date=September 16, 2016 }}, ''CAGEMATCH'', Retrieved on September 1, 2016.</ref><ref name="slam.canoe.com">Ryan, Michael. (November 8, 2008) [http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/08/pf-7347596.html "Great crowd basks in ROH's Montreal debut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917013632/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/08/pf-7347596.html |date=September 17, 2016 }}, ''[[SLAM! Wrestling]]'', Retrieved on September 1, 2016.</ref> On May 14, 2005, Steen took part in the "CZW Best of the Best tournament" and he advanced to the finals after defeating Kenny The Bastard in the first round and [[Chris Hero]] in the second round. He was unable to clench the trophy, however, as he lost in the finals in a fatal four-way match involving [[B-Boy (wrestler)|B-Boy]], [[Super Dragon]], and [[Mike Quackenbush]]. A few months later in August, Steen defeated [[Franky The Mobster]] to win the [[CZW Iron Man Championship]]. He went on to defend the championship in individual matches against Nate Webb, El Generico, [[Chris Sabin]], and [[Super Dragon]]. In a [[steel cage match]] held at ''CZW Trapped'' involving The Canadians, [[The Blackout (professional wrestling)|The Blackout]], The Forefathers of CZW, and [[Eddie Kingston]], Steen lost the Ironman Championship to female wrestler [[LuFisto]]. He lost the championship one day shy of having a year-long reign. He then departed for a tour with [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]], and did not return to CZW until February 2008 when he made a one-time appearance and fought [[Vordell Walker]] to a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]]. Steen returned to CZW six years later, competing in two matches for the promotion in 2014. Steen first was defeated by Japanese competitor [[Masato Tanaka]] before defeating [[D. J. Hyde]] twenty-two days later at an event in Rhode Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&page=4&year=2014&promotion=14|title=The 2 CZW matches fought by Kevin Steen in 2014|access-date=May 13, 2017|work=cagematch.net}}</ref> === Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2005–2008) === While wrestling in CZW, Steen also began working for [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG). On May 13, 2005, at ''Jason Takes PWG'', Steen was entered into his first feud in PWG, when he helped [[Excalibur (wrestler)|Excalibur]] defeat [[Super Dragon]] in a Guerrilla Warfare match, in the process revealing himself as the fake Super Dragon, who had been attacking the real one the past few months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0027.html|title=Jason Takes PWG|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001050/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0027.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 6, 2005, Steen won the [[PWG World Championship|PWG Championship]] after defeating [[AJ Styles|A.J. Styles]] at ''Zombies [Shouldn't Run]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0031.html|title=Zombies Shouldn't Run|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307225912/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0031.html|archive-date=March 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen held the title for nearly four months before losing the championship to [[Joey Ryan (wrestler)|Joey Ryan]] at ''Chanukah Chaos (The C's Are Silent)'', following interference from Super Dragon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0039.html|title=Chanukah Chaos (The C's Are Silent)|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001151/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0039.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen's feud with Super Dragon ended on December 16, 2005, at ''Astonishing X-Mas'', where he was defeated in a Guerrilla Warfare match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0040.html|title=Astonishing X-Mas|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001157/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0040.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, Steen began teaming with El Generico, and they began to pursue the [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]]. On July 29, 2007, at [[PWG Giant-Size Annual No. 4|Giant-Size Annual No. #4]], Steen and Generico defeated the reigning champions [[Pac (wrestler)|PAC]] and [[Roderick Strong]] to become the PWG World Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0073.html|title=Giant-Size Annual #4|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001455/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0073.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They successfully defended the belts for almost three months before ultimately losing them to the team of [[Davey Richards]] and Super Dragon on October 27 in [[England]] as part of PWG's "European Vacation II" tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0079.html|title=European Vacation II – England|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001525/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0079.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night, Steen teamed with PAC in an attempt to regain the belts from Dragon and Richards, announcing before the match that if he lost, he'd leave the company indefinitely. Steen and PAC lost, leading to Steen leaving PWG.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0080.html|title=European Vacation II – Germany|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001530/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0080.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Steen returned to PWG and, along with El Generico, won the title for a second time, this time from The Dynasty (Joey Ryan and [[Scott Lost]]) on March 21, 2008, in an impromptu match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0087.html|title=1.21 Gigawatts|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001712/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0087.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen and Generico became the first team in PWG history to be a part of the annual [[Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament (2008)|Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament]] to defend the belts in each match they had. In the tournament finals, they lost the title to [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] and Roderick Strong, thus ending their second reign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0090.html|title=Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament – Night 2|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001726/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0090.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, Steen left PWG after interest from ROH increased. According to Steen, he could not wrestle for ROH and PWG at the same time and chose ROH because of the money and the exposure.<ref name="HellRisingDVD"/> === Ring of Honor === ====Storyline with El Generico (2007–2010)==== {{main|Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn {{!}} Kevin Steen and El Generico}} On February 17, 2007, Steen returned to [[Ring of Honor]], teaming with El Generico in a losing effort to the Briscoe Brothers. On April 14, Mark Briscoe returned in the middle of a match between Steen and Generico and his brother Jay and [[Erick Stevens]]. Mark was attacked by the duo, however, and was pinned by Steen after a [[package piledriver]]. On May 11, Steen (as a heel) and Generico (as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]]) defeated Jason Blade and Eddie Edwards. At [[ROH Respect is Earned|Respect is Earned]] on July 1, Steen and El Generico defeated [[Crist Brothers|The Irish Airborne]] (Jake and Dave Crist), Pelle Primeau and Mitch Franklin, and [[Jimmy Rave]] and [[Adam Pearce]] in a Tag Team Scramble dark match. That same night, Steen and El Generico brawled with the Briscoe Brothers, ending with Mark Briscoe suffering a mild concussion from a steel chair shot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2022 |title=ROH – Respect is Earned DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-respect-is-earned-dvd-review/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=411Mania}}</ref> At [[ROH Driven|Driven]] on September 21, the Briscoe Brothers defeated Steen and El Generico to retain the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Driven 2007 results |url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/roh/ppv.html#0907 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> Steen and Generico suffered three consecutive losses to the Briscoes at Caged Rage on August 24 in a Steel Cage match,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=August 24, 2007 |title=Caged Rage (DVD Review) |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/caged-rage/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Manhattan Mayhem II on August 25 in a two out of three falls match,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2008 |title=ROH – Manhattan Mayhem II DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-manhattan-mayhem-ii-dvd-review/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=411Mania}}</ref> and [[ROH Man Up|Man Up]] on November 30 in a ladder match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Man Up 2007 results |url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/roh/ppv.html#1107 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> Their only tag team win over the Briscoes was at Death Before Dishonor V Night 1 in a non-title [[Boston]] Street Fight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=August 10, 2007 |title=Death Before Dishonor V (Night 1) |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/death-before-dishonor-5-night-one/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> [[File:Steenerico.jpg|thumb|right|Steen (left) and Generico (right) teaming together in 2008]] On June 6, 2008, Steen and Generico participated in a one night tournament to crown new ROH World Tag Team Champions, defeating [[Go Shiozaki]] and [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] [[Nigel McGuinness]] in the first round, Chris Hero and Adam Pearce in the second round, but losing to [[Jimmy Jacobs]] and [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] in the finals. On July 25, Steen faced off against [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] [[Nigel McGuinness]] in a title match for the company's debut show in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada, but Steen lost the match. At a pay-per-view taping in Boston on September 19, Steen and Generico beat The Age of the Fall to finally win the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="ROHtag" /> This also fulfilled Steen's promise of winning a title in ROH before the November 21 Dayton show. They lost the championship to [[The American Wolves]] (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards) at a television taping on April 10, 2009.<ref name="ROHtag" /> On December 19 at [[Final Battle 2009|Final Battle]], ROH's first live pay-per-view, after a loss to The Young Bucks, Steen turned heel by attacking his tag team partner El Generico.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV Report 12/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ROH's first online PPV – Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black|date=December 19, 2009|first=James|last=Caldwell|access-date=December 20, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222055330/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml|archive-date=December 22, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen then found a new partner in [[Steve Corino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265736393.php|title=ROH on HDNet Recap – 2/1/10|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=February 20, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212190912/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265736393.php|archive-date=February 12, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265999486.php?style=dark|title=ROH on HDNet Results – 2/8/10|date=February 12, 2010|access-date=February 20, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214174004/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265999486.php?style=dark|archive-date=February 14, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> At the following pay-per-view, [[ROH The Big Bang!|The Big Bang!]] on April 3, 2010, Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino via disqualification, when Steen used a chair on his former partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40401.shtml|title=Radican's ROH The Big Bang PPV Blog 4/3: Black vs. Aries vs. Strong, Briscoes vs. KOW|date=April 3, 2010|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=September 12, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222083303/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40401.shtml|archive-date=December 22, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 19 at [[Death Before Dishonor VIII]], Steen defeated El Generico in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 6/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV|date=June 19, 2010|access-date=September 12, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822134026/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml|archive-date=August 22, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 11 at [[Glory By Honor IX]], Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|Double Chain match]], when Cabana forced Corino to tap out. After the match Steen attacked El Generico and unmasked him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|title=9/11 ROH internet PPV live results: Caldwell & Radican's coverage of "Glory by Honor IX" – ROH Title match, Haas & Benjamin debut|first=James|last=Caldwell|author2=Radican, Sean|date=September 11, 2010|access-date=September 12, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913051136/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|archive-date=September 13, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 18 at [[Final Battle 2010|Final Battle]], Steen and Generico ended their year–long feud in an [[Hardcore wrestling|unsanctioned]] [[Fight Without Honor]], where Steen put his ROH career on the line against Generico's mask. However, Steen did not like the idea, because he would lose money if he lost, but in the end he agreed to the match, because he thought ROH would use Generico as a top wrestler after the feud.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> In the end El Generico won the match and thus forced Steen out of ROH.<ref name="FinalBattle2010">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen|date=December 18, 2010|access-date=December 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221114800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|archive-date=December 21, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud was voted by [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] as the best feud of the year. Prior to the outcome, on November 4, Kevin Steen's contract agreement with Ring of Honor ended due to financial budget concerns, which ultimately played a role within the stipulations of the match.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Steen wrote most of the El Generico rivalry storyline himself, though he claims that his poor relationship with new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booker]] [[Jim Cornette]], who had little interest in either Steen or Generico, resulted in a great deal of frustration for him.<ref name="PWTorchHellRising" /> During the feud, ROH booker Adam Pearce promised Steen he would main event Final Battle, but Cornette made Davey Richards-Eddie Edwards the main event and Steen-Generico after the event.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Steen also claims that Cornette "froze" him out of ROH, believing he was also keeping the promotion's president Cary Silkin in the dark on when Steen would be brought back.<ref name="PWTorchHellRising" /> ==== ROH World Champion (2011–2013) ==== {{main|S.C.U.M. (professional wrestling)}} When Steen was pulled out of ROH events, ROH President Cary Silkin paid him every month.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Cornette told Steen he would be brought back a few months later, so Steen lost {{convert|40|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, but when ROH was sold, Cornette told him to wait another six months.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Steen was unhappy and his weight jumped to {{convert|291|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> His contract expired in February 2011.<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> After signing a new contract with the promotion,<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Steen returned to Ring of Honor on June 26, 2011, at [[Best in the World 2011|Best in the World]], being introduced by Corino, who had turned face shortly after Steen's departure from the promotion and claimed that he needed redemption as well. However, ROH officials forced him to leave the arena before he could show that he was a changed man. After Corino was defeated by Michael Elgin, Steen ran in to save him from a beatdown at the hands of the House of Truth, but ended up turning on him and his sponsor Jimmy Jacobs. Afterwards, Steen was dragged out of the arena, while Jim Cornette swore that he would never again wrestle for ROH.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml|title=Radican's "Best in the World" internet PPV report 6/26: Ongoing "real-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628142333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml|archive-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The original idea was to introduce Steen as a rehab wrestler. However, Steen turned down the idea, because he did not "want to look like [[The Bravado Brothers]]".<ref name="HellRisingDVD" /> Though Steen was booked as the heel of the storyline, the fans took his side and instead booed Cornette.<ref name="PWTorchHellRising" /> The storyline continued on July 22, when Steen invaded ROH's official message board, writing posts praising Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.<ref name="PWGWorld2" /> On September 15, ROH's message board was "hacked" to redirect to a video, where Steen announced his intention of attending ROH's [[Death Before Dishonor IX]] the following weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53340.shtml|title=ROH vs. Kevin Steen feud continues – what did Steen do this time?|date=September 15, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012112612/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53340.shtml|archive-date=October 12, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:KevinSteen2011cropped.png|thumb|upright|Steen at a GCW event in December 2011]]At the event on September 17, Steen interrupted a match between El Generico and Jimmy Jacobs and called out Steve Corino, who was at the time wrestling in Japan, before powerbombing Jacobs on the ring apron. Steen was then confronted by Jim Cornette and ROH president Cary Silkin, whom he tried to Package Piledrive, before being ushered out of the arena by the security.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_53393.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Death Before Dishonor Internet PPV report 9/17: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of ROH in New York City|date=September 17, 2011|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=September 17, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216215713/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_53393.shtml|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 5 episode of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'', Steen reappeared with [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] talent Christian Mascagni as his legal adviser, threatening Jim Cornette and Ring of Honor with legal action unless he was reinstated within three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_54923.shtml|title=Radican's ROH TV report 11/5 – Elgin vs. Jones, Haas & Benjamin vs. Coleman & Alexander|date=November 7, 2011|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=December 23, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219080517/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_54923.shtml|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On the December 3 episode of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Steen was granted a match with Steve Corino at [[Final Battle 2011|Final Battle]], with his ROH future on the line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_55936.shtml|title=Radican's ROH TV report 12/3 – Final Battle hype kicks into high gear, Steen-Cornette confrontation, Young Bucks-Future Shock main event|date=December 12, 2011|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=December 23, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316175635/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_55936.shtml|archive-date=March 16, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event on December 23, Steen defeated Corino, thus granting back his career in ROH. Afterwards, he delivered a package piledriver to Jimmy Jacobs, before putting El Generico through a table with the same maneuver. At the end of the evening, he confronted Davey Richards and promised to become the ROH World Champion in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_56271.shtml|title=Radican's ROH "Final Battle 2011" iPPV report 12/23 – Richards defends ROH World Title vs. Edwards, Haas & Benjamin vs. Briscoes|first=Sean|last=Radican|date=December 23, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111200441/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_56271.shtml|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 4, 2012, at the [[ROH 10th Anniversary Show|10th Anniversary Show]], Steen defeated Jimmy Jacobs in a No Holds Barred match and ended the pay-per-view by having another confrontation with Davey Richards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_58794.shtml|title=Radican's ROH "10th Anniversary Show" iPPV report – live coverage of iPPV from Manhattan|last=Radican|first=Sean|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=March 4, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306040210/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_58794.shtml|archive-date=March 6, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen continued his win streak during the [[Showdown in the Sun]] weekend, first defeating El Generico, with help from Jimmy Jacobs, in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] on March 30 and then Eddie Edwards in a singles match on March 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189 |title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results- 3/30/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=April 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181353/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results – 3/31/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=March 31, 2012 |access-date=April 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181545/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 }}</ref> On May 12 at [[Border Wars (2012 wrestling event)|Border Wars]], Steen defeated Davey Richards to win the ROH World Championship for the first time, making him the first Canadian to hold the championship.<ref name="BorderWars">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205100723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |work=WrestleView }}</ref><ref name="Lapradevindication">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/14/19755656.html|title=Kevin Steen: 'Vindication is a fantastic thing'|date=May 14, 2012|last=Laprade|first=Patric|access-date=May 14, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101054708/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/14/19755656.html|archive-date=January 1, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the match, Steve Corino entered the ring and hugged Steen and Jacobs;<ref name=BorderWars/> the three men went on to form a stable later named [[S.C.U.M. (professional wrestling)|S.C.U.M.]] (Suffering, Chaos, Ugliness, and Mayhem).