Kevin Owens to leave WWE and re-form legendary faction with major AEW stars? Exploring the possibility
Kevin Owens is one of WWE's most captivating and popular superstars currently. While The Prizefighter is still signed with the Triple H-led company and will continue to be for some time, up-and-coming rival promotion AEW is also reportedly interested in acquiring his services should he decide to leave. This would open up the possibility of Owens reuniting with some old teammates of his in the Jacksonville-based company.
Before he had penned a deal with WWE, Kevin Owens was plying his trade in the independent wrestling scene as Kevin Steen. The Canadian star competed in a number of promotions in the indie circuit, including ROH, CZW, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
It was in PWG that Owens had joined forces with Adam Cole and The Young Bucks, forming a villainous stable dubbed Mount Rushmore of Wrestling. The group dominated their competition in the company, feuding with the likes of Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Chris Hero, Best Friends, and Ricochet. The Bucks and Cole would later turn on Owens, who departed PWG in 2014 after signing with WWE.
KO has since enjoyed an incredibly successful career in the Stamford-based company, where he is a former multi-time champion. The sports entertainment juggernaut, according to recent reports, has already approached Owens about signing a new agreement. Furthermore, it has been claimed that AEW has been keen to bring in Mr. Wresting for some time now and that Tony Khan is expected to make Owens an offer should he decide to consider free agency.
Although the likelihood of Kevin Owens leaving World Wrestling Entertainment to join AEW is debatable at best, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed, considering the nature of the industry. Such a jump could potentially witness the 40-year-old star reuniting with Mt. Rushmore stable-mates and AEW EVPs Matthew and Nicholas Jackson. Owens could also potentially cross paths with Adam Cole, who could start a fresh new program with the former Universal Champion.
Jim Cornette on WWE's Kevin Owens possibly joining AEW
Wrestling veteran Jim Cornette recently addressed ongoing rumors about Kevin Owens possibly heading over to All Elite Wrestling amid speculations regarding his current contract status. The 63-year-old claimed that the compensation he expects Tony Khan to offer the former Intercontinental Champion could allow the latter to retire in some time.
"He will never work again. He'll retire on what Tony will give him this time," Jim said. [05:38 - 05:42]
Incidentally, a recent report from WrestlePurists has suggested that Khan is willing to "exhaust resources" to secure Owens' services in case the opportunity arises.