Kevin Yanick Steen, better known as Kevin Owens, is one of WWE’s most dynamic wrestlers. Born on May 7, 1984, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada, he is known for his fearless attitude and unmatched skills. His journey from independent wrestling to WWE superstardom is a testament to his passion and perseverance and buzzfeedz.
Early Career and Independent Circuit Success
Owens began wrestling at 16, training under former WWE superstar Jacques Rougeau. He debuted in 2000 and quickly became a standout on the independent scene. Wrestling as Kevin Steen, he gained fame in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW).
In ROH, he teamed with El Generico (now Sami Zayn), winning the ROH World Tag Team Championship. Their rivalry later became one of ROH’s most memorable feuds. In PWG, Steen became a multi-time champion, delivering brutal and technically proficient matches that made him a fan favorite.
WWE Debut and NXT Dominance
In 2014, Kevin Steen signed with WWE and joined NXT as Kevin Owens. He debuted at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution in December 2014, turning on Sami Zayn the same night. Owens won the NXT Championship just two months later, defeating Zayn in a brutal match.
His dominance caught WWE’s attention. He debuted on Raw in May 2015, attacking U.S. Champion John Cena. This shocking moment set up a memorable feud, proving Owens belonged in the big leagues.
Main Roster Success and Championships
Since joining WWE’s main roster, Owens has won multiple championships, including:
- WWE Universal Championship – Owens won in 2016 with help from Triple H. His reign included a highly entertaining partnership with Chris Jericho.
- Intercontinental Championship – Owens won multiple times, delivering thrilling matches against Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, and Sami Zayn.
- United States Championship – Feuds with AJ Styles and Chris Jericho produced exciting encounters.
- Tag Team Championship – He won the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship with Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 39, marking a career milestone.
In-Ring Style and Persona
Owens combines agility, power, and technical ability. Despite his stocky build, he moves quickly and executes high-flying moves with precision. His signature moves include:
- Pop-Up Powerbomb – A devastating finisher that secures many victories.
- Stunner – Inspired by WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
- Cannonball Senton – A high-impact move that overwhelms opponents.
His promo skills are equally impressive. He delivers intense, emotional, and often humorous speeches. His fearless attitude has earned him a loyal fanbase.
Feuds and Memorable Moments
Owens has been in some of WWE’s best rivalries. His top feuds include:
- Sami Zayn – A long-standing rivalry spanning multiple promotions.
- John Cena – A debut feud that established him as a top-tier star.
- Roman Reigns – Main-event clashes that showcased his resilience.
- Chris Jericho – A friendship turned rivalry that led to one of WWE’s best storylines in 2017.
The Future of Kevin Owens
Owens remains one of WWE’s most dependable stars. Whether chasing championships or delivering passionate promos, he plays a vital role in WWE programming. With his talent and dedication, his future remains bright. Fans can expect more unforgettable moments from Kevin Owens.