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63449.shtml|title=ROH Vid – Kevin Steen S.C.U.M. promo|date=July 18, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 9, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721065617/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63449.shtml|archive-date=July 21, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen made his first successful title defense on June 15, defeating Eddie Edwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339871858|title=6/15 ROH Results: Charleston, West Virginia|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2012|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619045538/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339871858|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 24 at [[Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis]], Steen defeated Davey Richards to retain the ROH World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york|title=ROH Best in the World iPPV coverage from New York|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2012|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627073841/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york|archive-date=June 27, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the following pay-per-view, [[Boiling Point (2012)|Boiling Point]] on August 11, Steen successfully defended his title against [[Chikara Grand Championship|Chikara Grand Champion]] Eddie Kingston.<ref name=BoilingPoint>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_64194.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Boiling Point iPPV report 8/11: Live report from Providence – Steen vs. Kingston title main event, Steen punches fans after main event|last=Radican|date=August 11, 2012|first=Sean|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814014700/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_64194.shtml|archive-date=August 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 15 at [[Death Before Dishonor X: State of Emergency]], Steen made another successful title defense against [[Rhino (wrestler)|Rhino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65227.shtml|title=9/15 ROH iPPV results Chicago: Steen defends ROH Title in main event, new ROH tag champs determined, Matt Hardy confronts TV champ|last=Gee Schoon Tong|date=September 16, 2012|first=Chris|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918183533/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65227.shtml|archive-date=September 18, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 6, a title match between Steen and [[Jay Lethal]] ended in a no contest in Lethal's home state of [[New Jersey]], after which Steen spat at Lethal's parents, who were sitting at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65774.shtml|title=10/6 ROH results Rahway, N.J.: Steen defends ROH Title vs. Lethal, S.C.U.M. defends Tag Titles, Richards in singles action|date=October 7, 2012|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|access-date=October 28, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011023545/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65774.shtml|archive-date=October 11, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872 |title=ROH Glory by Honor XI Results – 10/13/12|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102003232/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-date=January 2, 2013}}</ref> Seven days later at the following internet pay-per-view, [[Glory By Honor XI: The Unbreakable Hope]], Steen made a successful title defense against Michael Elgin. Afterwards, Steen was delivered a box, which contained El Generico's mask.<ref name=GBHXI>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102003232/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-date=January 2, 2013|title=ROH Glory by Honor XI Results – 10/13/12|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2012|work=WrestleView}}</ref> On December 16 at [[Final Battle 2012: Doomsday]], Steen successfully defended the ROH World Championship against the returning El Generico in a ladder match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |title=ROH Final Battle Results – 12/16/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221011037/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archive-date=December 21, 2012 }}</ref> On March 2, 2013, at the [[ROH 11th Anniversary Show|11th Anniversary Show]], Steen defeated Jay Lethal in a grudge match to retain the ROH World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=75799&p=3|title=Complete ROH 11th Anniversary Show iPPV coverage: two title changes hands, SCUM doubles in size, and a ton of great wrestling as ROH presents their best overall event in years|last=Carapola|first=Stuart|date=March 2, 2013|access-date=March 2, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307090839/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=75799&p=3|archive-date=March 7, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 5 at [[Supercard of Honor VII]], Steen lost the ROH World Championship to Jay Briscoe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml|title=Radican's ROH "Supercard of Honor VII" iPPV blog 4/5 – Steen defends vs. Jay Briscoe, ROH vs. S.C.U.M. Ten Man Tag|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=April 5, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408234541/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml|archive-date=April 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Final feuds (2013–2014) ==== At the following night's tapings of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', S.C.U.M. turned on Steen, with Corino announcing that he would not be seen in ROH again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69841.shtml|title=Show results – 4/6 ROH TV taping spoilers: Results & News from Saturday's TV taping post-iPPV|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=April 7, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416041901/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69841.shtml|archive-date=April 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen, however, returned to ROH on May 4, now working as a face and replacing Jay Lethal in a tag team match, where he and Michael Elgin faced S.C.U.M.'s [[Cliff Compton]] and Jimmy Jacobs. The match ended with Jacobs pinning Steen for the win, after which Elgin walked out on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41294-5-4-roh-border-wars-ippv-results-toronto-canada-briscoe-vs-cole|title=5/4 ROH Border Wars iPPV Results: Toronto, Canada (Briscoe vs. Cole)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=May 5, 2013|access-date=May 5, 2013|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508143920/http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41294-5-4-roh-border-wars-ippv-results-toronto-canada-briscoe-vs-cole|archive-date=May 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen continued his rivalry with S.C.U.M. on June 22 at [[Best in the World 2013]], where he was defeated by [[Matt Hardy]] in a No Disqualification match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71471.shtml|title=Show results – 6/22 ROH BITW iPPV in Baltimore, Md.: Briscoe vs. Briscoe for ROH Title, Hardy tops Steen in No DQ match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 23, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626112114/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71471.shtml|archive-date=June 26, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, Steen replaced The Briscoes due to injuries in a [[WarGames match#Ring of Honor|Steel Cage Warfare match]] and forced his former stable out of ROH, despite interference from Corino and Hardy, when he pinned Jimmy Jacobs to win the match and disband S.C.U.M.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_71472.shtml|title=ROH Spoilers – 6/23 ROH TV tapings in Baltimore, Md.: Results from ROH Title match & Steel Cage Warfare|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 23, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626112320/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_71472.shtml|archive-date=June 26, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78459/scum-vs-roh-climaxessecond-roh-on-sinclair-tv-spoiler-report-from-yesterday.html?p=1|title=SCUM VS. ROH climaxes:second ROH on Sinclair TV spoiler report from yesterday|last=Barnes|first=William|date=June 24, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=June 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927024511/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78459/scum-vs-roh-climaxessecond-roh-on-sinclair-tv-spoiler-report-from-yesterday.html?p=1|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 3, Steen entered a tournament for the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacant|vacant]] ROH World Championship, defeating [[Brian Kendrick]] in his first round match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72472.shtml|title=Show results – 8/3 ROH in Toronto, Canada: New Tag Champions, Whitmer injured, Title Tourney results|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=August 4, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806155305/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72472.shtml|archive-date=August 6, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 17, Steen advanced to the semifinals of the tournament with a win over Roderick Strong.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72753.shtml|title=Show results – 8/17 ROH in New York City: New ROH tag champions, ROH Title tournament continues, Homicide returns with a friend, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 18, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823050445/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72753.shtml|archive-date=August 23, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Kevin Steen superkick.jpg|thumb|Steen superkicking [[Adam Cole]] at a [[Ring of Honor]] taping event in 2014]]On September 20 at [[Death Before Dishonor XI]], Steen was eliminated from the tournament by Michael Elgin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2|title=New ROH Champion crowned: complete ROH Death Before Dishonor XI coverage from Philadelphia, PA|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=September 21, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925065805/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2|archive-date=September 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the tournament, Steen started feuding with [[Mike Bennett (wrestler)|Michael Bennett]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_73513.shtml|title=ROH spoilers – 9/21 ROH in Philadelphia, Pa.: Results for TV episodes following Death Before Dishonor|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=September 22, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925093711/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_73513.shtml|archive-date=September 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The two faced off on October 26 at [[Glory By Honor XII]], where Bennett was victorious, following a distraction from his girlfriend [[Maria Kanellis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74168.shtml|title=Show results – 10/26 ROH in Chicago, Ill.: "Glory by Honor" features eight-man tag main event, Outlaw, Inc., Tara-Maria, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 27, 2013|access-date=October 27, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185436/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74168.shtml|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14 at [[Final Battle 2013]], Steen defeated Bennett in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Stretcher match|Stretcher match]], where the loser would be forced to stop using the piledriver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82199&p=2|title=Complete coverage of ROH Final Battle 2014: Eddie Edwards' mystery partner ends with a shocking twist, a new champion is crowned, a familiar face returns, and more|last=Carapola|first=Stuart|date=December 14, 2013|access-date=December 15, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815231244/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82199&p=2|archive-date=August 15, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 8, 2014, Steen earned a shot at the ROH World Championship by defeating Jay Lethal, Michael Elgin and [[Tommaso Ciampa]] in a four-way number one contender's match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_76224.shtml|title=Show results – 2/8 ROH in San Antonio, Tex.: Briscoe retains his version of the ROH Title, new #1 contender, tag champs lose, Bennett uses Punk's finisher, more|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=February 9, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221203628/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_76224.shtml|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen received his title match on May 10 in Toronto at [[Global Wars (2014)|Global Wars]], but was defeated by the defending champion, Adam Cole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH vs. New Japan iPPV report 5/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of iPPV from Toronto – ROH Title match, IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, Styles, Tanahashi, Okada, top NJPW stars|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223743/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> After losing to [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] at the Ring of Honor/[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] co-produced [[War of the Worlds (2014 wrestling)|War of the Worlds]] iPPV on May 17, Steen announced he was leaving ROH. This led to him being insulted and attacked by [[Silas Young]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds – ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 17, 2014|access-date=May 17, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518064021/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml|archive-date=May 18, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating Young on June 22 at [[Best in the World 2014]], Steen announced that his contract was up in a "month and a half".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79177.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH "Best in the World" PPV results 6/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live cable PPV debut|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 22, 2014|access-date=June 23, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625104315/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79177.shtml|archive-date=June 25, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> At the July 19 ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'' tapings, Steen defeated Steve Corino in his final ROH match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79685.shtml|title=TV taping results – 7/19 ROH in Dearborn, Mich.: Steen's farewell match, Elgin defends ROH Title, #1 contenders, more|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=July 20, 2014|access-date=July 20, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728235737/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79685.shtml|archive-date=July 28, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> === Return to PWG (2010–2014) === When Steen left ROH in 2010, his friend Super Dragon asked him to wrestle in PWG and Steen agreed.<ref name="HellRisingDVD"/> On December 11, 2010, Steen wrestled [[Akira Tozawa]] for his first PWG win in two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0118.html|title=Cyanide: A Loving Tribute to Poison|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001920/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0118.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> He then returned to a more prominent role in the company after a few sporadic years, having only made five appearances between 2009 and 2010. On January 29, 2011, Steen was defeated by Chris Hero at PWG's annual [[WrestleReunion#WrestleReunion 5|WrestleReunion]]-sponsored event. Later that evening, after a four-way tag team match to determine which of four teams would enter the [[Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament (2011)|2011 DDT4]] tournament, Steen ran out to attack the eventual winners, the RockNES Monsters (Johnny Goodtime and Johnny Yuma), before declaring his intention of winning the DDT4 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml|title=1/29 PWG results in Los Angeles: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PWG Title match, Kaval vs. Davey, Roberts retirement, Legends Battle Royal|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=January 30, 2011|access-date=March 5, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202151723/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml|archive-date=February 2, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 2, 2011, it was announced that Steen would be teaming with Akira Tozawa for the tournament, which took place on March 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_47365.shtml|title=PWG News: Eight teams announced for DDT4 tag tournament – ROH tag champions, TNA tag team, Briscoes, American Wolves, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 2, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208141416/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_47365.shtml|archive-date=February 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In their first round match, Steen and Tozawa, known collectively as the Nightmare Violence Connection, scored an upset victory over the [[Briscoe Brothers]] (Jay and Mark Briscoe). After another upset victory over the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH World Tag Team Champions]], [[Kings of Wrestling]] ([[Chris Hero]] and [[Claudio Castagnoli]]), Steen and Tozawa made it to the finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt and Nick Jackson).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml|title=3/4 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: complete DDT4 tag tournament results – TNA tag team in finals, PWG Title match announced for next show|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=March 5, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307095318/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml|archive-date=March 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 23 at PWG's eighth anniversary show, Steen first defeated PAC in a singles match, before teaming with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]] to defeat PWG World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, in a non-title match. After Claudio Castagnoli had defeated Chris Hero in the main event of the evening to retain the PWG World Championship, Steen challenged him to a match and, in his third match of the night, defeated him to win the PWG World Championship for the second time.<ref name=PWGWorld2>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_51641.shtml|title=PWG News: New PWG champion – impromptu title match concludes "PWG 8" Saturday night|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 24, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803122141/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_51641.shtml|archive-date=August 3, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> At the following event on August 20, Steen entered the [[Battle of Los Angeles (2011)|2011 Battle of Los Angeles]], defeating [[Fit Finlay|Dave Finlay]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] in his first round and semifinal matches. Later that same night, Steen was defeated in the finals by old rival El Generico.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_52395.shtml|title=8/20 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: BOLA tournament winner, Young Bucks not shaking hands turned into angle, Tag Title match, Finlay debuts|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=August 21, 2011|access-date=August 21, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822090917/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_52395.shtml|archive-date=August 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 10, Steen made his first PWG World Championship defense, defeating former champion Davey Richards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53173.shtml|title=PWG: title match results from Saturday night, main event for next show|date=September 11, 2011|access-date=September 11, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012112413/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53173.shtml|archive-date=October 12, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 22, Steen lost the PWG World Championship to El Generico in a [[ladder match]], following interference from The Young Bucks. After the match Super Dragon made his first appearance in over three years by saving Steen with the two accepting The Young Bucks' challenge for a Guerrilla Warfare match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_54484.shtml|title=10/22 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: PWG Title change, SoCal character returns, Young Bucks vs. Future Shock for Tag Titles|date=October 23, 2011|access-date=October 23, 2011|last=Massingham|first=Matt|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024094726/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_54484.shtml|archive-date=October 24, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 10, Steen and Dragon, known collectively as "Appetite for Destruction", defeated The Young Bucks in a Guerrilla Warfare match to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=Fear>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_55896.shtml|title=12/10 PWG "Fear" results Reseda, Calif.: Hero surprise return, new PWG tag champs, Generico vs. Dick Togo, American Wolves|date=December 11, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2011|last=Massingham|first=Matt|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061119/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_55896.shtml|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 17, Steen defeated El Generico and Eddie Edwards in a three-way match to win the PWG World Championship for the third time.