Kevin Owens

Kevin Yanick Steen was born on May 7, 1984, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada,{{cite web|url=http://www.killsteenkill.com/bio/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026103616/http://www.killsteenkill.com/bio/|title=Biography|archive-date=October 26, 2012|access-date=May 14, 2012|publisher=KillSteenKill (official website)}} and raised in Marieville, {{convert|29|km|mi}} east of Montreal. He has a brother named Edward Lower. He is of French-Canadian and Irish descent and speaks French as his first language.{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |last2=Murphy |first2=Ryan |date=September 18, 2014 |title=Leaders of the new school: Sami Zayn, Hideo Itami, Adrian Neville, Fergal Devitt and Kevin Steen talk to WWE.com about their generation |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-sami-zayn-adrian-neville-fergal-devitt-kevin-steen-hideo-itami-interview-26641720/page-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428224339/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-sami-zayn-adrian-neville-fergal-devitt-kevin-steen-hideo-itami-interview-26641720/page-3 |archive-date=April 28, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2015 |website= |publisher=WWE |page=3}} He learned to speak English by mimicking everything he heard while watching WWF Monday Night Raw.{{Cite web |last=Elrod |first=Norm |date=January 10, 2017 |title=14 Things You Didn't Know About WWE's Kevin Owens |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/14-things-you-didnt-know-about-wwes-kevin-owens/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522121049/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/14-things-you-didnt-know-about-wwes-kevin-owens/ |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website= |publisher=CBS Local Sports}} Steen participated in ice hockey, soccer, and baseball, but never considered developing a career out of them—especially soccer, after suffering an injury at age 11—and instead considered becoming a professional wrestler after he and his father watched a videotape of the match between Diesel and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XI.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/26/943617.html|title=Steen believes in goals, not dreams; Montreal grappler expanding his horizons|date=February 26, 2005|last=LeRoux|first=Yves|access-date=October 23, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722153136/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/26/943617.html|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=dead}}

When Steen was 14, his parents allowed him to start training with Serge Jodoin, a wrestler based in Quebec. The following year, Steen began training with Jacques Rougeau. He also trained with Terry Taylor, whom he has called his "main trainer".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/who-is-kevin-owens-the-guy-who-gatecrashed-raw-speaks-20150518|title=Who Is Kevin Owens? The Guy Who Gatecrashed 'Raw' Speaks|date=May 18, 2015|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|access-date=May 19, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520161403/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/who-is-kevin-owens-the-guy-who-gatecrashed-raw-speaks-20150518|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}} Steen had his first match on May 7, 2000 (his 16th birthday) in L'Assomption, Quebec. Steen trained with Rougeau and wrestled for Rougeau's promotion for four years, before beginning to wrestle with several other Canadian promotions.

On August 16, 2003, Steen made his International Wrestling Syndicate (IWS) debut at Born to Bleed. At Blood, Sweat and Beers on October 18, Pierre Carl Ouellet defeated Steen and El Generico in a triple threat match.{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Kevin Steen's matches in 2003 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2003&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422203042/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2003&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}} On November 15, at Payback's A Bitch, El Generico defeated Steen in their first-ever singles match against each other.

IWS held its 5th anniversary show "V" on June 15, 2004, at Le SPAG, where El Generico won his first IWS World Heavyweight Championship, only to have Steen cash in his number one contendership (won earlier that night against Excess 69) on El Generico, also winning his first IWS World Heavyweight Championship.{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Kevin Steen's matches in 2004 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2004&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-url=https://archive.ph/N4he5 |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}} Steen's first title reign marked a pivotal milestone in the history of the promotion when he became the first IWS World Heavyweight Champion to internationally defend the title, defeating Roderick Strong on October 30 in Rahway, New Jersey for Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW). On September 22, 2007, at Blood, Sweat & Beers, Steen defeated Jay Briscoe.{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=September 13, 2007 |title=IWS "Blood, Sweat and Beers" on 9/22 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/iws-blood-sweat-and-beers-on-922/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926230823/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/iws-blood-sweat-and-beers-on-922/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}

On March 22, 2008, at Know Your Enemies, Steen won his second IWS World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Max Boyer and former champion El Generico in a 3-Way match.{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Kevin Steen's matches in 2008 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2008&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422204320/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2008&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}} On May 24, at Freedom to Fight, Steen became the first person to hold two IWS titles simultaneously when he defeated Boyer to win the IWS Canadian Championship in an IWS Championship Unification match.

File:Kevin Steen.jpg for his match at CZW Cage of Death VI on December 11, 2004]]

Steen made his Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) debut on September 10, 2004, at High Stakes II, where SeXXXy Eddy defeated Steen, El Generico and Excess 69 in an IWS 4-Way match which was unofficially chosen as "CZW Match of the Year".{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Michael |date=November 8, 2008 |title=Great crowd basks in ROH's Montreal debut |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/08/pf-7347596.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917013632/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/08/pf-7347596.html |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On May 14, 2005, Steen took part in the "CZW Best of the Best" tournament, defeating Kenny The Bastard in the first round and Chris Hero in the second round to advance to the finals, where he lost a fatal four-way match involving B-Boy, Super Dragon, and Mike Quackenbush.{{Cite web |last=Nichols |first=JP |date=January 24, 2007 |title=The Independent Insight: CZW “Best of the Best V” 5.14.05 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-independent-insight-czw-best-of-the-best-v-5-14-05/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624120834/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-independent-insight-czw-best-of-the-best-v-5-14-05/ |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=411Mania}}

At Deja Vu 3 on August 13, Steen defeated Franky The Mobster to win the CZW Iron Man Championship.{{Cite web |last=Lipinski |first=Keith |date=March 5, 2005 |title=2006 List of Champs and Title Changes |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/ChampionsListing.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505003713/http://www.pwtorch.com/ChampionsListing.html |archive-date=May 5, 2010 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} He held the championship for 364 days until losing it on August 12, 2006, to female wrestler LuFisto in a steel cage match at CZW Trapped involving The Canadians, The Blackout, The Forefathers of CZW, and Eddie Kingston.{{Cite web |last=Magee |first=Bob |date=August 13, 2006 |title=CZW 8/12 ECW Arena Philadelphia, PA results (All Out War – more) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1155472613.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073851/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1155472613.shtml |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=WrestleView}} He then departed for a tour with Dragon Gate and did not return to CZW until February 2008, when he made a one-time appearance and fought Vordell Walker to a no contest.

