Why does Kevin Owens use the Stunner?

Kevin Owens is a Canadian Professional Wrestler who is currently signed with WWE on the Raw brand. He started his pro-wrestling career in 2000, at the age of 16. He has worked with multiple wrestling units before joining WWE, where he wrestled under his real name, Kevin Steen. Some of the wrestling companies include Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG), International Wrestling Syndicate (IWS), All American Wrestling (AAW), and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). He then got signed with WWE’s development branch NXT in 2014 and was called for the main roster debut the next year.

For over 23 years of pro wrestling career, Kevin Owens has held multiple championships which include the ROH World Championship, ROH World Tag Team Championship, PWG World Heavyweight Championship, PWG World Tag Team Championship thrice, the IWS World Heavyweight Championship thrice, AAW Heavyweight Championship, CZW Ironman Championship, NXT Championship, WWE United States Championship twice, Intercontinental Championship twice, and Universal Championship once. KO has also main-evented WrestleMania consequently for two times.

Also Read: Who is Kevin Owens married to?

Why does Kevin Owens use stunner now?

Kevin Owens uses Stunner out of respect for Steve Austin. Further, it is assumed that performing multiple pop-up powerbombs might not be the best decision as he is getting older. Over several years of wrestling, Kevin Owens used the Pop-Up Powerbomb as his primary finishing move, where he throws an opponent over the shoulder and delivers a wicked powerbomb. Which stands to be a more devastating, powerful, and unique maneuver when compared to other modern finishers. He has used this move against wrestlers of different sizes. This move helped him to win multiple championships on several occasions.

However, during a baby face run in 2019, Kevin Owens started using “Stunner” as his finishing move to secure a win over his opponents. His stunner had become more noticeable, as this move had not been used for a very long year. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin made this move famous and has used this move on opponents most explosively. Rock sold this move differently and made it look like one of the most destructive moves in the business. Since Stone Cold left the WWE in 2002, this finisher was hardly used by any other wrestler.

Kevin Owens brought this finisher back to life and actively used it as his primary finishing move. Kevin Owens in an interview with Fightful.com stated that powerbomb has been used by multiple wrestlers regardless of which version is used. He wanted his finisher to be more exciting for the fans and decided to go with the Stunner. He also stated that he got permission from Steve Austin to use the Stunner out of respect. It is a well-known fact that Kevin Owens is a real-life fan of Stone Cold and his stunner represents his fandom. He even faced “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a match at Wrestlemania 38 and headlined the “Battle of Stunners”.

Also Read: Who was Kevin Owens trained by?

Kevin Owens' Other Moves

Apart from his Stunner finisher, Kevin Owens additionally uses Pop Up Powerbomb, Powerbomb to the Ring Apron, Cannon Ball, and Frog Splash. Argentine Neckbreaker, Bullfrog Splash, Double Jump Moonsault, Superkick, and Swanton Bomb are his signature moves. Owens used the Pop Up Powerbomb as his finisher during the initial days of his career.