<ref name=PWGWorld3>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59248.shtml|title=PWG Title changes hands Saturday|date=March 18, 2012|access-date=March 18, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320000420/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59248.shtml|archive-date=March 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen made his first title defense on April 21, defeating [[Sami Callihan]] in an open challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_60648.shtml|title=4/21 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Super Smash Bros. win DDT4 tag tournament, Steen defends PWG Title in Open Challenge|last=Ryan|first=Joey|author-link=Joey Ryan (wrestler)|date=April 22, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424223710/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_60648.shtml|archive-date=April 24, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 25, Steen successfully defended the PWG World Championship against [[Brian Cage|Brian Cage-Taylor]]. That same night, Steen and Dragon were stripped of the PWG World Tag Team Championship, after Dragon was sidelined with a heel fracture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_61808.shtml|title=5/25 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: New PWG tag champs, Steen PWG Title defense, Elgin debut, Joey Ryan post-Gut Check|date=May 26, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603051559/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_61808.shtml|archive-date=June 3, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 21 at [[PWG Threemendous III|Threemendous III]], PWG's ninth anniversary event, Steen made his third successful defense of the PWG World Championship against [[Willie Mack]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_63574.shtml|title=7/21 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Steen defends PWG Title, three-team Tag Title ladder match, Elgin vs. Callihan, Edwards, Strong, Joey Ryan|last=Pirrello|first=Matty|author2=Massingham, Matt|date=July 22, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729045226/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_63574.shtml|archive-date=July 29, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 1, Steen was eliminated from the [[Battle of Los Angeles (2012)|2012 Battle of Los Angeles]] in the first round by [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]], following a distraction from Brian Cage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64787.shtml|title=9/1 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: BOLA First Round features Steen, Richards vs. Elgin MOTYC re-match, Gut Check'er|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=September 2, 2012|access-date=September 2, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905034150/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64787.shtml|archive-date=September 5, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> After having his championship belt stolen from him by the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles winner [[Adam Cole]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64806.shtml|title=9/2 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Complete results from BOLA Night 2 with finals of tourney|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=September 2, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910060710/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64806.shtml|archive-date=September 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen successfully defended the title in a three-way match against [[Michael Elgin]] and Ricochet on October 27,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66238.shtml|title=Show Results: 10/27 PWG in Reseda, Calif.: Steen defends PWG Title, Kenny Omega returns, Callihan vs. Richards|last=Settles|first=Patrick|date=October 28, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211014922/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66238.shtml|archive-date=December 11, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> after which he challenged Cole to a match for December 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1351447254|title=10/27 PWG Results: Reseda, California|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=October 28, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|work=WrestleView}}</ref> On December 1, Steen lost the PWG World Championship to Adam Cole in a Guerrilla Warfare match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66952.shtml|title=Show Results – 12/1 PWG in Reseda, Calif.: New PWG champ crowned, Joey Ryan's farewell match, Strong & Edwards|author=Nick|date=December 2, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922224357/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66952.shtml|archive-date=September 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1354465086 |title=12/1 PWG Results: Reseda, California |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 2, 2012 |access-date=December 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204195221/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1354465086 |archive-date=December 4, 2012 }}</ref> After El Generico had agreed to a deal with [[WWE]], he and Steen reunited one more time on January 12, 2013, by entering the [[Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament (2013)|2013 Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament]]. After wins over the Briscoe Brothers and Future Shock (Adam Cole and [[Kyle O'Reilly]]), they were defeated in the finals of the tournament by The Young Bucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67840.shtml|title=Show Results – 1/12 PWG DDT4 tournament in Reseda, Calif.: Complete coverage of new PWG tag champs, Generico's farewell, more|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=January 13, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116095608/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67840.shtml|archive-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 31, at the [[Battle of Los Angeles (2013)|2013 Battle of Los Angeles]], Steen turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and formed a new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] named [[The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling]] with PWG World Champion Adam Cole and PWG World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/79991/2013-pro-wrestling-guerrilla-battle-of-los-angeles-winner-is.html?p=1|title=2013 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Battle of Los Angeles winner is.....|author=John C.|date=September 1, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927022740/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/79991/2013-pro-wrestling-guerrilla-battle-of-los-angeles-winner-is.html?p=1|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXheblQDV0c|title=PWG – 2013 BOLA – The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling|date=September 1, 2013|access-date=September 3, 2013|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|publisher=[[YouTube]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930035814/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXheblQDV0c|archive-date=September 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 26, 2014, Steen was defeated by [[Cameron Grimes|Trevor Lee]] in his PWG farewell match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79777.shtml|title=Show results – 7/26/27 PWG "Eleven" in Reseda, Calif.: Anniversary show features new PWG Tag Champs, PWG Title match, Guerrilla Warfare, Kevin Steen's farewell, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 27, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730052543/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79777.shtml|archive-date=July 30, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> === WWE === ==== NXT Champion (2014–2015) ==== Before signing with the WWE, Steen had attended [[One Night Stand (2006)|One Night Stand]] show in 2006 sporting a PWG shirt and again for [[WWE Breaking Point|Breaking Point]] in 2009 in Montreal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-ecw-one-night-stand-2006-review/ | title=WWE ECW One Night Stand 2006 Review – TJR Wrestling | date=June 11, 2022 }}</ref> On August 12, 2014, WWE announced that Steen had signed with them and was due to report to their developmental system [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] on August 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_80140.shtml|title=WWE news: Kevin Steen officially signs with WWE, Steen talks how he found his way to NXT|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 12, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812211223/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_80140.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> His new ring name had only the surname changed to Owens, a tribute to his son Owen (who himself is named after [[Owen Hart]]), and NXT began airing promotional videos from November 20 to hype his upcoming debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89708|title=WWE NXT report: we have a main event for the next Takeover special; someone is coming on the 11th|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=November 20, 2014|access-date=November 20, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231122709/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89708|archive-date=December 31, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens detailed that he had wrestled for 14 years before making it to WWE, having faced (and formed friendships with) several current WWE or NXT wrestlers on the independent circuit years ago, but WWE signed them first—he declared that despite these friendships he would now fight anyone and everyone because fighting was the best way he could provide for his family.<ref>{{cite web|title=11/27 Zim's WWE NXT Coverage|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=March 28, 2015|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?39930|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091140/http://prowrestling.net/article.php?39930|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89993|title=WWE NXT report: final show before R Evolution; Neville and Zayn; Balor and Itami in action; Bull and Baron try to have a match with a negative length; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=December 4, 2014|access-date=January 2, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102043735/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89993|archive-date=January 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=James|first1=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT report 12/4 – Week 129: Final hype for "Takeover" special, Neville-Zayn final promo exchange, Itami & Balor tag main event, Charlotte; Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82118.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118090958/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82118.shtml|archive-date=January 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Kevin Owens NXT.jpg|thumb|Owens won the [[NXT Championship]] only two months after his debut]] At [[NXT TakeOver: R Evolution]] on December 11, Owens defeated [[Juice Robinson|CJ Parker]] in his debut match, in which Parker legitimately gave him a broken nose with a ''Third Eye'' ([[palm strike]]); later that night, when Sami Zayn (the former El Generico) won the [[NXT Championship]], Owens came to the ring to congratulate Zayn before attacking him with a [[powerbomb]] onto the ring apron, establishing himself as a heel in the process.<ref name=NXT121114>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Takeover results 12/11: Complete virtual-time coverage of Neville vs. Zayn for the NXT Title, Itami & Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Steen/Owens's debut, Corey Graves retires|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=December 11, 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213013556/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml|archive-date=December 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On the December 18 episode of ''NXT'', Owens wrestled former NXT Champion [[Pac (wrestler)|Adrian Neville]] to a double countout and powerbombed Neville onto the apron after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/12/18/22140236.html|access-date=February 7, 2015|title=NXT: Owens continues mean streak|last1=Howell|first1=Nolan|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|publisher=Slam Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310092136/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/12/18/22140236.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> After yet another post-match attack by Owens on Zayn, an irate Zayn demanded a match against Owens,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82765.shtml|title=WWE NXT report 1/14 – Week 135: New timeslot kicks off with Zayn vs. Neville NXT Title re-match, plus Charlotte & Natalya, Balor vs. Kidd, Corbin vs. Dempsey; Overall Reax|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2015|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128144757/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82765.shtml|archive-date=January 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Howell|first1=Nolan|title=NXT: NXT Championship contender tourney kicks off|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/22/22195341.html|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|publisher=Slam Wrestling|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150130082023/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/22/22195341.html|archive-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> but Owens refused to wrestle unless it was for the championship—Zayn agreed and a title match was set for [[NXT TakeOver: Rival]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NXT: Tournament and contract signing heat up|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22207896.html|access-date=February 7, 2015|last1=Howell|first1=Nolan|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|publisher=Slam Wrestling|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150209123834/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22207896.html|archive-date=February 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event on February 11, 2015, two months to the day after his debut, Owens captured the championship from Zayn via referee stoppage after repeatedly powerbombing a disorientated Zayn.<ref name=overrival>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Takeover report 2/11: Zayn vs. Owens NXT Title match, Women's Title semi-main event, Neville-Balor; Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=James|first=Justin|access-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212082957/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 25 episode of ''NXT'', he successfully retained the NXT title against [[Finn Bálor]]. At [[NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable]] on May 20, Owens' rematch for the title against Zayn went to a no contest after Owens continued to beat down an injured Zayn, until the debuting [[Samoa Joe]] stopped him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93868&p=2|title=WWE NXT TAKEOVER UNSTOPPABLE REPORT: BANKS VS. LYNCH, OWENS VS. ZAYN, A NEW DEBUT, WHO IS THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER, AND MORE|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=PWInsider|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=May 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521215242/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93868&p=2|archive-date=May 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks of tension between the two, Owens faced Joe on the June 17 episode of ''NXT''. After the match went to a no contest, the two continued to brawl until they had to be separated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=94478|title=WWE NXT report: Joe versus Owens|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=PWInsider|date=June 17, 2015|access-date=June 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208235207/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=94478|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 4 [[WWE Network]] special, [[The Beast in the East]] event held in [[Tokyo]], Owens lost the NXT Championship to Bálor, ending his reign at 143 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86018.shtml|title=WWE Network Special report 7/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Beast in the East" – Lesnar's in-ring return, Owens vs. Balor for NXT Title, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=PWTorch|date=July 4, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705062509/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86018.shtml|archive-date=July 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn]] on August 22, Owens had his rematch for the title in a [[ladder match]] against Bálor, but he failed to regain the title in his last match and appearance in NXT.<ref name="brooklyn">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/44186|title=WWE NXT TakeOver live results & main card: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Samoa Joe, Jushin "Thunder" Liger|author=Witner, Emerson|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=August 22, 2015|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref> While on the main roster as NXT Champion, Owens successfully defended the title against [[Matt Cardona|Zack Ryder]] during an NXT Championship open challenge on the June 4 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=June 5, 2015 |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 6/4/15 (Reigns vs. Sheamus) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630105809/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/ |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Wrestleview}}</ref> against [[Pac (wrestler)|Neville]] on the June 8 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=June 9, 2015 |title=WWE RAW Results – 6/8/15 (Rollins takes on J&J Security) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614030441/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Wrestleview}}</ref> and against [[Heath Slater]] on the June 12 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross Sapp |first=Sean |date=June 12, 2015 |title=WWE Main Event Results (6/6): Kevin Owens NXT Title Open Challenge, Stardust In Action, More |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/06/wwe-main-event-results-596210/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> ==== Intercontinental Champion (2015–2016) ==== {{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact on the first six months of 2015 – or wonder how high he'll climb by year's end. It's wrestling, folks. It's Kevin Owens".|source=<small>Kenny Herzog of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in July 2015<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Kenny|last1=Herzog|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-20150701|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=4 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702151300/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-20150701|archive-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=July 2015}}</ref></small>}} Owens made his unannounced main roster debut on the May 18 episode of ''Raw'', responding to [[John Cena]]'s [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] open challenge. However, instead of competing in the match, he attacked Cena and stomped on the United States title in a show of disrespect, setting up a non-title match between the two at [[Elimination Chamber (2015)|Elimination Chamber]] on May 31,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Laboon|first1=John|title=John Cena vs. Kevin Owens|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520110638/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> which Owens won [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Clean finish|cleanly]] by pinfall.<ref name=EC2015>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 31, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601072258/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A rematch between the two took place at [[Money in the Bank (2015)|Money in the Bank]] on June 14, which Cena won, and after the match, Owens powerbombed Cena onto the ring apron.<ref name=MITB2015>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85628.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 6/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Dusty Rhodes 10-bell salute, WWE Title match, MITB match, Cena vs. Owens II, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 14, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616192750/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85628.shtml|archive-date=June 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens later challenged Cena to a match for the United States Championship, which took place at [[Battleground (2015)|Battleground]] on July 19, which Cena won by submission, thus ending their [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=United States Champion John Cena def. Kevin Owens|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/united-states-champion-john-cena-vs-nxt-champion-kevin-owens-27543973|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724221822/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/united-states-champion-john-cena-vs-nxt-champion-kevin-owens-27543973|archive-date=July 24, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the loss to Cena, Owens entered a feud with [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiMYBxWso-I|title=Kevin Owens issues a warning to Cesaro: July 29, 2015|website=YouTube|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908104717/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiMYBxWso-I|archive-date=September 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> defeating him in two matches—at [[SummerSlam (2015)|SummerSlam]] on August 23<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S SUMMERSLAM REPORT 8/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Taker, Title vs. Title, more big matches|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=August 23, 2015|access-date=August 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904175855/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|archive-date=September 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and on an episode of ''Raw'' eight days later.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Raw results, Aug. 24, 2015: The Dudley Boyz return to WWE and Sting stakes his claim on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-08-24/wwe-raw-results-27860040|website=WWE|access-date=August 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828002604/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-08-24/wwe-raw-results-27860040|archive-date=August 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Kevin Owens in April 2016.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Owens in April 2016]] On September 20 at [[Night of Champions (2015)|Night of Champions]], Owens defeated [[Ryback]] to win his first singles title on the main roster, the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87597.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report 9/20|date=September 20, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222739/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87597.shtml|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 3, Owens' first title defense came on the [[WWE Network]] special, [[WWE Live from Madison Square Garden|Live from Madison Square Garden]], where Owens defeated [[Chris Jericho]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/network-live-msg-lesnar-big-show/2015-10-03/results-28001373/page-4|title=Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Chris Jericho|publisher=WWE|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006230123/https://www.wwe.com/shows/network-live-msg-lesnar-big-show/2015-10-03/results-28001373/page-4|archive-date=October 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 25, at [[Hell in a Cell (2015)|Hell in a Cell]], Owens successfully defended the championship in a rematch against Ryback.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles/|title=WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028232017/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|archive-date=October 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens then took part in the tournament for the vacant [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]], in which he defeated [[Titus O'Neil]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/9/15 (WWE Title Tournament starts)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/56836-wwe-raw-results-11-9-15-full-coverage-from-manchester/|website=WrestleView|access-date=November 11, 2015|date=November 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112083914/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56836-wwe-raw-results-11-9-15-full-coverage-from-manchester|archive-date=November 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Adrian Neville|Neville]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/16/15 (Final Survivor Series hype)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/56905-wwe-raw-results-11-16-15-live-results-from-greenville/|website=WrestleView|access-date=November 17, 2015|date=November 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117192549/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56905-wwe-raw-results-11-16-15-live-results-from-greenville|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> but lost to [[Jon Moxley|Dean Ambrose]] in the semifinals at [[Survivor Series (2015)|Survivor Series]] on November 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/11/16/1116-wwe-raw-caldwells-live-report-on-pre-survivor-series-show/|title=11/16 WWE Raw Results: CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 16, 2015|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117202052/http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/11/16/1116-wwe-raw-caldwells-live-report-on-pre-survivor-series-show/|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/1122-survivor-series-live-results-caldwells-ongoing-report/|title=11/22 SURVIVOR SERIES LIVE RESULTS – Caldwell's Ongoing Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 23, 2015|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123083638/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/1122-survivor-series-live-results-caldwells-ongoing-report/|archive-date=November 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens then entered a feud with Ambrose, where he lost the Intercontinental Championship to Ambrose at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2015)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 13, ending his reign at 84 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/12/13/1213-wwe-tlc-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-real-time-report/|title=12/13 WWE TLC PPV RESULTS – Caldwell's Complete Real-Time Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 13, 2015|access-date=December 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216141600/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/12/13/1213-wwe-tlc-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-real-time-report/|archive-date=December 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Going into 2016, Owens unsuccessfully faced Ambrose for the championship on several occasions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE SmackDown results – 1/7/16 (Ambrose vs. Owens)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/57364-wwe-smackdown-results-1-7-16-ambrose-vs-owens/|website=WrestleView|access-date=January 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109063403/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/57364-wwe-smackdown-results-1-7-16-ambrose-vs-owens|archive-date=January 9, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=1/24 WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live PPV Report|date=January 24, 2016|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128011920/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|archive-date=January 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 24, Owens entered the [[Royal Rumble match|2016 Royal Rumble match]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2016)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view, but was unsuccessful after being eliminated by Sami Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|title=Triple H won the 2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 24, 2016}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Owens entered a feud with [[Dolph Ziggler]], with the two trading victories over each other on back to back episodes of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 1/25/16 (The Rock, Fastlane main event)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127204619/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami|archive-date=January 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – WWE RAW Results – 2/1/16 (Tag Team Match Main Event)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57635-wwe-raw-results-2-1-16-live-results-from-birmingham/|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609151246/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57635-wwe-raw-results-2-1-16-live-results-from-birmingham/|archive-date=June 9, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 2, 2016}}</ref> On the February 15 episode of ''Raw'', Owens won the Intercontinental Championship for a second time, defeating former champion Dean Ambrose, [[Cody Rhodes|Stardust]], [[Tyler Breeze]] and Ziggler in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal five-way match]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 2/15/16 (Big Show vs. Braun Strowman)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217015325/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim|archive-date=February 17, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 16, 2016}}</ref> At [[Fastlane (2016)|Fastlane]] on February 21, Owens successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Ziggler.