Kevin Owens is one of the biggest names in WWE and pro-wrestling in general. He has headlined two back-to-back WrestleMania Night One in 2022 and 2023, and there's no doubt in the fact that he deserved it completely. The Prizefighter has captivated audiences worldwide with his impressive skills and charismatic persona. Known for his hard-hitting style and unconventional athleticism, Owens has etched his name in the annals of wrestling history forever.
Just like any other field, mentors play a crucial role in shaping a WWE Superstar as well. Behind the remarkable journey of Owens lies the invaluable guidance and training received from his mentors, who played a crucial role in shaping him. Kevin Owens is a pure mixture of powerhouse, high-flyer, brawler and technician and thus fans often wonder about which veterans helped train him. There are more than one individuals who have helped develop the former Universal Champion and paved the way for his superstardom.
Also Read: Who is the son of Kevin Owens
Who was Kevin Owens trained by?
Kevin Owens underwent training under the tutelage of several notable individuals in various promotions.
Serge Jodoin
Kevin Owens, at 14, was allowed by his parents to pursue professional wrestling as his career. They allowed him to train with Serge Jodoin, who was a professional wrestler based out of Quebec, Canada. Jodoin acted as the first pro-wrestling mentor of Owens in his early-teens. Jodoin had competed against the likes of Jake Roberts and Brutus Beefcake at WWF All-Star Wrestling. He helped train Owens in his early stages.
Jacques Rougeau Jr.
Jacques Rougeau Jr. is one of the earliest mentors Owens has had as far as pro-wrestling is concerned. Owens started training under Rougeau in the second year of his pro-wrestling training. He was enrolled in Rougeau's pro-wrestling school in Montreal, Canada. Rougeau is a former professional wrestler who is most famous for his stint with WWE in the 1980s and the 90s. He appeared alongside his brother Raymond Rougeau in a tag-team called The Fabulous Rougeaus.
Rougeau also had a singles stint under the ring name The Mountie where he also won the WWF Intercontinental Championship. He would also go on set to win Three Tag Titles alongside Pierre Ouellet.
Terry Taylor
While many trainers played a vital role in shaping Kevin Owens, Terry Taylor perhaps stands out. It's not because he is a bigger name than others, but because Owens himself has called his "main trainee". The Prizefighter trained with Taylor at the same time as he did with Rougeau Jr. Taylor helped his development for about four years before Owens left to fight for major Canadian promotions.
Terry Taylor has fought for promotions such as the NWA, WCW and WWF. He is a renowned wrestling trainer and has helped train numerous famous superstars. Since 2012, Taylor has been working with NXT where he trains the young superstars.
Pierre Carl Ouellet
Pierre Carl Ouellet was the tag-team partner of Jacques Rougeau Jr. in the WWF in the mid-1990s. The duo won three tag team championships together and grew close in real life as well. After Rougeau formed his own International Wrestling 2000 promotion and school, Ouellet also helped his partner in the effort. Not only did he act as an in-ring wrestler, but he also trained the young superstars including Kevin Owens.
Other prominent trainers
Besides the four main trainers who helped Owens get into bigger promotions, The Prizefighter also trained under the tutelage of the trainers of these promotions. During his time at several Indies and National promotions, Owens has had the mentorship of wrestling veterans like Mike Quackenbush, Bryan Danielson and others. Also, he worked under the vision of the iconic Dusty Rhodes during his time at NXT.
FAQ's on Who was Kevin Owens trained by
A. Kevin Owens was trained by various mentors including Jacques Rougeau Jr, Terry Taylor, Pierre Carl Ouellet and Serge Jodoin.
A. Yes, Kevin Owens is a Grand Slam Champion in WWE.
A. Yes, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have been real friends since the early 2000s.
A. Kevin Owens is worth around USD 3 Million as of 2024.