Friendship to end, major change in wrestling future? - 4 Possible directions for Kevin Owens following WWE SmackDown
WWE Friday Night SmackDown was a big show this past weekend. It was the second week back on the USA Network, and it featured an epic face-to-face meeting between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. It was a masterful segment.
While fans adored the segment, not everybody was happy about the two agreeing to unite. One person who seemed quite conflicted was Kevin Owens. The Prizefighter was asked multiple times to give his thoughts, but he refused.
Once he was about to, he was attacked by The Bloodline. This eventually led to Owens and The Street Profits teaming up to take on The Bloodline in the main event and then Cody Rhodes saving Kevin from a beatdown.
It was a tense night for The Prizefighter, one of many he's had lately. With things rapidly changing, this article will take a look at four directions for Kevin following everything that went down on SmackDown this past weekend.
Below are four possible directions for Kevin Owens following WWE SmackDown.
#4. He could tell Cody Rhodes that they can no longer be friends
Kevin Owens is a controversial personality. He has had a lot of ups and downs with various talents throughout his career. He and Sami Zayn have had an on-again, off-again friendship since long before their time in WWE.
The Prizefighter hasn't had many friends, and he certainly hasn't had friendships that last. Whether that comes down to his greed in pursuit of success or some deeper struggle isn't clear, but if it is the latter, it could come into play with Cody Rhodes.
However, instead of any turn, Kevin could decide to cut things off with The American Nightmare going forward. He could talk to Cody live on WWE SmackDown and end their friendship. No violence, no insults; he could just be done with Rhodes now that Cody is aligned with Kevin's biggest enemy.
#3. Kevin Owens could try to make up and become allies with Roman Reigns
The story of Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns has been ongoing for many years. The two were fighting when Kevin first joined WWE's main roster, but their wars truly became consistent beginning in 2020. Over the next four and a half years or so, it seems as if they can't stop fighting each other.
Owens has been the victim of numerous assaults from The Tribal Chief and his version of The Bloodline over the years. They've battled at the Royal Rumble, and they've thrown hands on SmackDown—it has seemingly been never-ending. That could change now, however, following WWE SmackDown.
In what could be a shocking moment but one of great growth, Kevin and Roman Reigns could find common ground and even become allies. While they've had many issues over the years, both men dislike Solo Sikoa's version of the group. Just like with Cody and Roman, that could be the start.
#2. He could turn heel on Cody Rhodes
Sometimes, the most obvious route is the one that will happen, and for good reason. In this case, the most obvious direction for Kevin Owens following WWE SmackDown is for him to turn on Cody Rhodes.
As mentioned before, it is in Kevin's nature to betray friends. Kofi Kingston, Sami Zayn, and Chris Jericho are all examples of this. Often, his betrayals are simply over titles or achievements, but this is far more personal.
Kevin, ironically enough, is the one who feels betrayed. After years of fighting The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Roman Reigns, Cody now dares to unite with the man leading the fight for so long. A heel turn from Kevin may come soon, and he may brutally assault The American Nightmare.
#1. Owens could move to WWE Monday Night RAW
The last option could be the smartest move of them all. Kevin Owens could decide that instead of dealing with Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and the Bloodline, he could ditch them altogether. He could change brands in WWE.
Jey Uso is a shining example of exactly this. In 2023, he had a major falling out with Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and The Bloodline. While he tried fighting them at first, he eventually decided to quit WWE SmackDown and moved to RAW.
The same could happen with Kevin Owens. Fighting Roman has been done time and time again. He might not want to fight Cody. To avoid both, The Prizefighter could try to get traded to RAW, quit SmackDown, or otherwise find a way to the red brand moving forward. This would be a major change in his wrestling future, but it'd be a good one.