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=2/21 WWE Fast Lane Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live PPV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/21/caldwellfastlaneppvreport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 21, 2016|access-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223051511/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/21/caldwellfastlaneppvreport/|archive-date=February 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 32]] on April 3, Owens lost the title against [[Matt Cardona|Zack Ryder]] in a seven-way [[ladder match]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=3/21 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324193628/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/|archive-date=March 24, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report on Main PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404040347/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He resumed the feud with longtime rival Sami Zayn after he attacked him on ''Raw'',<ref name="Raw4042016">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/4 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report on post-WM32|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065827/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/|archive-date=April 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> which led to a match at [[Payback (2016)|Payback]] on May 1, where Owens defeated Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=5/1 WWE Payback Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/01/payback2016results/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503115647/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/01/payback2016results/|archive-date=May 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2016)|Extreme Rules]] on May 22, Owens faced Zayn, Cesaro and Miz in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] for the Intercontinental Championship, but failed to regain the title when Miz pinned Cesaro.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Artus|first1=Matthew|title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz won a Fatal 4-Way Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/intercontinental-championship-fatal-4-way-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524070229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/intercontinental-championship-fatal-4-way-results|archive-date=May 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Owens defeated AJ Styles to qualify for the [[Money in the Bank (2016)|2016]] [[Money in the Bank ladder match]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=5/23 WWE Raw TV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/23/may23rawresultscomplete/|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525011315/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/23/may23rawresultscomplete/|archive-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> but he failed to win the match at the event on June 19.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Oster|first1=Aaron|title=Dean Ambrose leaves Vegas as champ at Money in the Bank|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-dean-ambrose-leaves-vegas-as-champ-at-money-in-the-bank-20160620-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821190914/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-dean-ambrose-leaves-vegas-as-champ-at-money-in-the-bank-20160620-story.html|archive-date=August 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Universal Champion (2016–2017) ==== {{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I think [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie [McMahon]]] wants Raw to be the best show possible and if you want that, you've got to pick me, because I'm the best thing going, [...] But being picked where I was<!--not a mistake--> kind of a [[wikt:slap in the face|slap in the face]], to be honest, but I'll use that as motivation to show everybody why I should be the face of Raw."|source=<small>Owens commenting on his 18th draft pick position, in an interview with ''[[The Independent]]'' in August 2016<ref>{{cite web|first=De Menezes|last=Jack|title=Kevin Owens has a point to prove to Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley after 'slap in the face' draft pick|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/kevin-owens-has-a-point-to-prove-to-stephanie-mcmahon-and-mick-foley-after-slap-in-the-face-draft-a7171986.html|work=[[The Independent]]|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831085935/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/kevin-owens-has-a-point-to-prove-to-stephanie-mcmahon-and-mick-foley-after-slap-in-the-face-draft-a7171986.html|archive-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref></small>}} During the [[2016 WWE draft]], Owens was drafted to Raw.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=https://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|archive-date=July 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2016)|Battleground]] on July 24, Owens was defeated by Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Battleground 2016 live review|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/07/24/powells-wwe-battleground-2016-live-review-dean-ambrose-vs-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-sasha-banks-and-a-mystery-partner-vs-charlotte-an/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726144250/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/07/24/powells-wwe-battleground-2016-live-review-dean-ambrose-vs-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-sasha-banks-and-a-mystery-partner-vs-charlotte-an/|archive-date=July 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]] on August 21, Owens teamed with [[Chris Jericho]] to defeat [[Enzo and Cass|Enzo Amore and Big Cass]].<ref name="SSlam2016">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124530/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 22 episode of ''Raw'', Owens defeated [[Adrian Neville|Neville]] to qualify for the vacant [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]] [[fatal four-way elimination match]] the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|title=8/22 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Finn Balor injury and the WWE Universal Championship, SummerSlam fallout|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 22, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823041531/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 29 episode of ''Raw'', Owens defeated [[Colin Cassady|Big Cass]], [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Seth Rollins]] after interference from [[Triple H]] to win the Universal Championship, his first [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world title]] in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REVIEW 8/29: Ongoing coverage of fatal four-way for the WWE Universal Title|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901173718/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/|archive-date=September 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Between September and October, Owens successfully defended the title against Rollins, first in a singles match at [[Clash of Champions (2016)|Clash of Champions]] on September 25,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-clash-champions-live-results-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-221501|title=WWE Clash of Champions Live Results: Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins|author=Dave Meltzer|work=[[Wrestling Observer]]|date=September 25, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009183007/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-clash-champions-live-results-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-221501|archive-date=October 9, 2016|url-status=live|author-link=Dave Meltzer}}</ref> and then at [[Hell in a Cell (2016)|Hell in a Cell]] in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match on October 30,<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell 2016 live review: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the WWE Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/10/30/powells-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2016-live-review-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-roman-reigns-vs-rusev/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031085627/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/10/30/powells-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2016-live-review-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-roman-reigns-vs-rusev/|archive-date=October 31, 2016|url-status=live|date=October 30, 2016}}</ref> both times after interferences from Jericho.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results|work=WWE|date=September 25, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927115151/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-hell-in-a-cell-match-results|work=WWE|date=October 30, 2016|access-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031085611/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-hell-in-a-cell-match-results|archive-date=October 31, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens and Jericho were later announced as co-captains of Team Raw for the traditional [[Survivor Series match]] against Team SmackDown, alongside [[Braun Strowman]], Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] on November 20.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=October 31, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 10/31/16 (Live from Hartford, Goldberg returns, Hell in a Cell fallout, Survivor Series teams) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/68935-wwe-raw-results-103116-live-hartford-goldberg-returns-hell-cell-fallout-survivor-series-teams/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129220904/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/68935-wwe-raw-results-103116-live-hartford-goldberg-returns-hell-cell-fallout-survivor-series-teams/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Wrestleview}}</ref> At the event, Team SmackDown would emerge victorious.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2016 live review: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, three Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown elimination matches, IC and WWE Cruiserweight Title matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429042329/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|archive-date=April 29, 2017|url-status=live|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref> [[File:Universal Champion Kevin Owens.jpg|thumb|Owens as [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Champion]] in September 2016]] The following night on ''Raw'', Owens defeated Rollins in a [[No Disqualification match]] to retain the championship once again following the interference of Jericho,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/21/16 (Live from Toronto, fallout from WWE Survivor Series PPV on Sunday night)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/|work=WrestleView|access-date=November 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122161101/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/|archive-date=November 22, 2016|url-status=live|date=November 21, 2016}}</ref> [[WWE United States Championship|WWE United States Champion]] Reigns issued a challenge to Owens, who stated that he did not need Jericho's help against him, and Owens suffered his first pinfall loss since becoming champion after losing a non-title match to Reigns that same night,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows|date=November 28, 2016|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129124116/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|archive-date=November 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> thus earning Reigns a WWE Universal Championship match against Owens at [[Roadblock: End of the Line]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. U.S. Champion Roman Reigns|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns|work=WWE|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129210322/http://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns|archive-date=November 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event on December 18, after failing to help Jericho defeat Rollins,<ref>{{cite web|last=Clapp|first=John|title=Seth Rollins def. Chris Jericho|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/seth-rollins-vs-chris-jericho-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=December 18, 2016|access-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220211741/https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/seth-rollins-vs-chris-jericho-results|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens retained the championship by disqualification when Jericho intentionally attacked him with a [[Professional wrestling throws#Double knee facebreaker|''Codebreaker'']].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns by Disqualification|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=December 18, 2016|access-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220211805/https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to Reigns' rematch at the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view event being under the stipulation that would see Jericho (who would pin Reigns in a [[handicap match]] involving Owens, to win the United States Championship on the January 9, 2017, episode of ''Raw'')<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW REPORT 1/9: Reigns vs. Owens & Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Foley's Performance Review, Undertaker "rumored" to appear|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/09/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-report-19-reigns-vs-owens-jericho-shawn-michaels-foleys-performance-review-undertaker-rumored-appear/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 9, 2017|access-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110233324/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/09/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-report-19-reigns-vs-owens-jericho-shawn-michaels-foleys-performance-review-undertaker-rumored-appear/|archive-date=January 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> being suspended above the ring in a [[shark proof cage]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Clapp|first=John|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns (Chris Jericho will be suspended in a shark cage above the ring)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns|work=[[WWE]]|date=December 19, 2016|access-date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221144544/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns|archive-date=December 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 29 at the Royal Rumble event, Owens defeated Reigns in a No Disqualification match after [[Braun Strowman]] interfered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Scott|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns (No Disqualification Match, with Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201200455/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Owens defended the title against Strowman (who revealed that he helped Owens retain the WWE Universal Championship because of his dislike for Reigns and because Owens had promised him a title shot) and once again retained the title after Reigns attacked both him and Strowman.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|date=January 30, 2017|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Royal Rumble fallout including Owens celebration cut short by ominous Strowman news|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201183437/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 6 episode of ''Raw'', Owens was challenged by [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] to a championship match at [[Fastlane (2017)|Fastlane]], which Jericho accepted on Owens' behalf, much to his dismay.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg|work=[[WWE]]|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113631/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg|archive-date=February 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 13 episode of ''Raw'', Jericho hosted a "Festival of Friendship" for Owens, who was not impressed with Jericho's idea of humor and instead then presented Jericho with a new list as a gift, but when Jericho realized that he was the first name on it and that it was "The List of KO", Owens turned on Jericho and viciously attacked him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/13: Las Vegas Festival of Friendship, Emmalina's debut, Fastlane developments, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-213-las-vegas-festival-friendship-emmalinas-debut-fastlane-developments/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214182611/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-213-las-vegas-festival-friendship-emmalinas-debut-fastlane-developments/|archive-date=February 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At Fastlane on March 5, Owens lost the title to Goldberg in 22 seconds after a distraction from Jericho, thus ending his championship reign at 188 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|date=March 5, 2017|title=Goldberg def. Kevin Owens to win the Universal Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-results|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306154320/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-results|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fastlane2017">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=3/5 Powell's WWE Fastlane Live Review: Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Bayley vs. Charlotte for the Raw Women's Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 5, 2017|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134740/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ====United States Champion and teaming with Sami Zayn (2017–2019) ==== The following night on ''Raw'', Owens accepted Jericho's challenge for a match at [[WrestleMania 33]] on April 2 as long as Jericho would defend the United States Championship,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=United States Champion Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens|date=March 6, 2017|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307051104/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which Owens won for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=Kevin Owens def. United States Champion Chris Jericho|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403111434/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens-results|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403113529/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 2, 2017}}</ref> On the April 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Owens was traded to the SmackDown brand as part of the [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/11: Superstar Shake-up Night 2 details|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 11, 2017|date=April 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412143414/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/|archive-date=April 12, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens, who would still defend his newly won title against Jericho at [[Payback (2017)|Payback]] with the winner going to SmackDown as well,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=United States Champion Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho|date=April 3, 2017|work=WWE|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404131604/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho|archive-date=April 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> started referring to himself as the "Face of America" and also began sporting a different look, having trimmed his beard and hair down, while wearing a suit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/17/kellers-wwe-raw-report-417-post-superstar-shake-edition-including-follow-roman-braun-beatdown-angle/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 4/17: Post-Superstar Shake-up edition including follow-up on Roman-Braun beatdown angle|date=April 17, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418163610/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/17/kellers-wwe-raw-report-417-post-superstar-shake-edition-including-follow-roman-braun-beatdown-angle/|archive-date=April 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/18/wwe-smackdown-report-418-six-way-contenders-match-naomi-vs-charlotte/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/18: Six-Way Contenders Match, Naomi vs. Charlotte, Styles vs. Corbin|date=April 18, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420045936/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/18/wwe-smackdown-report-418-six-way-contenders-match-naomi-vs-charlotte/|archive-date=April 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/24/kellers-wwe-raw-report-424-braun-vs-kalisto-dumpster-match-jericho-transitions-miz-tv-ambrose/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 4/24: Braun vs. Kalisto in a dumpster match, Jericho transitions to Miz TV with Ambrose, more|date=April 24, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120035/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/24/kellers-wwe-raw-report-424-braun-vs-kalisto-dumpster-match-jericho-transitions-miz-tv-ambrose/|archive-date=April 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/25/425-wwe-smackdown-report-shinsuke-nakamuras-debut-talking-segment-interrupted-ziggler-styles-vs-corbin-payback-hype/|title=4/25 WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: Shinsuke Nakamura's debut in a talking segment interrupted by Ziggler, Styles vs. Corbin, Payback hype|date=April 25, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427103546/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/25/425-wwe-smackdown-report-shinsuke-nakamuras-debut-talking-segment-interrupted-ziggler-styles-vs-corbin-payback-hype/|archive-date=April 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At Payback on April 30, Owens lost the title back to Jericho, thus ending his reign at 28 days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=Chris Jericho def. United States Champion Kevin Owens|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-results|work=WWE|date=April 30, 2017|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505121435/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-results|archive-date=May 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=4/30 Powell's WWE Payback Live Review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the U.S. Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt in a House of Horrors match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/30/430-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-u-s-championship-samoa-joe-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501193649/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/30/430-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-u-s-championship-samoa-joe-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt/|archive-date=May 1, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> However, Owens reclaimed the title on the May 2 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' by defeating Jericho, and then attacking and injuring him after the match as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/02/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-52-jericho-joins-smackdown-shane-takes-belt-jinder-jinder-vs-sami/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/2: Jericho joins Smackdown, Shane takes belt from Jinder, Jinder vs. Sami|date=May 2, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521133220/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/02/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-52-jericho-joins-smackdown-shane-takes-belt-jinder-jinder-vs-sami/|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]] on May 21, Owens defeated [[A.J. Styles|AJ Styles]] by count-out to retain the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results|title=United States Champion Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles via count-out|work=[[WWE]]|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=May 21, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226073311/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results|archive-date=December 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens was later announced as one of the participants in [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[Money in the Bank (2017)|Money in the Bank]] on June 18, along with Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Aj Styles, [[Dolph Ziggler]] and [[Baron Corbin]], in which Corbin emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results|title=Baron Corbin won the 2017 Money in the Bank contract|work=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=June 18, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031204228/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results|archive-date=October 31, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> During a house show at [[Madison Square Garden]] on July 7, Owens lost the United States Championship to Styles ending his second reign at 66 days,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=AJ Styles wins United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Madison Square Garden Live Event|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden|work=WWE|access-date=July 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709152714/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden|archive-date=July 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> but regained it at [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]] on July 23<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2017-07-23 |title=7/23 Powell's WWE Battleground Live Review: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship, John Cena vs. Rusev in a flag match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-live-review-jinder-mahal-vs-randy-orton-punjabi-prison-match-wwe-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-u-s-championship-john-cena-vs-rusev/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724061634/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-live-review-jinder-mahal-vs-randy-orton-punjabi-prison-match-wwe-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-u-s-championship-john-cena-vs-rusev/ |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> and lost it back to Styles two days later on ''SmackDown'' in a triple threat match also involving the returning [[Chris Jericho]].<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 7/25/17 (Fallout from Battleground PPV)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/87115-wwe-smackdown-results-july-25-2017/|website=WrestleView|access-date=July 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727094422/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/87115-wwe-smackdown-results-july-25-2017/|archive-date=July 27, 2017|url-status=live|date=July 25, 2017}}</ref> The following week, Owens received a rematch, where Styles retained after the referee did not see Owens' shoulder up, due to being accidentally struck by Owens earlier in the match. After the match, Owens demanded a rematch with a competent official. ''SmackDown Live'' General Manager Daniel Bryan then made a match between Owens and Styles for the United States Championship at [[SummerSlam (2017)|SummerSlam]], with Commissioner [[Shane McMahon]] as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/1: John Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a first-time dream match, Owens challenges Styles for U.S. Title|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=August 1, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043041/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> During that time, Owens dropped the Face of America gimmick and reverted to the Prizefighter persona, shedding both the suits, America-orientated promos and his pursuit of the United States Championship. At SummerSlam on August 20, Owens was defeated by Styles, in a match where both wrestlers argued with Shane over his decisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results|title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens (Special Guest Referee Shane McMahon)|work=WWE|first=Bobby|last=Melok|date=August 20, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014054027/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 22 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Owens demanded another rematch which Shane allowed, with Baron Corbin as the special guest referee, but was once again unsuccessful, after Corbin walked out on the match and Shane took over, distracting Owens enough for Styles to capitalize and win. This also meant that as long as Styles held the title, Owens [[professional wrestling match types#Last Chance Match|could not challenge Styles for the title again]], ending his feud with Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/22: Summerslam fallout including Owens-Styles-Shane controversy and a new roster member|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=August 22, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031627/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Hell in a Cell 04.jpg|thumb|right|Owens wrestling [[Shane McMahon]] at [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]] in October 2017|244x244px]] On the September 5 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Owens demanded another shot at the United States Championship; when Shane refused, Owens insulted Shane's children, which caused him to attack Owens. As a result, Shane was suspended and Bryan announced that [[Vince McMahon|Mr. McMahon]] would be on ''SmackDown Live'' the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/5: Nakamura vs. Orton to earn WWE Title match at Hell in a Cell, Carmella vs. Natalya, big Shane-Owens angle|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=September 5, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043311/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2018)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 8, Owens defeated Shane in a Hell in a Cell match after interference from Zayn, who turned heel to push Owens off the announce table as Shane attempted a ''Leap of Faith'' off the cell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-results|title=Kevin Owens def. Shane McMahon (Falls Count Anywhere Hell in a Cell Match)|work=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=October 8, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122201647/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-results|archive-date=November 22, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Zayn then referred to Owens as his "brother", after revealing why he helped Owens rather than allow Shane to win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/10/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1010-sami-zayn-explaining-owens-shane-fallout-styles-challenges-corbin/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/10: Sami Zayn has some explaining to do, Owens-Shane fallout, Styles challenges Corbin|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012094846/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/10/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1010-sami-zayn-explaining-owens-shane-fallout-styles-challenges-corbin/|archive-date=October 12, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At Survivor Series on November 19, Owens and Zayn attacked Shane McMahon during the main event, which backfired after McMahon attacked both with a steel chair and Orton delivered an ''RKO'' to Owens.<ref name="SSeries2017">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles, "Team Raw" Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Triple H, Finn Balor, and Samoa Joe vs. "Team Smackdown" Shane McMahon, John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, and Bobby Roode, The Shield vs. New Day, Charlotte vs. Alexa Bliss|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/19/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles-team-raw-kurt-angle-braun-strowman-triple-h-finn-balor-samoa-joe-vs-team-smackdown-shane-mcmahon-john-cena/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120042056/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/19/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles-team-raw-kurt-angle-braun-strowman-triple-h-finn-balor-samoa-joe-vs-team-smackdown-shane-mcmahon-john-cena/|archive-date=November 20, 2017|url-status=live|date=November 19, 2017}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2017)|Clash of Champions]] on December 17, Owens and Zayn defeated Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura in a tag team match with their jobs on the line and with McMahon and Bryan as special guest referees, after Bryan gave them a fast count.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/aj-styles-jinder-mahal-results|work=WWE|access-date=December 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221005046/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/aj-styles-jinder-mahal-results|archive-date=December 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Going into 2018, both would compete for AJ Styles's WWE Championship; first in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] at [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results|work=WWE|access-date=January 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129144827/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results|archive-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and secondly at [[Fastlane (2018)|Fastlane]] on March 11, where they competed in [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|six-pack challenge]] that also involved [[Dolph Ziggler]], [[Baron Corbin]] and [[John Cena]], but were unsuccessful both times.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Fastlane 2018 live review: AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena in a six-way for the WWE Championship, The Usos vs. New Day for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Charlotte Flair vs. Ruby Riott for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/11/wwe-fastlane-2018-live-review-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dolph-ziggler-vs-john-cena-six-way-wwe-championship-usos-vs-new-day-sm/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312024519/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/11/wwe-fastlane-2018-live-review-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dolph-ziggler-vs-john-cena-six-way-wwe-championship-usos-vs-new-day-sm/|archive-date=March 12, 2018|url-status=live|date=March 11, 2018}}</ref> After that, they continued their feud against Bryan and McMahon, culminating in a tag team match at [[WrestleMania 34]] on April 8, where Bryan made his in-ring return, being defeated after Bryan submitted Zayn.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live-results-news-recap-254991|title=WWE WrestleMania 34 live results, news & recap|magazine=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409041313/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live-results-news-recap-254991|archive-date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The night after WrestleMania 34, Owens, now a free agent, showed up on ''Raw'' along with Zayn and asked Raw General Manager [[Kurt Angle]] for a job. Though reluctant, Angle made a match between Owens and Zayn where whoever won the match and would receive a Raw contract, but the match ended in a no contest and Owens and Zayn remained free agents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/09/kellers-wwe-raw-report-4-9-the-day-after-wrestlemania-34-edition-with-reigns-lesnar-and-rousey-fallout|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 4/9: The Day After WrestleMania 34 Edition with Reigns-Lesnar and Rousey fallout, Lashley, Ember, AOP, Jeff Hardy, Joe returns|last=Wade|first=Keller|date=April 9, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2019|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330005944/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/09/kellers-wwe-raw-report-4-9-the-day-after-wrestlemania-34-edition-with-reigns-lesnar-and-rousey-fallout|archive-date=March 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> This decision was overruled the following week, as both men would be awarded Raw contracts by Raw Commissioner [[Stephanie McMahon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2018-04-16 |title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: The Superstar Shakeup Night One, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt vs. The Revival for a shot at the vacant Raw Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417111441/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/ |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On the May 7 episode of ''Raw'', he lost a [[Money in the Bank (2018)|Money in the Bank]] qualifying match to Braun Strowman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/05/08/5-8-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-money-in-the-bank-season-kicking-off-with-qualifying-matches-including-bryan-rusev-hardy-miz-charlotte-royce|title=5/8 WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS: Keller's report on Money in the Bank season kicking off with qualifying matches including Bryan-Rusev, Hardy-Miz, Charlotte-Royce|last=Wade|first=Keller|date=May 8, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2019|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416103232/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/05/08/5-8-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-money-in-the-bank-season-kicking-off-with-qualifying-matches-including-bryan-rusev-hardy-miz-charlotte-royce|archive-date=April 16, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2018)|Backlash]] on May 6, Owens and Zayn were defeated by Strowman and Lashley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 6, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Backlash live review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a No DQ match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe, Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/06/powells-wwe-backlash-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-samoa-joe-carmella-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-smackdown-womens/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085555/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/06/powells-wwe-backlash-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-samoa-joe-carmella-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-smackdown-womens/ |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On the May 14 episode of ''Raw'', he was given another opportunity to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match on June 17, which he won by defeating Lashley and [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]] in a triple threat match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 14, 2018 |title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens for the Intercontinental Championship, Baron Corbin vs. Bobby Roode vs. No Way Jose in a Men's MITB qualifier, Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Mickie James in a Women's MITB qualifier |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/14/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-seth-rollins-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-intercontinental-championship-baron-corbin-vs-bobby-roode-vs-no-way-jose-in-a-mens-mitb-qualifier-alexa-bliss-vs-bayley-vs-mickie-j/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512152738/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/14/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-seth-rollins-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-intercontinental-championship-baron-corbin-vs-bobby-roode-vs-no-way-jose-in-a-mens-mitb-qualifier-alexa-bliss-vs-bayley-vs-mickie-j/ |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> At the event, the ladder match was won by Braun Strowman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 17, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Money in the Bank live review: Two MITB ladder matches, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship, Nia Jax vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/06/17/powells-wwe-money-in-the-bank-live-review-two-mitb-ladder-matches-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe-championship-nia-jax-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw-women/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514155446/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/06/17/powells-wwe-money-in-the-bank-live-review-two-mitb-ladder-matches-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe-championship-nia-jax-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw-women/ |archive-date=May 14, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> In the following weeks, Owens unsuccessfully attempted to develop a partnership with Strowman to replace an injured Sami Zayn, leading to Strowman destroying Owens' car.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship, the build to Extreme Rules continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/06/25/powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-dolph-ziggler-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-intercontinental-championship-the-build-to-extreme-rules-continues/ |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2018)|Extreme Rules]] on July 15, Owens defeated Strowman after he threw Owens from the top of the cage through the announce table, meaning Owens' feet touched the floor first, rendering him the winner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 15, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Extreme Rules live review: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles vs. Rusev vs. for the WWE Championship, Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins in a 30-minute Iron Man match for the IC Title, Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No for the Smackdown Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/15/powells-wwe-extreme-rules-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-bobby-lashley-aj-styles-vs-rusev-vs-for-the-wwe-championship-dolph-ziggler-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-30-minute-iron-man-match-for-the-ic-title/ |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On the July 23 episode of ''Raw'', Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon granted Kevin Owens an opportunity to face Strowman at [[SummerSlam (2018)|SummerSlam]] under the stipulation that if Owens won, he received Strowman's [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank contract]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason |date=July 23, 2018|title=7/23 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Bobby Lashley vs. Roman Reigns to determine Brock Lesnar's challenger for the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H's big announcement, The B-Team vs. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt for the Raw Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/23/7-23-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-bobby-lashley-vs-roman-reigns-to-determine-brock-lesnars-challenger-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-at-summerslam-stephanie-mcmahons-big-announcement-t/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the event on August 19, Owens lost to Strowman.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason |date=August 19, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2018 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/ |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the August 27 episode of ''Raw'', after failing to win the Intercontinental Championship from Seth Rollins, Owens sat in the middle of the ring and said the words "I Quit".