Kevin Owens to quit WWE on SmackDown; face Cody Rhodes in Title vs Career Match? 5 ways KO can leave if he doesn't re-sign
Kevin Owens is currently at the center of one of WWE's most interesting stories. The former Universal Champion turned heel over a week ago, attacking Cody Rhodes in the parking lot following the end of Bad Blood.
While he is in a prominent spot, KO's current contract will expire in a few months. There isn't any official word on whether he will sign a new deal. So, as things stand, Owens' status is up in the air.
If these are indeed the final few months of KO as a WWE Superstar, he is seemingly guaranteed to go out with a bang. This heel turn could be the beginning of the end, with The Prizefighter leaving at the end of it.
So, with that in mind, here are five big ways Kevin Owens can leave WWE if he doesn't re-sign with the company.
#5. Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens - Title vs Career
The issue between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes is super hot. They will not face each other for another few weeks, with Survivor Series the likely destination for their big match. So, it's possible things escalate to the point where both of them can't work at the same place anymore.
Owens has already been suspended for his actions and has already given Nick Aldis a potential reason to fire him. This could lead to the SmackDown general manager essentially making KO's title shot against Rhodes a Career Threatening Match.
If not Survivor Series, a potential rematch at Saturday Night's Main Event could have the stipulation. Kevin Owens wrestling his final match on that show would instantly make it a huge deal going forward.
#4. KO quits WWE on SmackDown after one loss too many
Cody Rhodes isn't the only WWE Superstar Kevin Owens has angered recently. He has split from his longtime friend, Randy Orton, following their bust-up on SmackDown. So, matches against both superstars are set to take place.
KO will likely lose to The American Nightmare, while his potential match against The Viper could go either way. If The Prizefighter is leaving WWE, he could put Orton over in his final match. Frustrated by losing multiple big matches in a short span, Owens could quit in a rage.
It would make for a fun segment with Nick Aldis on SmackDown, mirroring Batista's exit from the company. Kevin Owens can say "I quit" out of nowhere, leaving the general manager with work to do on finding a replacement for his first-ever signing to the blue brand.
#3. A vehicle for Randy Orton's heel turn
It would make more sense for Kevin Owens' final WWE appearance to have some physicality, so there's a reason for him to be written off. Well, that can happen opposite Randy Orton.
The 14-time world champion might be a babyface for now, but things could be different very soon. Once he gets to Cody Rhodes, Orton will reveal his true colors. Those true colors could start being revealed during his feud with Owens, which has technically already begun.
Randy Orton could get more aggressive over time, with Kevin Owens forcing him to bring back the ruthless snake he used to be. This could culminate in the return of the Punt Kick. KO would be the first casualty, truly selling how dangerous the move is, just like Chris Jericho when he left WWE in 2010.
#2. The Final Boss makes an example out of Kevin Owens
If not for Randy Orton's upcoming heel turn, Kevin Owens could be sacrificed to elevate another WWE storyline. This one depends on when he is leaving, though, as The Rock won't be back until the start of 2025 at the earliest.
So, with that in mind, the first RAW on Netflix could prove to be KO's final night in the company. The Final Boss needs to remind the world of the destruction he is capable of, following such a long absence.
The Rock could return on the show and bring out a bloody Owens while continuing to beat him up, ultimately being responsible for "ending his career." The former Universal Champion can also take a massive high-risk bump, as he is known for, that would write him off for good.
This would establish The Final Boss as a potential career-ender ahead of his feud with Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, or both.
#1. A WrestleMania farewell against Sami Zayn
Let's face it. Kevin Owens' potential WWE farewell would be incomplete if it didn't involve Sami Zayn. They have been connected for their entire wrestling careers, let alone their time in the company.
So, if KO is dead set on leaving, he could have one request for his services. A short-term contract extension until WrestleMania 41, where he puts Sami Zayn over. That would be the perfect way for Owens to bow out on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
The storyline between the two best friends is also really easy. If Zayn teams with The Bloodline for WarGames, Kevin Owens would descend into further madness. His reaction would be much, much worse to that happening than Cody Rhodes teaming with Roman Reigns.
From there, everything would fall into place. The final iteration of their WWE feud should happen at WrestleMania, where KO and Sami Zayn have had some amazing memories together.