Kevin Owens made his main roster debut in WWE in 2015 while Vince McMahon directed the creative vision for RAW and SmackDown. During his lengthy tenure as WWE’s chairman, McMahon favored wrestlers with imposing physical builds as World Champions, yet Owens challenged those conventions. Owens earned the Universal Championship in 2016 after Finn Balor’s injury at SummerSlam, surprising many with this decision.
John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), a former WWE Champion, recently reflected on Owens’ ascent, emphasizing how Owens proved his value to McMahon despite not fitting the usual championship mold.
“That was under Vince that he first became champion. That was Vince changing his mind. That tells you how good Kevin Owens is. Kevin Owens is not a Vince guy, as far as the body shape. Vince liked the great big guys, especially to be champion.” —John Bradshaw Layfield, former WWE Champion
Owens’ Key Achievements During McMahon’s Era
Throughout McMahon’s creative regime, Owens accumulated multiple WWE titles, including the Intercontinental and United States Championships. Aside from title wins, he also headlined major events, such as the opening night of WrestleMania 38 where he faced Stone Cold Steve Austin, highlighting his position as a top-tier talent in the company.
JBL’s Initial Doubts and Owens’ Ultimate Triumph
Looking back to the mid-2000s, JBL won the WWE Championship at The Great American Bash in 2004, a time when champions like Brock Lesnar, Edge, and John Cena dominated the scene. Considering Vince McMahon’s history of selecting champions, JBL was initially skeptical about Owens reaching the highest level, given Owens’ physical appearance didn’t match McMahon’s typical champion profile.
“Kevin’s such a good worker and such a good promo. He’s a smart guy, and Vince made him champion. Vince would have never thought when he saw him, ‘This guy’s gonna be my champion,’ and I would have thought this is not something Vince is going to have. Vince loved him, obviously. He made him champion. That tells you a lot about Kevin Owens.” —John Bradshaw Layfield, former WWE Champion
Notable Moments Defying Expectations
Owens’ relationship with the WWE boss also featured dramatic moments within storylines, notably in 2017 when Owens attacked Vince McMahon during a memorable SmackDown segment. This angle escalated into a Hell in a Cell match against Shane McMahon, which became infamous for Shane’s daring leap off the top of the cell. Moments like these further demonstrated Owens’ prominence and the trust placed in him despite earlier doubts.
The Impact and Legacy of Kevin Owens’ WWE Championship Journey
Kevin Owens’ rise as a WWE champion under Vince McMahon highlights a shift in how talent can redefine expectations within professional wrestling. By succeeding against the traditional preference for larger champions, Owens has proven that skill, charisma, and determination can break barriers. His championship journey stands as a testament to perseverance and evolving creative perspectives within WWE’s history, inspiring other wrestlers who do not fit the conventional mold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kevin Owens a millionaire?
A. Kevin Owens, a prominent WWE wrestler, has seen his wealth grow. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His contract with WWE, signed in 2021, reportedly earns him more than $3 million each year, highlighting his significance to the company.
Q. How much does WWE pay Kevin Owens?
A. Kevin Owens currently earns $2 million each year. His contract ends soon, so the company likely wants to keep him because he is dependable and well-liked.