Steen returned to CZW in April 2014, competing in two matches against Masato Tanaka and D. J. Hyde, respectively.{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Kevin Steen's matches in CZW in 2014 |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&page=4&year=2014&promotion=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130152222/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1499&page=4&year=2014&promotion=14 |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2017 |work=Cagematch.net}}

While wrestling in CZW, Steen also began working for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). On May 13, 2005, at Jason Takes PWG, Steen was entered into his first feud in PWG, when he helped Excalibur defeat Super Dragon in a Guerrilla Warfare match, in the process revealing himself as the fake Super Dragon, who had been attacking the real one the past few months.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0027.html|title=Jason Takes PWG|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001050/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0027.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} On August 6, 2005, Steen won the PWG Championship after defeating A.J. Styles at Zombies Shouldn't Run.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0031.html|title=Zombies Shouldn't Run|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307225912/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0031.html|archive-date=March 7, 2011|url-status=live}} Steen held the title for nearly four months before losing the championship to Joey Ryan at Chanukah Chaos (The C's Are Silent), following interference from Super Dragon.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0039.html|title=Chanukah Chaos (The C's Are Silent)|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001151/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0039.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} Steen's feud with Super Dragon ended on December 16, 2005, at Astonishing X-Mas, where he was defeated in a Guerrilla Warfare match.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0040.html|title=Astonishing X-Mas|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001157/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0040.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}

In 2006, Steen began teaming with El Generico, and they began to pursue the PWG World Tag Team Championship. On July 29, 2007, at Giant-Size Annual No. #4, Steen and Generico defeated the reigning champions PAC and Roderick Strong to become the PWG World Tag Team Champions.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0073.html|title=Giant-Size Annual #4|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001455/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0073.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} They successfully defended the belts for almost three months before ultimately losing them to the team of Davey Richards and Super Dragon on October 27 in England as part of PWG's "European Vacation II" tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0079.html|title=European Vacation II – England|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001525/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0079.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} The next night, Steen teamed with PAC in an attempt to regain the belts from Dragon and Richards, announcing before the match that if he lost, he would leave the company indefinitely. Steen and PAC lost, leading to Steen leaving PWG.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0080.html|title=European Vacation II – Germany|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001530/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0080.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}}

However, Steen returned to PWG and, along with El Generico, won the title for a second time, this time from The Dynasty (Joey Ryan and Scott Lost) on March 21, 2008, in an impromptu match.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0087.html|title=1.21 Gigawatts|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001712/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0087.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} Steen and Generico became the first team in PWG history to be a part of the annual Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament to defend the belts in each match they had. In the tournament finals, they lost the title to Jack Evans and Roderick Strong, thus ending their second reign.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0090.html|title=Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament – Night 2|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001726/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0090.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} Ultimately, Steen left PWG after interest from ROH increased. According to Steen, he could not wrestle for ROH and PWG at the same time and chose ROH because of the money and the exposure.

{{main|Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn {{!}} Kevin Steen and El Generico}}

On February 17, 2007, Steen, as a heel, returned to Ring of Honor at Fifth Year Festival: Philly, teaming with the face El Generico in a losing effort to the Briscoe Brothers.{{Cite web |last=Garoon & Ziegler |date=May 21, 2007 |title=ROH – Fifth Year Festival: Philly DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-fifth-year-festival-philly-dvd-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924151708/https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-fifth-year-festival-philly-dvd-review/ |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=411Mania}} On April 14, Mark Briscoe returned in the middle of a match between Steen and Generico and his brother Jay and Erick Stevens at Fighting Spirit. Mark was attacked by the duo, however, and was pinned by Steen after a package piledriver.{{Cite web |last=Garoon & Ziegler |date=August 3, 2007 |title=ROH – Fighting Spirit DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-fighting-spirit-dvd-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422230720/https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-fighting-spirit-dvd-review/ |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=411Mania}} At Respect is Earned on July 1, Steen and El Generico defeated The Irish Airborne (Jake and Dave Crist), Pelle Primeau and Mitch Franklin, and Jimmy Rave and Adam Pearce in a Tag Team Scramble dark match. That same night, Steen and El Generico brawled with the Briscoe Brothers, ending with Mark Briscoe suffering a mild concussion from a steel chair shot.{{Cite web |last=Garoon & Ziegler |date=September 20, 2007 |title=ROH – Respect is Earned DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-respect-is-earned-dvd-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106032219/https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-respect-is-earned-dvd-review/ |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=411Mania}} At Driven on September 21, the Briscoe Brothers defeated Steen and El Generico to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship.{{Cite web |title=Driven 2007 results |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/rohppv/driven07/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804070408/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/rohppv/driven07/ |archive-date=August 4, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website= |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}} At Death Before Dishonor V Night 1 on August 10, they defeated the Briscoes in a non-title Boston Street Fight.{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=August 10, 2007 |title=Death Before Dishonor V (Night 1) |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/death-before-dishonor-5-night-one/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516081426/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/death-before-dishonor-5-night-one/ |archive-date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}} Steen and Generico then suffered three consecutive losses to the Briscoes at Caged Rage on August 24 in a steel cage match,{{Cite web |last=Dykens |first=Brad |date=August 24, 2007 |title=Caged Rage (DVD Review) |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/caged-rage/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706213119/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/caged-rage/ |archive-date=July 6, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}} Manhattan Mayhem II on August 25 in a two out of three falls match,{{Cite web |last=Garoon & Ziegler |date=January 6, 2008 |title=ROH – Manhattan Mayhem II DVD Review |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-manhattan-mayhem-ii-dvd-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203437/https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-manhattan-mayhem-ii-dvd-review/ |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=411Mania}} and Man Up on November 30 in ROH's first-ever ladder match.{{Cite web |title=Man Up 2007 results |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/rohppv/manup07/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123020342/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/rohppv/manup07/ |archive-date=November 23, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website= |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}

