Kevin Owens Was Supposed To Have An Extended NXT Run After WWE Return

Kevin Owens is in the ultimate position of power. He’s got WWE right where he wants them as his contract comes to an end and rumors of his potential departure for AEW swirl. The company recently turned him heel and has made a storyline about his uncertain future with the promotion.

After Owens returned to NXT to team with the Undisputed Era at TakeOver: WarGames 2019, the original plan was for a long run with the brand. After the plans were approved by Vince McMahon, McMahon changed his mind. Owens shared the story with talkSPORT‘s Alex McCarthy.

“Before I did the War Games return, there were concrete plans for me to go back to NXT for an extended period before coming back to the main roster. At the time Paul Heyman was in charge on RAW and those were just plans we had and Vince [McMahon] had signed off on all of them and, eventually, he changed his mind and nothing happened. That’s all it comes down to – what he says goes. It wasn’t something I had just floated about, it was a plan that was going to happen and they just went in a different direction.”

It’s interesting that the extended time in NXT was more than just a thought that somebody floated to Vince. K.O. was on his way for a long stay in NXT. While no reason was given for the change in direction, it’s not surprising. Vince McMahon is known for his sudden changes of heart.

Since that time, NXT has completely rebranded itself as the colorful NXT 2.0. Rather than featuring former independent veterans like Owens, the brand now emphasizes younger, less experienced wrestlers. Perhaps the seed had been planted for the rebrand, prompting McMahon to change his mind.

Kevin Owens main evented the most recent Raw on November 8. He wrestled Seth Rollins but lost by count out. After the match, he attacked WWE champion Big E and plenty of fans reacted to his heel turn. The main event spot could be WWE trying to entice Owens into staying. It could also mean they’re setting him up for a huge burial on his way out.

What do you think Kevin Owens’ future with WWE looks like? Let us know in the comments!