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-08-27/article/kevin-owens-quits |title=Kevin Owens quits after instant-classic match with Seth Rollins |access-date=September 2, 2018|work=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174758/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-08-27/article/kevin-owens-quits |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> On the September 3 episode of ''Raw'', Owens returned to attack Bobby Lashley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell|first=Jason|date=September 3, 2018|title=9/3 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Labor Day edition with Shawn Michaels on the last Undertaker vs. Triple H match, The Bellas vs. Riott Squad, B-Team vs. The Revival for the Raw Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/03/9-3-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-labor-day-edition-with-shawn-michaels-on-the-last-undertaker-vs-triple-h-match-the-bellas-vs-riott-squad-b-team-vs-the-revival-for-the-raw-tag-titles/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Super Show-Down (2018)|Super Show-Down]] on October 6, in what was originally set to be a singles match between Owens and Cena,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=August 10, 2018 |title=John Cena vs. Kevin Owens announced for WWE Super Show-Down in Australia |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/111400-cena-owens-wwe-super-show-down-australia/ |access-date=September 18, 2022|website=WrestleView}}</ref> he instead teamed with [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]] in a losing effort against Lashley and Cena,<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Super Show-Down live review: Undertaker vs. Triple H for the final time, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in a no DQ, no count-out match for the WWE Title, The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, and Dolph Ziggler, Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte for the Smackdown Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/06/powells-wwe-super-show-down-live-review-undertaker-vs-triple-h-for-the-final-time-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-in-a-no-dq-no-count-out-match-for-the-wwe-title-the-shield-vs-braun-strowman-dre/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006120330/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/06/powells-wwe-super-show-down-live-review-undertaker-vs-triple-h-for-the-final-time-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-in-a-no-dq-no-count-out-match-for-the-wwe-title-the-shield-vs-braun-strowman-dre/|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live|date=October 6, 2018}}</ref> and on the following episode of ''Raw'', Owens was defeated by Lashley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/08/10-8-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-super-show-down-fallout-as-they-head-to-evolution-and-crown-jewel-in-saudi-arabia/|title=10/8 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Super Show-down fallout as they head to Evolution and Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014250/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/08/10-8-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-super-show-down-fallout-as-they-head-to-evolution-and-crown-jewel-in-saudi-arabia/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, WWE announced Owens suffered injuries to both knees that required surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-injured|title=Bobby Lashley injures Kevin Owens|work=[[WWE]]|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301201534/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-injured|archive-date=March 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 26, 2019, episode of ''SmackDown'', Owens returned as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]], replacing [[Kofi Kingston]] in the [[WWE Championship]] match at [[Fastlane (2019)|Fastlane]] against [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], per [[Vince McMahon]]'s orders. At the pay-per view on March 10, a returning [[Mustafa Ali (wrestler)|Mustafa Ali]] was added to the match, thus making it a triple threat match,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/02/26/2-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-daniel-bryan-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-with-shane-stephanie-more-gargano-and-ciampa-rusev-nakamura-vs-ricochet-black/|title=2/26 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Daniel Bryan-Kofi Kingston contract signing with Shane & Stephanie, Rusev & Nakamura vs. Ricochet & Black|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=February 26, 2019|access-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024555/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/02/26/2-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-daniel-bryan-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-with-shane-stephanie-more-gargano-and-ciampa-rusev-nakamura-vs-ricochet-black/|archive-date=March 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and Owens failed to win the title after Bryan pinned Ali.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|date=March 10, 2019|title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali (Triple Threat Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-mustafa-ali-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090716/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-mustafa-ali-results|archive-date=March 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> After [[WrestleMania 35]], Owens started a storyline, where he congratulated Kofi Kingston for winning the WWE Championship and joined [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] as their honorary third member, since [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] was recovering from an injury.<ref name="SmackDown04162019">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/16/4-16-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-2019-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two-with-vince-mcmahon-introducing-the-brands-biggest-acquisition-paige-introduces-her-new-tag-team/|title=4/16 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of the 2019 WWE Superstar Shakeup Night Two with Vince McMahon introducing the brand's biggest acquisition, Paige introduces her new tag team|date=April 16, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417022736/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/16/4-16-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-2019-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two-with-vince-mcmahon-introducing-the-brands-biggest-acquisition-paige-introduces-her-new-tag-team/|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> However, since Daniel Bryan suffered an injury at WrestleMania, SmackDown needed a top level heel,<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=May 2, 2019|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-daniel-bryan-has-been-medically-cleared|title=Report: Daniel Bryan Has Been Medically Cleared|work=Fightful}}</ref> so on the April 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', Owens turned on Kingston and attacked him and [[Xavier Woods]], proclaiming that he wanted the WWE Championship, thus turning him back into a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]].<ref name="SmackDown04232019">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/23/4-23-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-roman-reigns-vince-mcmahon-fallout-shinsuke-vs-kofi-charlotte-becky-face-off/|title=4/23 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Roman Reigns-Vince McMahon fallout, Shinsuke vs. Kofi, Charlotte-Becky face off|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424020354/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/23/4-23-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-roman-reigns-vince-mcmahon-fallout-shinsuke-vs-kofi-charlotte-becky-face-off/|archive-date=April 24, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens challenged Kingston for the WWE Championship at [[Money in the Bank (2019)|Money in the Bank]] on May 19<ref name="SmackDown04302019">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/30/4-30-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-bayley-in-a-non-title-match-kofi-kingston-addresses-being-attacked-by-kevin-owens-the-announcement-of-the-smackdown-money-in-the/|title=4/30 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of Becky Lynch vs. Bayley in a non-title match, Kofi Kingston addresses being attacked by Kevin Owens, the announcement of the Smackdown Money in the Bank ladder match participants|date=April 30, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 30, 2019}}</ref> in a losing effort.<ref name="MITB2019">{{cite web|date=May 19, 2019|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=5/19 WWE Money in the Bank PPV Report: Keller's full match results with analysis and star ratings for Rollins-Styles, Kofi-Owens, Lynch-Charlotte, Lynch-Evans, Mcmahon-Miz, Reigns-Elias|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/05/19/5-19-wwe-money-in-the-bank-ppv-report-kellers-full-match-results-with-analysis-and-star-ratings-for-rollins-styles-kofi-owens-lynch-charlotte-lynch-evans-mcmahon-miz-reigns-elias/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108214230/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/05/19/5-19-wwe-money-in-the-bank-ppv-report-kellers-full-match-results-with-analysis-and-star-ratings-for-rollins-styles-kofi-owens-lynch-charlotte-lynch-evans-mcmahon-miz-reigns-elias/|archive-date=November 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WWE Stomping Grounds|Stomping Grounds]] on June 23, Owens teamed with Sami Zayn to defeat Big E and Xavier Woods.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Stomping Grounds results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin with a special referee for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler in a cage match for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans for the Raw Women's Title, Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet the U.S. Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/23/wwe-stomping-grounds-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-baron-corbin-with-a-special-referee-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-cage-match-for-the/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 23, 2019|access-date=June 23, 2019}}</ref> ====Various feuds (2019–2021)==== On the July 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', Owens questioned [[Shane McMahon]]'s decisions and underhanded tactics before they were interrupted by [[Dolph Ziggler]], leading to McMahon booking them in a tag team match which they lost after a miscommunication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/02/7-2-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-first-show-since-eric-bischoff-was-named-executive-director-the-build-to-extreme-rules-continues/|title=7/2 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of the first show since Eric Bischoff was named executive director, the build to Extreme Rules continues|date=July 2, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref> The following week, Owens stated his distaste in McMahon's constant dominance on television, before fleeing as McMahon called for security.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=7/9 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler, Nikki Cross vs. Carmella, Daniel Bryan vs. Xavier Woods vs. Otis, the final push for Extreme Rules|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/09/7-9-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-finn-balor-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-title-match-kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-nikki-cross-vs-carmella-tag-team-summit-the-final-push-for/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=July 10, 2019}}</ref> Later that night, Owens interfered in Ziggler's match against [[Roman Reigns]] and hit McMahon with a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|stunner]], turning face once again.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/kevin-owens-rants-against-shane-mcmahon-smackdown-live-july-9-2019|work=[[WWE]]|title=Kevin Owens tears into Shane McMahon in shocking rant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/roman-reigns-vs-dolph-ziggler-smackdown-live-july-9-2019|work=[[WWE]]|title=Reigns clashes with Ziggler in wild main event}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules]] on July 14, Owens defeated Ziggler in 17 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Kevin Owens def. Dolph Ziggler|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-results|date=July 14, 2019|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=July 14, 2019}}</ref> At [[WWE Smackville|Smackville]] on July 27, Owens defeated [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]], one of McMahon's allies.<ref>{{cite web|last=MacDonald|first=Josiah|title=WWE Smackville live results: Kingston vs. Joe vs. Ziggler|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-smackville-live-results-kingston-vs-joe-vs-ziggler-288866|work=[[Wrestling Observer]]|date=July 18, 2019|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2019)|SummerSlam]] on August 11, Owens defeated McMahon in a match where had Owens lost, he would be fired.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon, Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/11/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-samoa-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-m/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 11, 2019|access-date=August 11, 2019}}</ref> Owens was then announced as a participant in the [[King of the Ring (2019)|King of the Ring tournament]], losing to Elias in the first round, where McMahon served as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=8/20 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Daniel Bryan vs. Buddy Murphy, Kevin Owens vs. Elias and Apollo Crews vs. Andrade in first round King of the Ring tournament matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/20/8-20-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-buddy-murphy-kevin-owens-vs-elias-and-apollo-crews-vs-andrade-in-first-round-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref> On the September 10 episode of ''SmackDown'', McMahon fired Owens, after McMahon tapped out to [[Chad Gable]] in their King of the Ring semi-final match, where Owens was serving as the special guest referee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/wwe/11806741/shane-fires-kevin-owens|title=Shane fires Kevin Owens|date=September 10, 2019|website=SkySports|access-date=September 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-10/article/chad-gable-def-shane-mcmahon|title=Shane McMahon fired Kevin Owens after Chad Gable advanced to the King of the Ring Final|website=[[WWE]]|date=September 10, 2019|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref> The following week, Owens attended the show as an audience member, but had also filed a kayfabe wrongful termination lawsuit against McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|title=Kevin Owens laid a lawsuit onto Shane McMahon|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-17/article/kevin-owens-laid-a-lawsuit-onto-shane-mcmahon|website=[[WWE]]|access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> On October 4 during the [[WWE SmackDown's 20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary of ''SmackDown'']], Owens defeated McMahon in a ladder match with both men's careers on the line. As per the pre-match stipulation, McMahon was fired from WWE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-stunning-debut-the-rock-title-change-highlight-fox-premiere/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Stunning debut, The Rock, title change highlight Fox premiere|first=Brent|last=Brookhouse|date=October 4, 2019|website=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=October 5, 2019}}</ref> On October 11, Owens moved back to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] as part of the [[2019 WWE draft|draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/10/wwe-draft-third-round-picks-revealed-kevin-owens-660653/|title=WWE Draft Third Round Picks Revealed - Kevin Owens, The Revival, Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Natalya|website=Wrestling Inc.|date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> On November 23 at [[NXT TakeOver: WarGames (2019)|NXT TakeOver: WarGames]], Owens made a one-off appearance as [[Tommaso Ciampa]]'s mystery fourth partner for the [[WarGames match]] against [[The Undisputed Era]] ([[Adam Cole]], [[Bobby Fish]], [[Kyle O'Reilly]], and [[Roderick Strong]]), where Team Ciampa ultimately emerged victorious.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-revealed-fourth-member-team-ciampa-nxt-takeover-wargames-iii|title=Kevin Owens Revealed as Fourth Member of Team Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: WarGames III|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|work=Fightful|date=November 23, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/kevin-owens-joins-team-ciampa-nxt-takeover-wargames-298081|title=Kevin Owens joins Team Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: WarGames|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2019)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, Owens made up part of Team Raw in a losing effort to Team SmackDown also involving Team NXT.<ref>{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw & Team NXT (Men's Survivor Series Elimination Triple Threat Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/men%E2%80%99s-survivor-series-elimination-triple-threat-match-results|work=WWE|date=November 24, 2019|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Owens would began a feud with Seth Rollins,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/|title=11/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the night after Survivor Series edition with AJ Styles vs. a four-way winner for the U.S. Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka, Seth Rollins' town hall meeting|date=November 25, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> and would be targeted in attacks by Rollins and his allies [[Authors of Pain|AOP]] ([[Akam (wrestler)|Akam]] and [[Rezar]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/11/25/22803055.html|title=RAW: Seth Rollins calls out the RAW roster after a poor Survivor Series|date=November 25, 2019|website=canoe.com|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/09/12-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-lana-divorce-the-brands-final-push-for-the-wwe-tlc-pay-per-view/|title=12/09 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Rusev and Lana divorce, the brand's final push for the WWE TLC pay-per-view|date=December 9, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 9, 2019}}</ref> Owens entered the [[Royal Rumble (2020)|Royal Rumble match]] on January 26, 2020, at #27, but was eliminated by Rollins.<ref name="RR2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/26/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-strap-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 26, 2020|date=January 26, 2020}}</ref> Rollins then challenged Owens to a match at [[WrestleMania 36]], which was won by Owens to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/09/3-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edge-returning-following-randy-ortons-attack-on-beth-phoenix-rey-mysterio-vs-angel-garza-drew-mcintyre-in-action-the-build-to-wrestlemania-kicks-in/|title=3/9 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge returning following Randy Orton's attack on Beth Phoenix, Rey Mysterio vs. Angel Garza, Drew McIntyre in action, the build to WrestleMania kicks in|date=March 9, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/16/3-16-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-austin-316-day-with-steve-austin-undertaker-vs-aj-styles-contract-signing-for-wrestlemania-first-raw-at-the-fan-free-wwe-performance-center/|title=3/16 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Austin 3:16 Day with Steve Austin, Undertaker vs. AJ Styles contract signing for WrestleMania, first Raw at the fan-free WWE Performance Center|date=March 16, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powers|first=Kevin|title=Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins in a No Disqualification Match|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=April 4, 2020|access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> On the pre-show at [[The Horror Show at Extreme Rules]] on July 19, Owens defeated [[Buddy Murphy|Murphy]], an ally of Rollins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio in An Eye For An Eye match, WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt in a non-title Swamp Fight, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship, Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/19/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-rey-mysterio-in-an-eye-for-an-eye-match-wwe-universal-champion-braun-strowman-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-non-title-swamp-fight-asuka-vs-sash/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 19, 2020|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref> After this, Owens entered into a program with [[Malakai Black|Aleister Black]].<ref name="Raw08242020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=8/24 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Keith Lee's debut, Drew McIntyre's opening segment, Apollo Crews vs. Bobby Lashley in an arm wrestling contest officiated by Mark Henry, SummerSlam fallout and WWE Payback hype|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/24/8-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-keith-lees-debut-drew-mcintyres-opening-segment-apollo-crews-vs-bobby-lashley-in-an-arm-wrestling-contest-officiated-by-mark-henry-summerslam-fal/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> After a number of matches against each other, Owens defeated Black on the October 12 episode of ''Raw'' to end their feud.<ref name="Raw10122020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=October 12, 2020|title=10/12 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the 2020 WWE Draft night two, Dual-Brand Battle Royal for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Aleister Black in a No DQ match, Seth Rollins says farewell to Raw, Mustafa Ali's first promo as Retribution's leader|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/12/10-12-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-two-dual-brand-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-aleister-black-in-a-no-dq-match/|access-date=November 24, 2020|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> As part of the [[2020 WWE Draft|2020 Draft]] in October, Owens was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020|title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft|date=October 9, 2020|author=WWE.com Staff|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=October 12, 2020}}</ref> He defeated Dolph Ziggler on the October 30 episode of ''SmackDown'' to qualify for Team SmackDown at [[Survivor Series (2020)|Survivor Series]].<ref name="SmackDown10302020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/30/10-30-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-jey-uso-paying-consequences-for-losing-to-roman-reigns-daniel-bryan-vs-jey-uso-and-kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-team-smackdown-qualif/|title=10/30 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review Jey Uso paying consequences for losing to Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan vs. Jey Uso, and Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler in Team Smackdown qualifiers for Survivor Series|date=October 30, 2020|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 31, 2020}}</ref> At the event on November 22, Team SmackDown lost in a clean sweep by Team Raw.<ref name="SS2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's review of Undertaker's Final Farewell, Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. The Street Profits, Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn in champion vs. champion matches, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown in Survivor Series elimination matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/22/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-undertakers-final-farewell-drew-mcintyre-vs-roman-reigns-asuka-vs-sasha-banks-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-the-street-profits-bobby-lashl/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 22, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020}}</ref> Owens then reignited his rivalry against [[Roman Reigns]], challenging him for the Universal Championship at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2020)|TLC]] on December 20, in a [[Steel Cage match]] on the December 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', and at [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, 2021, but was defeated all times due to assistance from [[Jey Uso]] and [[Paul Heyman]].<ref name="TLC2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE TLC results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a TLC match for the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles in a TLC match for the WWE Championship, The Fiend vs. Randy Orton in a Firefly Inferno Match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/20/wwe-tlc-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-fiend-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 20, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name="SmackDown12252020">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/25 WWE SmackDown TV Results: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Owens in a cage for the Universal Title, Sami vs. Big E for IC Title, Charlotte & Asuka first tag title defense|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/12/25/12-25-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-owens-in-a-cage-for-the-universal-title-sami-vs-big-e-for-ic-title-charlotte-asuka-first-tag-title-defense/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 25, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102215407/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/12/25/12-25-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-owens-in-a-cage-for-the-universal-title-sami-vs-big-e-for-ic-title-charlotte-asuka-first-tag-title-defense/|archive-date=January 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RR2021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref> On the second night of [[WrestleMania 37]] on April 11, Owens defeated Sami Zayn and attacked [[Logan Paul]] after the match.