File:Steenerico.jpg

At Up For Grabs on June 6, 2008, Steen and Generico participated in a one night tournament to crown new ROH World Tag Team Champions, defeating Go Shiozaki and ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness in the first round, Chris Hero and Adam Pearce in the second round, but losing to Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black in the finals.{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=J.D. |date=August 14, 2008 |title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor — Up For Grabs |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-ring-of-honor-up-for-grabs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422232504/https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-ring-of-honor-up-for-grabs/ |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=411Mania}} On July 25, Steen faced McGuinness for the ROH World Championship at the company's debut show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but lost.{{Cite web |last=Berenstein |first=Ari |date=July 26, 2008 |title=Column of Honor 07.26.08: ROHbot Cares |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/column-of-honor-07-26-08-rohbot-cares/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422233437/https://411mania.com/wrestling/column-of-honor-07-26-08-rohbot-cares/ |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=411Mania |quote=ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness retained his title by defeating challenger Kevin Steen via pinfall with a lariat while Steen was positioned on the ropes.}} At a pay-per-view taping in Boston on September 19, Steen and Generico defeated The Age of the Fall to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship. They lost the championship to The American Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards) at a television taping on April 10, 2009.

On December 19, at Final Battle, ROH's first live pay-per-view, Steen turned heel by attacking his tag team partner El Generico after a loss to The Young Bucks.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=December 19, 2009 |title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV Report 12/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ROH's first online PPV – Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222055330/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml |archive-date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 20, 2009 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen then found a new partner in Steve Corino.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 9, 2010 |title=ROH on HDNet Recap – 2/1/10 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265736393.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212190912/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265736393.php |archive-date=February 12, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |website=WrestleView}}{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 12, 2010 |title=ROH on HDNet Results – 2/8/10 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265999486.php?style=dark |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214174004/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1265999486.php?style=dark |archive-date=February 14, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |website=WrestleView}} At The Big Bang! on April 3, 2010, Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino via disqualification, when Steen used a chair on his former partner.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=April 3, 2010 |title=Radican's ROH The Big Bang PPV Blog 4/3: Black vs. Aries vs. Strong, Briscoes vs. KOW |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40401.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222083303/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40401.shtml |archive-date=December 22, 2010 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On June 19, at Death Before Dishonor VIII, Steen defeated Generico in a singles match.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 19, 2010 |title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 6/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822134026/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On September 11, at Glory By Honor IX, Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino in a Double Chain match, when Cabana forced Corino to tap out. After the match, Steen attacked El Generico and unmasked him.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |author2=Radican, Sean |date=September 11, 2010 |title=9/11 ROH internet PPV live results: Caldwell & Radican's coverage of "Glory by Honor IX" – ROH Title match, Haas & Benjamin debut |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913051136/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml |archive-date=September 13, 2010 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At Final Battle on December 18, Steen and Generico ended their year–long feud in an unsanctioned Fight Without Honor, where Steen put his ROH career on the line against Generico's mask. Despite Steen not liking the idea because he would lose money if he lost, he agreed to the match, because he thought ROH would use Generico as a top wrestler after the feud. El Generico won the match and thus forced Steen out of ROH.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=December 18, 2010 |title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221114800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml |archive-date=December 21, 2010 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} The feud was voted by Wrestling Observer Newsletter as the best feud of the year.

Prior to the outcome, on November 4, Kevin Steen's contract agreement with Ring of Honor ended due to financial budget concerns, which ultimately played a role within the stipulations of the match. Steen wrote most of the El Generico rivalry storyline himself, though he claims that his poor relationship with new booker Jim Cornette, who had little interest in either Steen or Generico, resulted in a great deal of frustration for him. During the feud, ROH booker Adam Pearce promised Steen he would main event Final Battle, but Cornette made Davey Richards-Eddie Edwards the main event and Steen-Generico after the event. Steen also claims that Cornette "froze" him out of ROH, believing he was also keeping the promotion's president Cary Silkin in the dark on when Steen would be brought back.

{{main|S.C.U.M. (professional wrestling)}}

When Steen was pulled out of ROH events, ROH President Cary Silkin paid him every month. Cornette told Steen he would be brought back a few months later, so Steen lost {{convert|40|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, but when ROH was sold, Cornette told him to wait another six months. Steen was unhappy and his weight jumped to {{convert|291|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. His contract expired in February 2011. After signing a new contract with the promotion, Steen returned to Ring of Honor on June 26, 2011, at Best in the World, being introduced by Corino, who had turned face shortly after Steen's departure from the promotion and claimed that he needed redemption as well. However, ROH officials forced him to leave the arena before he could show that he was a changed man. After Corino was defeated by Michael Elgin, Steen ran in to save him from a beatdown at the hands of the House of Truth, but ended up turning on him and his sponsor Jimmy Jacobs. Afterwards, Steen was dragged out of the arena, while Jim Cornette swore that he would never again wrestle for ROH.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=June 26, 2011 |title=Radican's "Best in the World" internet PPV report 6/26: Ongoing "real-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628142333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} The original idea was to introduce Steen as a rehab wrestler. However, Steen turned down the idea, because he did not "want to look like The Bravado Brothers". Though Steen was booked as the heel of the storyline, the fans took his side and instead booed Cornette. The storyline continued on July 22, when Steen invaded ROH's official message board, writing posts praising Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. On September 15, ROH's message board was "hacked" to redirect to a video, where Steen announced his intention of attending ROH's Death Before Dishonor IX the following weekend.{{cite web |date=September 15, 2011 |title=ROH vs. Kevin Steen feud continues – what did Steen do this time? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53340.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012112612/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53340.shtml |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

