Former Universal Champion to make WWE return and turn heel after SummerSlam, says analyst; for the first time under Triple H's regime
WWE analyst Sam Roberts has claimed that former Universal Champion and current SmackDown Superstar Kevin Owens could undergo a character change for the first time under Triple H's regime.
The Prizefighter has been a babyface since the summer of 2022. He has been feuding with The Bloodline for almost two years now. During this time, Kevin Owens joined the likes of Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and now Randy Orton in his war against The Bloodline.
Owens last appeared at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, where he teamed up with Orton and Rhodes to face the Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline in a losing effort. With SummerSlam fast approaching, fans have been wondering what's next for the Canadian star. The latter recently revealed that his mother has been hospitalized, which explains his recent absence.
Speaking on the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts said Kevin Owens could turn on Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes after SummerSlam 2024.
"Kevin Owens can turn on Randy Orton, and maybe this is how you push the Randy Orton match [With Cody Rhodes] down the line even further. And this is how Randy Orton can pay off his promise of having Cody Rhodes' back. Then maybe post-SummerSlam after the Solo Sikoa thing is done. Just as you think you're ready to push forward on Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens turns on Randy Orton, and then he attacks Cody Rhodes," Roberts said.
The WWE analyst explained why it's time for The Prizefighter to embrace his villainous side.
"Because he knows Randy Orton is going to go for that title, and he's the one who wants to beat Cody Rhodes, and now Randy Orton proves that he has Cody Rhodes' back by helping Cody [Rhodes in his rivalry with Kevin Owens, and we get to see this villainous Kevin Owens. We get to see this bloodthirsty Kevin Owens. We get to see this ruthless version of Kevin Owens. It's better to do it now because Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are on two separate brands. So you don't even have to deal with that fallout at all," he added. (30:08-31:52)
Check out the full episode below:
WWE Hall of Famer heaps praise on Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens fulfilled his prophecy when he headlined Night One of WrestleMania 38 against a returning Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Speaking on the Grilling Jr. podcast, Jim Ross called the WWE Superstar "very underrated," adding that The Prizefighter had ''some Stone Cold qualities.''
“I think Kevin Owens is very underrated. He's got some Stone Cold [Steve Austin] qualities [that] I think are important. Tough kid. Good dude. He's not overwhelmed with chrome. He's a smart guy. And I like Kevin Owens a lot,” Jim said.
As of this writing, there's no word on when Kevin Owens will be back on WWE television. Will he miss SummerSlam this year? Only time will tell.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the Notsam Wrestling podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda for transcription.