<ref name="WM37N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 11, 2021 |title=WrestleMania 37 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship, Big E vs. Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight for the IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/11/wrestlemania-37-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-raw-women/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 11, 2021}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2021)|Hell in a Cell]] on June 20, Owens lost to Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre in an HIAC match for the WWE Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in an HIAC match for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/20/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-an-hiac-match-for-the-wwe-championship-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-an-hiac-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-cha/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot net|date=June 20, 2021|access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> After a brief hiatus,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=June 21, 2022 |title=Kevin Owens to take 'a little break' following WWE Hell in a Cell|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/kevin-owens-take-little-break-following-wwe-hell-cell-344766|access-date=September 18, 2022|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Owens returned on the July 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', defeating Zayn in a [[Last Man Standing match]] to qualify for the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[Money in the Bank (2021)|Money in the Bank]].<ref name="SmackDown07022021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=7/2 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Edge addressing Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in a Last Man Standing match to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/02/7-2-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-edge-addressing-roman-reigns-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-last-man-standing-match-to-qualify-for-the-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 2, 2021|access-date=July 2, 2021}}</ref> At the event on July 18, Owens failed to win the contract as it was won by [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clapp|first=John|title=Big E won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=July 18, 2021|access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> ====Feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ezekiel (2022)==== As part of the [[2021 WWE Draft|2021 Draft]], Owens was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw brand]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2021|title = See all the results from the 2021 Draft}}</ref><ref name="Raw10042021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/|title=10/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the WWE Draft night two, Goldberg returns, the build to WWE Crown Jewel continues|date=October 4, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 5, 2021}}</ref> On the November 1 episode of ''Raw'', Owens entered a storyline with WWE Champion Big E and Seth Rollins after Big E hit the ''Big Ending'' on Owens after their non-title match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 1, 2021|title=11/1 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title match, Finn Balor vs. Chad Gable, WWE Women's Tag Champions Rhea Ripley and Nikki Cross vs. Zelina Vega and Carmella in a non-title match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/01/11-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-raw-womens-championship/ |access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The following week, Owens attacked Big E after the former's match against Rollins, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=November 8, 2021|title=11/8 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Carmella vs. Queen Zelina for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship, WWE Champion Big E vs. Chad Gable in a non-title match, the build to Survivor Series|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/08/11-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-vs-bianca-belair-vs-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-vs-queen-zelina-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Owens attacked [[Finn Bálor]] the next week, cementing his heel turn.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=November 15, 2021|title=11/15 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Big E, Randy Orton, and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and The Usos, The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy, Bianca Belair vs. Tamina, the brand's final push for WWE Survivor Series|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/15/11-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-the-usos-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-bianca-belair-vs-tamina/ |access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the November 29 episode of ''Raw'', Owens defeated Big E by [[Disqualification (professional wrestling)|disqualification]] to be added to the WWE Championship match at the [[WWE Day 1|Day 1]] pay-per-view, making it a [[triple threat match]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Edge's return, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title match, Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins, RKBro vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler for the Raw Tag Titles, Damian Priest vs. Apollo Crews for the U.S. Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/29/11-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edges-return-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-match-finn-balor-vs-seth-rollins-rkbro-vs-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-for-the-r/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 30, 2021|date=November 29, 2021}}</ref> At Day 1 on January 1, 2022, Owens was unsuccessful in capturing the title as [[Bobby Lashley]] and [[Brock Lesnar]] were also added to the match and Lesnar won the title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref> On the March 7 episode of ''Raw'', Owens and Rollins failed to capture the [[Raw Tag Team Championship]] in a triple threat tag team match against RK-Bro and Alpha Academy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=March 7, 2022|title=3/7 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Chad Gable and Otis vs. Randy Orton and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat for the Raw Tag Titles, Edge explains his attack on AJ Styles, Jerry Lawler appears, Logan Paul and Miz hold a Homecoming Party |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/07/3-7-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-chad-gable-and-otis-vs-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-kevin-owens-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-raw-tag-titles-edge-explains-his-attack-o/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Later that night, Owens announced that he was hosting "The KO Show" at [[WrestleMania 38]] and invited [["Stone Cold" Steve Austin]] to be the guest, who accepted the invitation the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=March 8, 2022 |title='Stone Cold' Steve Austin accepts Kevin Owens' WWE WrestleMania 38 invitation |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/stone-cold-steve-austin-accepts-kevin-owens-wwe-wrestlemania-38-challenge|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> In the main event on the first night of WrestleMania 38 on April 2, Owens revealed that the invitation to the show was a ruse and challenged Austin to an impromptu No Holds Barred match, which Austin accepted, 19 years after his retirement. Following his loss to Austin, Owens was escorted out of the stadium by Dallas police officers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=April 2, 2022|title=WrestleMania 38 results: Powell's live review of night one with Steve Austin on The KO Show, Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women's Title, Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. an opponent of Vince McMahon's choosing |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/02/wrestlemania-38-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-steve-austin-on-the-ko-show-charlotte-flair-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-smackdown-womens-title-becky-lynch-vs-bianca-belair-fo/ |access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Owens, who admitted he made a mistake by challenging Austin to a match, was interrupted by a clean shaven [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]], who claimed to be Elias' younger brother Ezekiel.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=April 4, 2022|title=4/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Raw After WrestleMania with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the return of Cody Rhodes, new Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair appears, the "debut" of Veer Mahaan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In the following weeks on ''Raw'', Owens entered a feud with Ezekiel after refusing to believe he was really Elias's brother, and thought he was actually Elias himself.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=April 18, 2022|title=4/18 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. an opponent of Seth Rollins' choosing, Finn Balor vs. Theory for the U.S. Title, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits in a non-title match, commitment ceremonies, lie detector test|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the May 23 episode of ''Raw'', Owens challenged Ezekiel to a match at [[Hell in a Cell (2022)|Hell in a Cell]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=May 23, 2022|title=5/23 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz, Bobby Lashley's "All Mighty challenge" for Omos and MVP, Becky Lynch comments on losing to Asuka, the build to Hell in a Cell continues|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/23/5-23-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-the-miz-bobby-lashleys-all-mighty-challenge-for-omos-and-mvp-becky-lynch-comments-on-losing-to-asuka-the-build-to-hell-in-a-cell/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which he accepted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=May 23, 2022|title=Two new matches announced for WWE Hell in a Cell|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/two-matches-announced-for-wwe-hell-in-a-cell|access-date=September 18, 2022|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At the event on June 5, Owens defeated Ezekiel.<ref name="HIAC2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a HIAC match, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, Theory vs. Mustafa Ali for the U.S. Title, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP in a handicap match, Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel, Judgment Day vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/05/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-hiac-match-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens-title-theory-vs-mustafa-ali-for-the-u/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 5, 2022|access-date=June 5, 2022}}</ref> On the August 8 episode of ''Raw'', Owens stretchered Ezekiel out of the arena after attacking him with an Apron Powerbomb, a move he had not used in years, thus ending their feud. This would be the final appearance of the Ezekiel character in the WWE, as he would go back to performing under the Elias gimmick afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 8, 2022|title=8/8 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Ciampa for the U.S. Championship, the tournament for the vacant WWE Women's Tag Team Titles begins, Seth Rollins vs. Angelo Dawkins, Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/08/8-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-ciampa-for-the-u-s-championship-the-tournament-for-the-vacant-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles-begins-seth-rollins-vs-angelo-dawkins-re/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', having not held a championship in WWE for over five years, Owens said it was time to bring back the "Prizefighter".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 15, 2022|title=8/15 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Riddle returns, Alexa Bliss and Asuka vs. Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament first-round match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/15/8-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-riddle-returns-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-nikki-ash-and-doudrop-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-te/|access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the August 22 episode of ''Raw'', with his old titantron and duct tape "KO" tank top, he answered an open challenge by [[Alpha Academy]] and defeated [[Chad Gable]] before fending off an attack from Gable and [[Otis (wrestler)|Otis]] afterwards, turning face in the process.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 22, 2022|title=8/22 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Edge vs. Damian Priest, Alexa Bliss and Asuka vs. Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai in a WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament semifinal match, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus appears|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/22/8-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edge-vs-damian-priest-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-iyo-sky-and-dakota-kai-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-team-title-tournament-semifinal-match-wwe-hall/ |access-date=September 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the September 19 episode of ''Raw'', Owens would receive help from [[Johnny Gargano]] during his match with Austin Theory, leading to a backstage argument with Alpha Academy where Owens and Gargano would accept a challenge by Gable for a tag team match the following week. On the next week's ''Raw'', Owens and Gargano, who had named themselves the Panda Express during their time on the indies despite not actually teaming together, would defeat Alpha Academy. At [[Survivor Series: WarGames (2022)|Survivor Series: WarGames]] on November 26, Owens, along with [[The Brawling Brutes]] (Sheamus, [[Ridge Holland]], and [[Pete Dunne|Butch]]) and Drew McIntyre lost to [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]] ([[Roman Reigns]], [[Jey Uso]], [[Jimmy Uso]], [[Solo Sikoa]], and [[Sami Zayn]]) in a [[WarGames match]].<ref name="SSeries2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of The Bloodline vs. Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and The Brawling Brutes in a WarGames match, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim vs. Rhea Ripley, Nikki Cross, and Damage CTRL in a WarGames match, Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory for the U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 26, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022}}</ref> ====Feud with The Bloodline and Reunion with Sami Zayn (2023)==== [[File:Kevin Owens and Sami zayn wwe live event.jpg|thumb|right|Owens reunited with [[Sami Zayn]] in 2023.]] At [[Survivor Series: WarGames (2022)|Survivor Series: WarGames]] on November 26, Owens, along with [[The Brawling Brutes]] (Sheamus, [[Ridge Holland]], and [[Pete Dunne|Butch]]) and Drew McIntyre lost to [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]] ([[Roman Reigns]], [[Jey Uso]], [[Jimmy Uso]], [[Solo Sikoa]], and [[Sami Zayn]]) in a [[WarGames match]].<ref name="SSeries2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of The Bloodline vs. Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and The Brawling Brutes in a WarGames match, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim vs. Rhea Ripley, Nikki Cross, and Damage CTRL in a WarGames match, Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory for the U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 26, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2023)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2023, Owens again lost to Reigns in an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match. After the match, Reigns proceeded to have the rest of The Bloodline beat Owens down, but Zayn refused to join the beatdown and eventually hit Reigns with a chair, leading to the entire Bloodline attacking Zayn.<ref name="RR2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> After the [[Elimination Chamber (2023)|Elimination Chamber]] main event, Owens saved Zayn from a beatdown from Reigns and Jimmy Uso.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=February 18, 2023|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, two Elimination Chamber matches, Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/|access-date=February 18, 2023|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Zayn offered an olive branch to Owens and proposed that they team up to bring down The Bloodline together, but Owens rejected it.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=February 20, 2023|title=2/20 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Elimination Chamber fallout edition with Austin Theory vs. Edge for the U.S. Championship, Mustafa Ali vs. Dolph Ziggler, Seth Rollins vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/20/2-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-elimination-chamber-fallout-edition-with-austin-theory-vs-edge-for-the-u-s-championship-mustafa-ali-vs-dolph-ziggler-seth-rollins-vs-the-miz/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the March 17, 2023, episode of ''SmackDown'', [[Cody Rhodes]] invited Owens and Zayn to hash it out so that they can reunite to fight against The Bloodline, but Owens again declined to team up with Zayn. Later that night, Zayn confronted Jey Uso in the ring and was beaten up by The Usos. Owens ran out to save Zayn and embraced him.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=John|date=March 17, 2023|title=3/17 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Moore's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for an Intercontinental Title shot at WrestleMania 39, Sami Zayn confronting Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes's appearance, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio vs. Zelina Vega and Santos Escobar|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/17/3-17-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-for-an-intercontinental-title-shot-at-wrestlemania-39-sami-zayn-confronting-jey-uso-cody-rhodess-appearance-r/|access-date=March 18, 2023|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Owens and Zayn would go on to defeat The Usos to become [[Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions]] (consisting of both the Raw and [[SmackDown Tag Team Championship]]s) in the main event of [[WrestleMania 39]] night one, thus becoming the 23rd [[WWE Grand Slam]] champion. This also marked the second straight year Owens headlined a WrestleMania, and his first title win in six years.<ref name="WM39N1">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/1 WWE WrestleMania 39 – Night 1: Keller's report on Cena vs. Austin Theory, Rollins vs. Logan Paul, Usos vs. Sami & KO, Charlotte vs. Ripley, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/01/4-1-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-1-kellers-report-on-cena-vs-austin-theory-rollins-vs-logan-paul-usos-vs-sami-ko-charlotte-vs-ripley-more/|date=April 1, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 1, 2023}}</ref> The match was [[List of professional wrestling matches rated 5 or more stars by Dave Meltzer|rated five stars]] by [[Dave Meltzer]] and became the eighth main roster WWE match to receive five stars, making it the first five star match in Owens' career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2023-03-25 |title=Dave Meltzer Star Ratings - Wrestlemania 39 (2023) |url=https://www.iwnerd.com/dave-meltzer-star-ratings-wrestlemania-39-2023/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=IWNerd.com |language=en-US}}</ref> As part of the [[2023 WWE Draft]], Owens, along with Zayn, was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023|title = See all the results from the 2023 Draft|publisher=WWE|date=April 28, 2023}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2023)|Night of Champions]], Owens and Zayn retained their Undisputed Tag Team Championship against The Bloodline's Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.<ref name="NOC2023">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/27/wwe-night-of-champions-results-powells-live-review-of-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-vs-roman-reigns-and-solo-sikoa-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-brock-lesnar-vs-cody-rhodes-seth-rollins-vs/|title=WWE Night of Champions results: Powell's live review of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Title|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=May 27, 2023|access-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527173019/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/27/wwe-night-of-champions-results-powells-live-review-of-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-vs-roman-reigns-and-solo-sikoa-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-brock-lesnar-vs-cody-rhodes-seth-rollins-vs/|archive-date=May 27, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Owens and Zayn then retained the titles against [[Imperium (professional wrestling)|Imperium]]'s [[Giovanni Vinci]] and [[Ludwig Kaiser]], [[Pretty Deadly (professional wrestling)|Pretty Deadly]], and [[The Judgment Day]]'s [[Damian Priest]] and [[Dominik Mysterio]] in several matches on ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'', but they lost the titles to The Judgment Day's Damian Priest and [[Finn Bálor]] in a Pittsburgh Steel City [[Street Fight match|Street Fight]] at [[Payback (2023)|Payback]] after interference from fellow Judgment Day members, ending their reign at 154 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=2023-09-02 |title=WWE Payback 2023 full recap, highlights, photos and exclusives |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-date=2023-09-03 |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref> They were unsuccessful in a rematch for the titles on the September 25 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="Raw09252023">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-judgment-day-beats-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-in-chaotic-main-event/live/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Judgment Day beats Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in chaotic main event|date=September 25, 2023|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=September 25, 2023}}</ref> Also at Payback, Cody Rhodes got Jey Uso—who was on SmackDown and had quit WWE shortly before Payback—reinstated as a member of Raw and it was revealed that someone was traded to SmackDown for Jey. The following month on the October 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', new SmackDown General Manager [[Nick Aldis]] revealed that Owens had been traded to SmackDown for Jey, in turn splitting up the tag team of Owens and Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-joins-wwe-smackdown-jey-uso-trade-now-complete|title=Kevin Owens Joins WWE SmackDown, Jey Uso Trade Now Complete|date=October 13, 2023|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-my-bittersweet-move-wwe-smackdown-effectively-ends-my-partnership-sami-zayn|title=Kevin Owens: My 'Bittersweet' Move To WWE SmackDown Effectively Ends My Partnership With Sami Zayn|date=October 13, 2023|last=Tessier|first=Colin|work=Fightful|access-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref> ====Return to singles competition (2023-present)==== After a brief absence, Owens returned on the November 10, 2023 episode of ''SmackDown'', filling in for [[Corey Graves]] on commentary. Owens was instructed by Nick Aldis to not fight anyone during the program or risk suspension. After being provoked by [[Grayson Waller]] and [[Austin Theory]], Owens retaliated, was (storyline) suspended for a week, and returned on the November 24 episode of ''SmackDown''. == Other media == In 2012, [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) released a two-disc set entitled ''Kevin Steen: Ascension to the Top'', focusing on his first two years with the promotion, and ''Kevin Steen: Descent into Madness'', covering his solo run from 2009 to 2010. In 2013, ROH released a DVD titled ''Kevin Steen: Hell Rising'', which included both his best matches in the promotion and a [[shoot interview]], in which Steen went into detail most notably about his relationship with Jim Cornette and his booking of ROH.