File:KevinSteen2011cropped.pngAt the event on September 17, Steen interrupted a match between El Generico and Jacobs and called out Steve Corino, who was at the time wrestling in Japan, before powerbombing Jacobs on the ring apron. Steen was then confronted by Cornette and ROH president Cary Silkin, whom he tried to Package Piledrive, before being ushered out of the arena by security.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=September 17, 2011 |title=Radican's ROH Death Before Dishonor Internet PPV report 9/17: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of ROH in New York City |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_53393.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216215713/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_53393.shtml |archive-date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=September 17, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On the November 5 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, Steen reappeared with Ohio Valley Wrestling talent Christian Mascagni as his legal adviser, threatening Cornette and Ring of Honor with legal action unless he was reinstated within three weeks.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=November 7, 2011 |title=Radican's ROH TV report 11/5 – Elgin vs. Jones, Haas & Benjamin vs. Coleman & Alexander |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_54923.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219080517/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_54923.shtml |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 23, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On the December 3 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, Steen was granted a match against Corino, with his ROH future on the line at Final Battle on December 23,{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Radican's ROH TV report 12/3 – Final Battle hype kicks into high gear, Steen-Cornette confrontation, Young Bucks-Future Shock main event |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_55936.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316175635/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ringofhonor/article_55936.shtml |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=December 23, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} where Steen defeated Corino, thus granting back his career in ROH. Afterwards, he delivered a package piledriver to Jacobs, before putting El Generico through a table with the same maneuver. At the end of the evening, he confronted ROH World Champion Davey Richards.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=December 23, 2011 |title=Radican's ROH "Final Battle 2011" iPPV report 12/23 – Richards defends ROH World Title vs. Edwards, Haas & Benjamin vs. Briscoes |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_56271.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111200441/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_56271.shtml |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On March 4, 2012, at the 10th Anniversary Show, Steen defeated Jimmy Jacobs in a No Holds Barred match and ended the pay-per-view by having another confrontation with Richards.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=March 4, 2012 |title=Radican's ROH "10th Anniversary Show" iPPV report – live coverage of iPPV from Manhattan |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_58794.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306040210/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_58794.shtml |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=March 5, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen continued his win streak during the Showdown in the Sun weekend, first defeating El Generico, with help from Jacobs, in a Last Man Standing match on March 30 and then Eddie Edwards in a singles match on March 31.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189 |title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results- 3/30/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=April 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181353/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results – 3/31/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=March 31, 2012 |access-date=April 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181545/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 }}

On May 12, at Border Wars, Steen defeated Richards to win the ROH World Championship for the first time, making him the first Canadian to hold the championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205100723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |work=WrestleView }}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/14/19755656.html|title=Kevin Steen: 'Vindication is a fantastic thing'|date=May 14, 2012|last=Laprade|first=Patric|access-date=May 14, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101054708/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/14/19755656.html|archive-date=January 1, 2013|url-status=usurped}} Following the match, Steve Corino entered the ring and hugged Steen and Jacobs; the three men went on to form a stable later named S.C.U.M. (Suffering, Chaos, Ugliness, and Mayhem).{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63449.shtml|title=ROH Vid – Kevin Steen S.C.U.M. promo|date=July 18, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 9, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721065617/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63449.shtml|archive-date=July 21, 2012|url-status=live}} Steen made his first successful title defense on June 15, defeating Edwards.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339871858|title=6/15 ROH Results: Charleston, West Virginia|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2012|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619045538/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339871858|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=live}} On June 24, at Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis, Steen defeated Richards to retain the ROH World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york|title=ROH Best in the World iPPV coverage from New York|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2012|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627073841/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york|archive-date=June 27, 2012|url-status=live}} At Boiling Point on August 11, Steen successfully defended his title against Chikara Grand Champion Eddie Kingston.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=August 11, 2012 |title=Radican's ROH Boiling Point iPPV report 8/11: Live report from Providence – Steen vs. Kingston title main event, Steen punches fans after main event |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_64194.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814014700/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_64194.shtml |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=August 11, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On September 15, at Death Before Dishonor X: State of Emergency, Steen made another successful title defense against Rhino.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=September 16, 2012 |title=9/15 ROH iPPV results Chicago: Steen defends ROH Title in main event, new ROH tag champs determined, Matt Hardy confronts TV champ |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65227.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918183533/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65227.shtml |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On October 6, a title match between Steen and Jay Lethal ended in a no contest in Lethal's home state of New Jersey, after which Steen spat at Lethal's parents, who were sitting at ringside.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=October 7, 2012 |title=10/6 ROH results Rahway, N.J.: Steen defends ROH Title vs. Lethal, S.C.U.M. defends Tag Titles, Richards in singles action |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65774.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011023545/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65774.shtml |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |access-date=October 28, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872 |title=ROH Glory by Honor XI Results – 10/13/12|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102003232/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-date=January 2, 2013}} Seven days later at the following internet pay-per-view, Glory By Honor XI: The Unbreakable Hope, Steen made a successful title defense against Michael Elgin. Afterwards, Steen was delivered a box, which contained El Generico's mask.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102003232/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872|archive-date=January 2, 2013|title=ROH Glory by Honor XI Results – 10/13/12|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2012|work=WrestleView}} On December 16, at Final Battle 2012: Doomsday, Steen successfully defended the ROH World Championship against the returning El Generico in a ladder match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |title=ROH Final Battle Results – 12/16/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221011037/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archive-date=December 21, 2012 }} On March 2, 2013, at the 11th Anniversary Show, Steen defeated Jay Lethal in a grudge match to retain the ROH World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=75799&p=3|title=Complete ROH 11th Anniversary Show iPPV coverage: two title changes hands, SCUM doubles in size, and a ton of great wrestling as ROH presents their best overall event in years|last=Carapola|first=Stuart|date=March 2, 2013|access-date=March 2, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307090839/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=75799&p=3|archive-date=March 7, 2013|url-status=live}} On April 5, at Supercard of Honor VII, Steen lost the ROH World Championship to Jay Briscoe.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=April 5, 2013 |title=Radican's ROH "Supercard of Honor VII" iPPV blog 4/5 – Steen defends vs. Jay Briscoe, ROH vs. S.C.U.M. Ten Man Tag |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408234541/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |access-date=April 6, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

