WWE News and Updates 2016: Kevin Owens Tops ESPN's Power Rankings; Seth Rollins, AJ Styles Trail WWE Universal Champion
Kevin Owens is not the typical pro-wrestler. At least, he is not the Vince McMahon-stereotype. He is a big guy who has tremendous athleticism and did not disappoint on the microphone. But he is not like Roman Reigns, John Cena or The Rock—the muscular poster boys of wrestling.
So when he won the vacated WWE Universal Title last week on Raw, it was an unpredictable plot twist. The events that granted him the belt were even more unexpected. WWE took a huge risk on KO and it looks to be working.
Raw's current top guy climbed up 7 tiers to lead the ESPN WWE Power Rankings this week.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
KO's big break
Owens had been wrestling for a while in the ring and with his skillful move set, it was inevitable for him to reach the top of the red brand. With big names such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose and a bunch of other guys moving to SmackDown, Raw had the opportunity to put rising talents like KO where they belong.
During the August 29 Raw main event, Owens was inserted into a Fatal 4-Way match for the Universal title, which an injured Finn Balor had to give up while recovering. It featured Big Cass, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. The last two guys at the time were the top babyface and heel in the company, respectively, and either were expected to win the title.
Everything changed when Triple H intervened, landing the Pedigree on both Rollins and Reigns—betraying The Authority's precious pawn—to hand the belt to Owens. Fans and even KO could not believe it, but he received one of the loudest crowd pops in recent history.
Heel turn
Owens said he told Vince McMahon that he would not regret the choice and stepped up to the plate last Monday night. Addressing the crowd with Raw commissioner Stephanie McMahon and general manager Mick Foley, Owens delivered an effective promo to turn heel.
He berated the fans for making his moment all about them, even when the crowd chanted "you deserve it" last week. The statement was followed by an altercation with Seth Rollins, who was subsequently granted a rematch for the title at Clash of Champions.
The frustrated Rollins trails Owens by just one spot in the Power Rankings. Fans are anticipating his babyface turn as he is still the No. 1 contender for the Universal title. Whether Roman Reigns will join the party will be decided next Monday; meanwhile, "The Guy" sits at No. 8.
A surging AJ Styles, who will face Dean Ambrose for the WWE Championship at Backlash, ranks third behind KO and Rollins. Ambrose keeps it close at No. 4.