<ref name=HellRisingDVD>{{cite AV media notes|title=ROH Hell Rising|orig-date=2014|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|year=2013}}</ref> The DVD was pulled from ROH's online store shortly after its release.<ref name=PWTorchHellRising>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_71633.shtml|title=Radican's ROH DVD Review Series: "Kevin Steen: Hell Rising" – Steen discusses relationship with Cornette, run as ROH champ, new details on time away from ROH in 2011|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=June 30, 2013|access-date=December 18, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219081311/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_71633.shtml|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/288627|title=100 Percent Fordified: Ring of Honor Kevin Steen – Hell Rising|last=Ford|first=Kevin|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=December 18, 2013|work=411Mania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219100312/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/288627|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It was made available again during the 2013 Christmas season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/kevin-steen-hell-rising-2-disc-set|title=Kevin Steen: Hell Rising 2 disc set|access-date=December 4, 2014|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210141045/http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/kevin-steen-hell-rising-2-disc-set|archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Following his departure, ROH released another three disc set entitled ''Thanks Steen Thanks'', which featured matches from the end of his championship run through his final match with the company. Owens is a playable character in the video games such as ''[[WWE 2K16]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|title=Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list|date=August 10, 2015|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321095326/https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2019}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K17]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/gallery/wwe-2k17-roster-art-photos|title=Photos: Find out who made the WWE 2K17 roster|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401063820/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/gallery/wwe-2k17-roster-art-photos|archive-date=April 1, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2019}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K18]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|title=WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters|last=Artus|first=Matthew|date=September 27, 2017|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107162419/http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=November 4, 2017}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K19]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k19-roster-full-list-200-confirmed-wrestlers-/2900-2163/|title=WWE 2K19 Roster Full List: 200+ Confirmed Wrestlers & DLC Superstars|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Mat|last=Elfring|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014404/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k19-roster-full-list-200-confirmed-wrestlers-/2900-2163/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K20]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K20 Roster: All Characters, Superstars and Legends |website=The Smack Down Hotel |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k20/roster/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K22]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K22 Full Roster List |url=https://wwe.2k.com/roster-list/ |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=WWE 2K22 |language=en-US}}</ref> and ''[[WWE 2K23]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K23 Roster |url=https://wwe.2k.com/2k23/roster-list/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=WWE 2K23 |language=en-US}}</ref> == Personal life == Steen married Karina Lamer in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://instagram.com/karinaleilas/ |title=Karina Steen (@karinaleilas) • Instagram photos and videos |access-date=October 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222095505/https://www.instagram.com/karinaleilas/ |archive-date=December 22, 2015 }}</ref> They have a son named Owen (named after [[Owen Hart]], with Steen dedicating his WWE ring name to both his son and Hart)<ref name="Son">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/199461469719494656|archive-url=https://archive.today/20151013011000/https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/199461469719494656|archive-date=October 13, 2015|date=May 7, 2012|access-date=June 2, 2015|last=Steen|first=Kevin|title=Owen Steen|publisher=Twitter}}</ref> and a daughter named Élodie Leila.<ref name="Daughter">{{cite web|last=Steen|first=Kevin|title=Élodie Leila Steen|url=https://twitter.com/FightSteenFight/status/458640103506583552|publisher=[[Twitter]]|date=April 22, 2014|access-date=April 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161249/https://twitter.com/FightSteenFight/status/458640103506583552|archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref> At the end of the ''[[List of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla tournaments#DDT4 (2008)|DDT4 Night One]]'' event in May 2008, Steen's then-six-month-old son appeared in a segment with [[Excalibur (wrestler)|Excalibur]] in which Excalibur called Steen's son "ugly", prompting Steen to perform three consecutive package piledrivers on him before placing his son on top of Excalibur for the pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/75830/Pro-Wrestling-Guerrilla:-Dynamite-Duumvirate-Tag-Team-Title-Tournament-Night-1---5.17.08.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla: Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament Night 1 – 5.17.08|date=May 18, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2010|last=Domingo|first=Bayani|publisher=411Mania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014539/http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/75830/Pro-Wrestling-Guerrilla:-Dynamite-Duumvirate-Tag-Team-Title-Tournament-Night-1---5.17.08.htm|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Steen is best friends with fellow Canadian wrestler Rami Sebei, currently known in WWE as [[Sami Zayn]], with the pair's onscreen characters [[Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn|teaming up or feuding with each other]] various times since they first met in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/kevin-owens-sami-zayn-friendship/\|title=BROTHERS: The Kevin Owens And Sami Zayn Story|website=ProWrestling Stories|first=Marc|last=Madison}}</ref> Steen is a fan of Canadian country singer [[Shania Twain]]. The two met at her Montreal show in 2018, where he joined her on stage and she promised that she would sing her song "[[When (Shania Twain song)|When]]" for him if he defeated his then-rival, [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Riju |title=WWE News: Kevin Owens shows up at Shania Twain concert, has a hilarious exchange |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-kevin-owens-shows-up-at-shania-twain-concert-has-a-hilarious-exchange-video |website=Sportskeeda |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Longmire |first1=Rebecca |title=WWE Star Kevin Owens Sparks Twitter Meltdown As He Joins Shania Twain Onstage, Begs Her To Play His Favourite Song |url=https://etcanada.com/news/342102/wwe-star-kevin-owens-sparks-twitter-meltdown-as-he-joins-shania-twain-onstage-begs-her-to-play-his-favourite-song/ |website=ET Canada |date=June 27, 2018 |publisher=Corus Entertainment Inc. |access-date=7 February 2023 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207033009/https://etcanada.com/news/342102/wwe-star-kevin-owens-sparks-twitter-meltdown-as-he-joins-shania-twain-onstage-begs-her-to-play-his-favourite-song/ }}</ref> == Championships and accomplishments == {{multiple image |align=right |width=170 |direction=vertical |image1=ROH World Champion Kevin Steen.jpg |caption1=Owens (then known as Kevin Steen) is a former [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]]... |image2=Kevin Owens, wrestler, March 2015.jpg |caption2=... a former [[NXT Champion]]... |image3=Kevin Owens as Universal Champion in September 2016.jpg |caption3=... a former [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Champion]]... |image4=Kevin owens and sami zayn as undisputed champions.jpg |caption4=... and a former [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Raw]] and [[SmackDown Tag Team Champion]], along with his [[Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn|tag team partner]] [[Sami Zayn]] (back). }} * '''[[All American Wrestling]]''' ** [[AAW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AAW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74869.shtml|title=Show results – 11/30 AAW in Berwyn, Ill.: Steen captures AAW Title, Finals of Allegiance Tag Tournament more|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034155/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74869.shtml|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=565|title=AAW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=November 30, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''Capital City Championship Combat''' ** C4 Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1143|title=C4 Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=June 6, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** C4 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Mike Bailey (wrestler)|Mike Bailey]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1419|title=C4 Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=April 30, 2011|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** C4 Championship Tournament (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1261&page=2|title=C4 Championship Tournament (2009)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=June 6, 2009|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''[[Combat Zone Wrestling]]''' ** [[CZW Iron Man Championship]] ([[CZW Iron Man Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="CZWiron">{{cite web|url=http://www.czwrestling.com/titlehistory/#NewHorror |title=CZW New Horror Champions |access-date=October 23, 2010 |publisher=[[Combat Zone Wrestling]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005104115/http://www.czwrestling.com/titlehistory/ |archive-date=October 5, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=99|title=CZW Iron Man Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 13, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> *'''Elite Wrestling Revolution''' **EWR Heavyweight Championship (1 time, inaugural)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1047|title=EWR Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=February 6, 2004|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> **Elite 8 (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1127&page=2|title=Elite 8 (2005)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> **EWR Championship Tournament (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1129&page=2|title=EWR Championship Tournament (2004)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=February 6, 2004|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''[[International Wrestling Syndicate]]''' ** IWS Canadian Championship (1 time)<ref name=CageTitle/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=412|title=IWS Canadian Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=May 24, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[International Wrestling Syndicate#IWS World Heavyweight Championship|IWS World Heavyweight Championship]] (3 times)<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kevin-steen.html|title=Kevin Steen|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524010312/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kevin-steen.html|archive-date=May 24, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2004-06.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – June 2004|access-date=July 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505014754/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2004-06.html|archive-date=May 5, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=411|title=IWS World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=March 22, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''North Shore Pro Wrestling''' ** NSPW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1389|title=NSPW Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 6, 2011|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]''' ** [[PWG World Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Champions|3 times]])<ref name=PWGWorld2/><ref name=PWGWorld3/><ref name="PWGworld">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion006.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion: "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012193614/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion006.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=123|title=PWG World Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 6, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Tag Team Champions|3 times]]) – with [[El Generico]] (2) and [[Super Dragon]] (1)<ref name=Fear/><ref name="PWGTag1">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Champions: El Generico & "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012213230/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion016.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PWGtag2">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion019.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Champions: El Generico & "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen (2nd Reign)|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012213235/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion019.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=124|title=PWG World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=July 29, 2007|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** Ranked No. 3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831132846/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|archive-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''[[Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame]]''' ** Class of 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=33999&p=1|title=Bret Hart, Kevin Owens inducted into Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> * '''[[Ring of Honor]]''' ** [[ROH World Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Champions|1 time]])<ref name=BorderWars/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=121|title=ROH World Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=May 12, 2012|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Sami Zayn|El Generico]]<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship |access-date=April 5, 2010 |publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=April 12, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=122|title=ROH World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 19, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[Ring of Honor tournaments#ROH World Championship #1 Contender Tournament (February 2008)|ROH World Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament (2008)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=729&page=2|title=ROH World Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament (2008)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=February 22, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** Match of the Decade (2010s) {{small|vs. El Generico at [[Final Battle 2012: Doomsday]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/match-decade-kevin-steen-vs-el-generico-ladder-war|title=Match of The Decade: Kevin Steen vs. El Generico Ladder War|access-date=August 7, 2021|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|date=January 23, 2020}}</ref> * '''''[[Rolling Stone]]''''' ** Best Heel (2015)<ref name="RollingStone2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-s-of-the-year-the-new-day-20151214|title=WWE Wrestler(s) of the Year|date=December 14, 2015|access-date=December 14, 2015|publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ** Best Promos (2015) {{small|tied with [[John Cena]]}}<ref name="RollingStoneHalfYear2015">{{cite magazine|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref> ** Best Storyline (2015) {{small|vs. John Cena}}<ref name="RollingStone2015"/> ** Ranked No. 6 of the 10 best WWE wrestlers of 2016<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Herzog|first=Ken|title=10 Best WWE Wrestlers of 2016|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-119760/enzo-and-cass-121969/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=September 30, 2020}}</ref> ** Rookie of the Year (2015)<ref name="RollingStone2015"/> ** WWE Match of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. John Cena at [[Money in the Bank (2015)|Money in the Bank]]}}<ref name="RollingStone2015"/> ** WWE Wrestler of the Half-Year (2015)<ref name="RollingStoneHalfYear2015"/> * '''''[[SoCal Uncensored (website)|SoCal Uncensored]]''''' ** Match of the Year (2011) <small>with Super Dragon vs. [[The Young Bucks]] on December 10</small><ref name=SoCal2011>{{cite web|url=http://socaluncensored.com/2012/10/02/2011-socal-year-end-awards/|title=2011 SoCal Year End Awards|date=October 2, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2015|work=SoCal Uncensored|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426170250/http://socaluncensored.com/2012/10/02/2011-socal-year-end-awards/|archive-date=April 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ** Wrestler of the Year (2005, 2011, 2012)<ref name=SoCal2011/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu05.htm|title=SoCal UNCENSORED Awards 2005|work=SoCal Uncensored|access-date=April 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822123621/http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu05.htm|archive-date=August 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://socaluncensored.com/2013/03/04/2012-socal-year-end-awards/|title=2012 SoCal Year End Awards|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=August 7, 2015|work=SoCal Uncensored|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929063008/http://socaluncensored.com/2013/03/04/2012-socal-year-end-awards/|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''''[[Sports Illustrated]]''''' ** Ranked No. 7 of the [[Sports Illustrated#Wrestler of the Year|top 10 wrestlers]] in 2017<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|title=Top 10 Wrestlers of the Year|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=December 30, 2017|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229202856/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)|Best Brawler]] (2010–2012)<ref name=WON2010>{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|magazine=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref><ref name="WON11">{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 30, 2012|title=Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news|magazine=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593}}</ref><ref name="WON12">{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 23, 2013|title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue|magazine=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/29425-the-2012-wrestling-observer-newsletter-annual-awards-issue}}</ref> ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2010) {{small|vs. El Generico}}<ref name=WON2010/> * '''Squared Circle Wrestling''' ** 2CW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1144|title=2CW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** 2CW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jason Axe<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1145|title=2CW Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''[[WWE]]''' ** [[WWE Universal Championship]] ([[WWE Universal Championship|1 time]])<ref name="WWEUniversalChampionship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship|title=Universal Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405165423/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3102|title=WWE Universal Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[NXT Championship]] ([[List of NXT Champions|1 time]])<ref name="NXTChampionship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship|title=NXT Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409171029/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship|archive-date=April 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1789|title=NXT Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|2 times]])<ref name="ICChampionship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental|title=Intercontinental Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116121547/https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental|archive-date=November 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=16|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 20, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|3 times]])<ref name="USChampionship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates|title=United States Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024140/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/5192013-dean-ambrose|archive-date=January 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=62|title=WWE United States Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> ** [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Raw Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Sami Zayn]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championship|title=WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]}}</ref> ** [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with Sami Zayn<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship|title=WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]}}</ref> **[[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|16th Grand Slam Champion (under current format; 23rd overall)]] == ''Lucha de Apuesta'' record == {{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}} {|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center" |- !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager) !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager) !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20% scope="col"|Location !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20% scope="col"|Event !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=15% scope="col"|Date !class="unsortable" style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=5% scope="col"|Notes |- |[[Sami Zayn|El Generico]] (mask) || Kevin Steen (contract) || New York City, New York || [[Final Battle 2010]] || {{dts|2010|12|18}} || This was an unsanctioned [[Fight Without Honor]]<ref name=FinalBattle2010/> |- |} == References == {{reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category|Kevin Steen}} * {{WWE superstar}} * {{Roh roster|kevin-steen|Kevin Steen}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * {{Twitter}} * {{IMDb name|name=Kevin Steen}} {{Navboxes| |list1= {{AAW Heavyweight Championship}} {{CZW Iron Man Championship}} {{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} {{PWG World Championship}} {{PWG World Tag Team Championship}} {{ROH World Championship}} {{ROH World Tag Team Championship}} {{NXT Championship}} {{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} {{WWE personnel}} {{WWE United States Championship}} {{WWE Universal Championship}} {{WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship}} {{WWE Tag Team Champions}} }} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Owens, Kevin}} [[Category:1984 births]] [[Category:21st-century professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Anglophone Quebec people]] [[Category:Canadian expatriate professional wrestlers in the United States]] [[Category:Canadian male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Canadian people of French descent]] [[Category:French Quebecers]] [[Category:Living people]] 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