At the following night's tapings of Ring of Honor Wrestling, S.C.U.M. turned on Steen, with Corino announcing that he would not be seen in ROH again.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=April 7, 2013 |title=Show results – 4/6 ROH TV taping spoilers: Results & News from Saturday's TV taping post-iPPV |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69841.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416041901/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69841.shtml |archive-date=April 16, 2013 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen, however, returned to ROH on May 4, now working as a face and replacing Jay Lethal in a tag team match, where he and Michael Elgin faced S.C.U.M.'s Cliff Compton and Jimmy Jacobs. The match ended with Jacobs pinning Steen for the win, after which Elgin walked out on him.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41294-5-4-roh-border-wars-ippv-results-toronto-canada-briscoe-vs-cole|title=5/4 ROH Border Wars iPPV Results: Toronto, Canada (Briscoe vs. Cole)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=May 5, 2013|access-date=May 5, 2013|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508143920/http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41294-5-4-roh-border-wars-ippv-results-toronto-canada-briscoe-vs-cole|archive-date=May 8, 2013|url-status=live}} Steen continued his rivalry with S.C.U.M. on June 22 at Best in the World 2013, where he was defeated by Matt Hardy in a No Disqualification match.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 23, 2013 |title=Show results – 6/22 ROH BITW iPPV in Baltimore, Md.: Briscoe vs. Briscoe for ROH Title, Hardy tops Steen in No DQ match, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71471.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626112114/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71471.shtml |archive-date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 23, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} The following day, Steen replaced The Briscoes due to injuries in a Steel Cage Warfare match and forced his former stable out of ROH, despite interference from Corino and Hardy, when he pinned Jacobs to win the match and disband S.C.U.M.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 23, 2013 |title=ROH Spoilers – 6/23 ROH TV tapings in Baltimore, Md.: Results from ROH Title match & Steel Cage Warfare |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_71472.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626112320/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_71472.shtml |archive-date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 24, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78459/scum-vs-roh-climaxessecond-roh-on-sinclair-tv-spoiler-report-from-yesterday.html?p=1|title=SCUM VS. ROH climaxes:second ROH on Sinclair TV spoiler report from yesterday|last=Barnes|first=William|date=June 24, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=June 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927024511/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78459/scum-vs-roh-climaxessecond-roh-on-sinclair-tv-spoiler-report-from-yesterday.html?p=1|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}} File:Kevin Steen superkick.jpg at a Ring of Honor taping event in 2014]]

On August 3, Steen entered a tournament for the vacant ROH World Championship, defeating Brian Kendrick in his first round match.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=August 4, 2013 |title=Show results – 8/3 ROH in Toronto, Canada: New Tag Champions, Whitmer injured, Title Tourney results |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72472.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806155305/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72472.shtml |archive-date=August 6, 2013 |access-date=August 4, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On August 17, Steen advanced to the semifinals of the tournament with a win over Roderick Strong.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 18, 2013 |title=Show results – 8/17 ROH in New York City: New ROH tag champions, ROH Title tournament continues, Homicide returns with a friend, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72753.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823050445/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72753.shtml |archive-date=August 23, 2013 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On September 20, at Death Before Dishonor XI, Steen was eliminated from the tournament by Elgin.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2|title=New ROH Champion crowned: complete ROH Death Before Dishonor XI coverage from Philadelphia, PA|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=September 21, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925065805/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2|archive-date=September 25, 2013|url-status=live}} Steen then started feuding with Michael Bennett,{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=September 22, 2013 |title=ROH spoilers – 9/21 ROH in Philadelphia, Pa.: Results for TV episodes following Death Before Dishonor |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_73513.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925093711/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_73513.shtml |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} who defeated Steen on October 26 at Glory By Honor XII, following a distraction from his girlfriend Maria Kanellis.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=October 27, 2013 |title=Show results – 10/26 ROH in Chicago, Ill.: "Glory by Honor" features eight-man tag main event, Outlaw, Inc., Tara-Maria, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74168.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185436/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74168.shtml |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On December 14, at Final Battle 2013, Steen defeated Bennett in a stretcher match, where the loser would be forced to stop using the piledriver.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82199&p=2|title=Complete coverage of ROH Final Battle 2014: Eddie Edwards' mystery partner ends with a shocking twist, a new champion is crowned, a familiar face returns, and more|last=Carapola|first=Stuart|date=December 14, 2013|access-date=December 15, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815231244/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82199&p=2|archive-date=August 15, 2014|url-status=live}} On February 8, 2014, Steen earned a shot at the ROH World Championship by defeating Jay Lethal, Michael Elgin and Tommaso Ciampa in a four-way number one contender's match.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=February 9, 2014 |title=Show results – 2/8 ROH in San Antonio, Tex.: Briscoe retains his version of the ROH Title, new #1 contender, tag champs lose, Bennett uses Punk's finisher, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_76224.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221203628/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_76224.shtml |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=February 9, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen received his title match on May 10 in Toronto at Global Wars, but lost to the defending champion, Adam Cole.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 10, 2014 |title=Caldwell's ROH vs. New Japan iPPV report 5/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of iPPV from Toronto – ROH Title match, IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, Styles, Tanahashi, Okada, top NJPW stars |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223743/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml |archive-date=May 12, 2014 |access-date=May 10, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

After losing to Shinsuke Nakamura at the Ring of Honor/New Japan Pro-Wrestling co-produced War of the Worlds iPPV on May 17, Steen announced he was leaving ROH. This led to him being insulted and attacked by Silas Young.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 17, 2014 |title=Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds – ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518064021/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml |archive-date=May 18, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} After defeating Young on June 22 at Best in the World 2014, Steen announced that his contract was up in a "month and a half".{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 22, 2014 |title=Caldwell's ROH "Best in the World" PPV results 6/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live cable PPV debut |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79177.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625104315/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79177.shtml |archive-date=June 25, 2014 |access-date=June 23, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At the July 19 Ring of Honor Wrestling tapings, Steen defeated Steve Corino in his final ROH match.{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=July 20, 2014 |title=TV taping results – 7/19 ROH in Dearborn, Mich.: Steen's farewell match, Elgin defends ROH Title, #1 contenders, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79685.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728235737/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79685.shtml |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

