In an unexpected turn for wrestling fans, the Kevin Owens and Matt Jackson vacation reunion in Hawaii last March brought together two stars from different sides of the wrestling world. The impromptu meeting occurred in Oʻahu, providing a rare opportunity for the longtime friends and their families to reconnect while on holiday.
A Chance Meeting on Oʻahu’s Beaches
During a YouTube livestream, Matt Jackson, who juggles his responsibilities as an executive and performer in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), shared details about the encounter with Kevin Owens. Jackson and his wife Dana were on spring break with their children in Aulani, a popular Hawaiian resort on Oʻahu, when the surprising reunion took place. Jackson described how, amidst a normal day at the beach, he recognized another father playing with his daughter, only to realize it was Kevin Owens, also known as Kevin Steen—a close friend from previous wrestling days.
“I mentioned in the video that we went to Aulani last spring break. So we took the kids there and it was awesome. But anyway, halfway through the trip, we’re on one of the beaches, the same beach that we’re actually on. So we’re sitting there on the beach, and I look out into the water and [there’s another dad playing with his daughter]. He looks very familiar. In fact, I go, ‘Oh, my gosh, Is that Kevin? Oh my God, it’s Kevin Steen.’ Kevin Owens, as you may know,”
—Matt Jackson, AEW EVP
Emotional Reunion Sparks Nostalgia
What followed was a heartwarming moment as the two wrestlers greeted each other unexpectedly after years apart. Jackson recalled approaching Owens, both surprised and excited by the unlikely meeting so far from home.
“So I go up to him and I sneak up to him. He’s taking pictures of his kids and stuff. I go, ‘Hey Kev, what’s up man?’ He turns around and he looks at me. His eyes are so big. He doesn’t even know how to react. I go ‘Hey, man.’ He goes, ‘Oh my God,’ and he grabs me and he hugs me. The biggest bear hug ever. I don’t think he let go of me for at least 10 seconds. He goes, ‘What are the chances? Are you kidding me?’”
—Matt Jackson, AEW EVP
The two families decided to spend the remainder of their vacations together. According to Jackson, the coincidence was especially remarkable, considering both men live on opposite ends of the United States. Their children swam together for hours, and the group enjoyed quality time, reminiscent of their years traveling alongside each other during the early days of their wrestling careers.
“It was so cool because literally the rest of the vacation, we kind of had our vacations together. We’d go swimming for hours. It was really, really cool. It was last March.”
—Matt Jackson, AEW EVP
From Indie Roots to Current Success
Both Matt Jackson and Kevin Owens have impressive backgrounds in the wrestling industry, with their careers frequently intersecting in organizations such as Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Today, Jackson continues to manage his dual role as an executive vice president and in-ring performer with AEW, while Owens is a prominent figure in WWE, though currently sidelined due to a neck injury.
This reunion, set against the beautiful backdrop of Oʻahu, reminded fans and performers alike of the tight-knit nature of the wrestling world and the lasting friendships formed within it. The meeting not only delighted fans who followed their journeys in arenas like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla but also demonstrated how connections endure—no matter the miles, companies, or years apart. For wrestling enthusiasts, the Kevin Owens and Matt Jackson vacation reunion in Hawaii highlights the unexpected moments that make the wrestling community unique, leaving many hopeful for more memorable encounters in the future.