When Steen left ROH in 2010, his friend Super Dragon asked him to wrestle in PWG, to which Steen agreed. On December 11, 2010, Steen wrestled Akira Tozawa for his first PWG win in two years.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0118.html|title=Cyanide: A Loving Tribute to Poison|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308001920/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0118.html|archive-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=live}} He then returned to a more prominent role in the company after a few sporadic years, having only made five appearances between 2009 and 2010. On January 29, 2011, Steen was defeated by Chris Hero at PWG's annual WrestleReunion-sponsored event. Later that evening, after a four-way tag team match to determine which of four teams would enter the 2011 DDT4 tournament, Steen ran out to attack the eventual winners, the RockNES Monsters (Johnny Goodtime and Johnny Yuma), before declaring his intention of winning the DDT4 tournament.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=January 30, 2011 |title=1/29 PWG results in Los Angeles: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PWG Title match, Kaval vs. Davey, Roberts retirement, Legends Battle Royal |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202151723/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml |archive-date=February 2, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On February 2, 2011, it was announced that Steen would be teaming with Tozawa for the tournament, which took place on March 4.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=February 2, 2011 |title=PWG News: Eight teams announced for DDT4 tag tournament – ROH tag champions, TNA tag team, Briscoes, American Wolves, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_47365.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208141416/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_47365.shtml |archive-date=February 8, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} In their first round match, Steen and Tozawa, known collectively as the Nightmare Violence Connection, scored an upset victory over the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe). After another upset victory over the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Kings of Wrestling (Hero and Claudio Castagnoli), Steen and Tozawa made it to the finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson).{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=March 5, 2011 |title=3/4 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: complete DDT4 tag tournament results – TNA tag team in finals, PWG Title match announced for next show |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307095318/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml |archive-date=March 7, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On July 23, at PWG's eighth anniversary show, Steen first defeated PAC in a singles match, before teaming with CIMA to defeat PWG World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, in a non-title match. After Castagnoli had defeated Hero in the main event of the evening to retain the PWG World Championship, Steen challenged him to a match and, in his third match of the night, defeated him to win the PWG World Championship for the second time.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 24, 2011 |title=PWG News: New PWG champion – impromptu title match concludes "PWG 8" Saturday night |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_51641.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803122141/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_51641.shtml |archive-date=August 3, 2011 |access-date=July 24, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At the following event on August 20, Steen entered the 2011 Battle of Los Angeles, defeating Dave Finlay and Eddie Edwards in his first round and semifinal matches. Later that same night, Steen was defeated in the finals by old rival El Generico.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=August 21, 2011 |title=8/20 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: BOLA tournament winner, Young Bucks not shaking hands turned into angle, Tag Title match, Finlay debuts |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_52395.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822090917/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_52395.shtml |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 21, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On September 10, Steen made his first PWG World Championship defense, defeating former champion Davey Richards.{{cite web |date=September 11, 2011 |title=PWG: title match results from Saturday night, main event for next show |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53173.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012112413/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53173.shtml |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=September 11, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

On October 22, Steen lost the PWG World Championship to El Generico in a ladder match, following interference from The Young Bucks. After the match Super Dragon made his first appearance in over three years by saving Steen with the two accepting The Young Bucks' challenge for a Guerrilla Warfare match.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=October 23, 2011 |title=10/22 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: PWG Title change, SoCal character returns, Young Bucks vs. Future Shock for Tag Titles |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_54484.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024094726/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_54484.shtml |archive-date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=October 23, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On December 10, Steen and Dragon, known collectively as "Appetite for Destruction", defeated The Young Bucks in a Guerrilla Warfare match to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=December 11, 2011 |title=12/10 PWG "Fear" results Reseda, Calif.: Hero surprise return, new PWG tag champs, Generico vs. Dick Togo, American Wolves |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_55896.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061119/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_55896.shtml |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On March 17, Steen defeated El Generico and Eddie Edwards in a three-way match to win the PWG World Championship for the third time.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=March 18, 2012 |title=PWG Title changes hands Saturday |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59248.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320000420/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59248.shtml |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen made his first title defense on April 21, defeating Sami Callihan in an open challenge.{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Joey |author-link=Joey Ryan (wrestler) |date=April 22, 2012 |title=4/21 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Super Smash Bros. win DDT4 tag tournament, Steen defends PWG Title in Open Challenge |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_60648.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424223710/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_60648.shtml |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On May 25, Steen successfully defended the PWG World Championship against Brian Cage-Taylor. That same night, Steen and Dragon were stripped of the PWG World Tag Team Championship, after Dragon was sidelined with a heel fracture.{{cite web |date=May 26, 2012 |title=5/25 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: New PWG tag champs, Steen PWG Title defense, Elgin debut, Joey Ryan post-Gut Check |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_61808.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603051559/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_61808.shtml |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On July 21, at Threemendous III, PWG's ninth anniversary event, Steen made his third successful defense of the PWG World Championship against Willie Mack.{{cite web |last=Pirrello |first=Matty |author2=Massingham, Matt |date=July 22, 2012 |title=7/21 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Steen defends PWG Title, three-team Tag Title ladder match, Elgin vs. Callihan, Edwards, Strong, Joey Ryan |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_63574.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729045226/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_63574.shtml |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |access-date=July 22, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On September 1, Steen was eliminated from the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles in the first round by Ricochet, following a distraction from Brian Cage.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2012 |title=9/1 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: BOLA First Round features Steen, Richards vs. Elgin MOTYC re-match, Gut Check'er |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64787.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905034150/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64787.shtml |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} After having his championship belt stolen from him by the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles winner Adam Cole,{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2012 |title=9/2 PWG results Reseda, Calif.: Complete results from BOLA Night 2 with finals of tourney |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64806.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910060710/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64806.shtml |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=October 28, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Steen successfully defended the title in a three-way match against Michael Elgin and Ricochet on October 27,{{cite web |last=Settles |first=Patrick |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Show Results: 10/27 PWG in Reseda, Calif.: Steen defends PWG Title, Kenny Omega returns, Callihan vs. Richards |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66238.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211014922/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66238.shtml |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=October 28, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} after which he challenged Cole to a match for December 1,{{cite web |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=October 28, 2012 |title=10/27 PWG Results: Reseda, California |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1351447254 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721001424/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1351447254 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |access-date=October 28, 2012 |work=WrestleView}} where Steen lost the PWG World Championship to Cole in a Guerrilla Warfare match.{{cite web |author=Nick |date=December 2, 2012 |title=Show Results – 12/1 PWG in Reseda, Calif.: New PWG champ crowned, Joey Ryan's farewell match, Strong & Edwards |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66952.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922224357/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66952.shtml |archive-date=September 22, 2013 |access-date=December 2, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1354465086 |title=12/1 PWG Results: Reseda, California |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 2, 2012 |access-date=December 2, 2012 |work=WrestleView |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204195221/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1354465086 |archive-date=December 4, 2012 }}

After El Generico had agreed to a deal with WWE, he and Steen reunited one more time on January 12, 2013, by entering the 2013 Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament. After wins over the Briscoe Brothers and Future Shock (Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly), they were defeated in the finals of the tournament by The Young Bucks.{{cite web |last=Massingham |first=Matt |date=January 13, 2013 |title=Show Results – 1/12 PWG DDT4 tournament in Reseda, Calif.: Complete coverage of new PWG tag champs, Generico's farewell, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67840.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116095608/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67840.shtml |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On August 31, at the 2013 Battle of Los Angeles, Steen turned heel and formed a new stable named The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling with PWG World Champion Adam Cole and PWG World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/79991/2013-pro-wrestling-guerrilla-battle-of-los-angeles-winner-is.html?p=1|title=2013 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Battle of Los Angeles winner is.....|author=John C.|date=September 1, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927022740/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/79991/2013-pro-wrestling-guerrilla-battle-of-los-angeles-winner-is.html?p=1|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXheblQDV0c|title=PWG – 2013 BOLA – The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling|date=September 1, 2013|access-date=September 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|publisher=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930035814/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXheblQDV0c|archive-date=September 30, 2013|url-status=live}} On July 26, 2014, Steen was defeated by Trevor Lee in his PWG farewell match.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 27, 2014 |title=Show results – 7/26/27 PWG "Eleven" in Reseda, Calif.: Anniversary show features new PWG Tag Champs, PWG Title match, Guerrilla Warfare, Kevin Steen's farewell, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79777.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730052543/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_79777.shtml |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=July 27, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

Before signing with the WWE, Steen had attended One Night Stand in 2006, sporting a PWG shirt, and again for Breaking Point in 2009 in Montreal.{{cite web |last=Canton |first=John |date=June 11, 2022 |title=WWE ECW One Night Stand 2006 Review |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-ecw-one-night-stand-2006-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630141059/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-ecw-one-night-stand-2006-review/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2024 |website=TJRWrestling.net}}

On August 12, 2014, WWE announced that Steen had signed with them and was due to report to their developmental system NXT on August 25.{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=August 12, 2014 |title=WWE signs Kevin Steen to NXT |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-signs-kevin-steen-26556027 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429034132/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-signs-kevin-steen-26556027 |archive-date=April 29, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=WWE |page=1}} His new ring name had only the surname changed to Owens as a tribute to his son Owen (who himself is named after Owen Hart), and NXT began airing promotional videos from November 20 to hype his upcoming debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89708|title=WWE NXT report: we have a main event for the next Takeover special; someone is coming on the 11th|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=November 20, 2014|access-date=November 20, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231122709/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89708|archive-date=December 31, 2014|url-status=live}}

File:Kevin Owens NXT.jpg only two months after his debut]]

At NXT TakeOver: R Evolution on December 11, Owens defeated CJ Parker in his debut match. Later that night, when Sami Zayn (the former El Generico) won the NXT Championship, Owens attacked him, establishing himself as a heel and starting a feud with Zayn.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=December 11, 2014 |title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Takeover results 12/11: Complete virtual-time coverage of Neville vs. Zayn for the NXT Title, Itami & Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Steen/Owens's debut, Corey Graves retires |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213013556/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=January 14, 2015 |title=WWE NXT report 1/14 – Week 135: New timeslot kicks off with Zayn vs. Neville NXT Title re-match, plus Charlotte & Natalya, Balor vs. Kidd, Corbin vs. Dempsey; Overall Reax |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82765.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705073330/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82765.shtml |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=Howell |first=Nolan |date=January 22, 2015 |title=NXT: NXT Championship contender tourney kicks off |url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/22/22195341.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215357/https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/22/22195341.html |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{Cite web |last=Howell |first=Nolan |date=January 29, 2015 |title=NXT: Tournament and contract signing heat up |url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22207896.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111255/https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22207896.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On February 11, 2015, at NXT TakeOver: Rival, Owens defeated Zayn via referee stoppage to win the title after repeatedly powerbombing a disorientated Zayn.{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=February 11, 2015 |title=WWE NXT Takeover report 2/11: Zayn vs. Owens NXT Title match, Women's Title semi-main event, Neville-Balor; Reax |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212082957/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml |archive-date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=February 13, 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} With this win, he became the quickest superstar to win the NXT Championship from his debut, a record that stood for over nine years until it was surpassed by Ethan Page in July 2024.{{Cite web |last=Saxton |first=Byron |author-link=Byron Saxton |date=February 19, 2015 |title=Welcome to 'The Era of Owens' |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/era-of-kevin-owens-27126964 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426203718/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/era-of-kevin-owens-27126964 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE |quote=Owens captured the NXT Championship just two months after his debut, earning him the record-setting accomplishment of the fastest ascent to champion in NXT history.}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Suit |date=July 9, 2024 |title=WWE NXT live results: The fallout from Heatwave |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/nxt-results/wwe-nxt-live-results-the-fallout-from-heatwave/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710103305/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/nxt-results/wwe-nxt-live-results-the-fallout-from-heatwave/ |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |quote=Vic Joseph noted that Page broke Kevin Owens’ record for the fastest man to win the NXT Title.}} On the March 25 episode of NXT, he successfully defended the NXT Championship against Finn Bálor.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=March 25, 2015 |title=WWE NXT report 3/25 - Week 145: Owens vs. Balor for NXT Title, Sasha Banks defends Women's Title; Overall Reax |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_84089.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328194220/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_84089.shtml |archive-date=March 28, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable on May 20, Owens' rematch for the title against Zayn ended in a no contest after Owens continued to beat down an injured Zayn, until the debuting Samoa Joe stopped him.{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=May 20, 2015 |title=WWE NXT TakeOver Unstoppable report: Banks vs. Lynch, Owens vs. Zayn, a new debut, who is the number one contender, and more |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93868&p=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521215242/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93868&p=2 |archive-date=May 21, 2015 |access-date=May 21, 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}} Owens also made appearances on the main roster as NXT Champion, successfully defending the title against Zack Ryder during an open challenge on the June 4 episode of SmackDown,{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=June 5, 2015 |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 6/4/15 (Reigns vs. Sheamus) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630105809/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/ |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=WrestleView}} Neville on the June 8 episode of Raw{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=June 9, 2015 |title=WWE RAW Results – 6/8/15 (Rollins takes on J&J Security) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614030441/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=WrestleView}} and Heath Slater on the June 12 episode of Main Event.{{Cite web |last=Ross Sapp |first=Sean |date=June 12, 2015 |title=WWE Main Event Results (6/6): Kevin Owens NXT Title Open Challenge, Stardust In Action, More |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/06/wwe-main-event-results-596210/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172713/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/06/wwe-main-event-results-596210/ |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}

On the July 4 WWE Network special, The Beast in the East event held in Tokyo, Japan, Owens lost the NXT Championship to Bálor, ending his reign at 143 days.{{cite web |author=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 4, 2015 |title=WWE Network Special report 7/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Beast in the East" – Lesnar's in-ring return, Owens vs. Balor for NXT Title, more |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86018.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705062509/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86018.shtml |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on August 22, Owens failed to regain the title from Bálor in a ladder match in what would be his final match in NXT.{{cite web |author=Witner |first=Emerson |date=August 22, 2015 |title=WWE NXT TakeOver live results & main card: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Samoa Joe, Jushin "Thunder" Liger |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/44186 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095032/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/44186 |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2015 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact on the first six months of 2015 – or wonder how high he'll climb by year's end. It's wrestling, folks. It's Kevin Owens".|source=Kenny Herzog of Rolling Stone in July 2015{{cite magazine|first1=Kenny|last1=Herzog|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-20150701|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=4 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702151300/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-20150701|archive-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=July 2015}}}}

While still the NXT Champion, Owens made his unannounced main roster debut on the May 18 episode of Raw, responding to John Cena's United States Championship open challenge. However, instead of competing in the match, he attacked Cena and stomped on the United States title in a show of disrespect, setting up a non-title match between the two at Elimination Chamber on May 31,{{Cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=May 19, 2015 |title=WWE RAW Results – 5/18/15 (New #1 Contender announced) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54501-wwe-raw-results-5-18-15-live-results-from-richmond/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104119/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54501-wwe-raw-results-5-18-15-live-results-from-richmond/ |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=WrestleView}}{{cite web |last1=Laboon |first1=John |date=May 18, 2015 |title=John Cena vs. Kevin Owens |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520110638/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543 |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=May 19, 2015 |publisher=WWE}} which Owens won cleanly by pinfall.{{cite web |author=Melok |first=Bobby |date=May 31, 2015 |title=NXT Champion Kevin Owens def. United States Champion John Cena (Champion vs. Champion Match: Non-Title) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022013057/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/john-cena-vs-kevin-owens-27409543 |archive-date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |publisher=WWE}} At Money in the Bank on June 14, Owens lost to Cena, after which he powerbombed Cena onto the ring apron.{{cite web |author=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=June 14, 2015 |title=John Cena def. Kevin Owens |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2015/john-cena-kevin-owens-27450146/page-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617200158/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2015/john-cena-kevin-owens-27450146/page-2 |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 15, 2015 |website= |publisher=WWE |page=2}} Owens, no longer NXT Champion later challenged Cena to a match for the United States Championship at Battleground on July 19, which Cena won by submission, thus ending their feud.{{Cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=June 23, 2015 |title=WWE Raw Results - 6/22/15 (Rollins takes out Lesnar) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54944-wwe-raw-results-6-22-15-live-from-indianapolis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614081016/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54944-wwe-raw-results-6-22-15-live-from-indianapolis/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=WrestleView}}{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |date=July 19, 2015 |title=United States Champion John Cena def. Kevin Owens |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/united-states-champion-john-cena-vs-nxt-champion-kevin-owens-27543973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724221822/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/united-states-champion-john-cena-vs-nxt-champion-kevin-owens-27543973 |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |publisher=WWE}}

File:Kevin Owens in April 2016.jpg

After defeating Cesaro on August 23 at SummerSlam,{{cite web |author=Melok |first=Bobby |date=August 23, 2015 |title=Kevin Owens def. Cesaro |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015/kevin-owens-cesaro-27793895 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905112027/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015/kevin-owens-cesaro-27793895 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2015 |website= |publisher=WWE}} Owens defeated Ryback at Night of Champions on September 20 to win the Intercontinental Championship, his first singles title on the main roster.{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Kevin Owens def. Ryback to win the Intercontinental Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2015/ryback-kevin-owens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921055542/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2015/ryback-kevin-owens |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015 |publisher=WWE}} On October 3, Owens' first title defense came on the WWE Network special, Live from Madison Square Garden, defeating Chris Jericho.{{cite web |date=October 3, 2015 |title=Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Chris Jericho |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/network-live-msg-lesnar-big-show/2015-10-03/results-28001373/page-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006230123/https://www.wwe.com/shows/network-live-msg-lesnar-big-show/2015-10-03/results-28001373/page-4 |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |publisher=WWE |page=4}} At Hell in a Cell on October 25, Owens defeated Ryback to retain the title.{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=October 25, 2015 |title=Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Ryback |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2015/kevin-owens-ryback-28014649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029044044/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2015/kevin-owens-ryback-28014649 |archive-date=October 29, 2015 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |publisher=WWE}} Owens took part in the tournament for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, in which he defeated Titus O'Neil{{cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=November 9, 2015 |title=WWE RAW Results – 11/9/15 (WWE Title Tournament starts) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/56836-wwe-raw-results-11-9-15-full-coverage-from-manchester/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112083914/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56836-wwe-raw-results-11-9-15-full-coverage-from-manchester |archive-date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=November 11, 2015 |website=WrestleView}} and Neville,{{cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=November 16, 2015 |title=WWE RAW Results – 11/16/15 (Final Survivor Series hype) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/56905-wwe-raw-results-11-16-15-live-results-from-greenville/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117192549/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56905-wwe-raw-results-11-16-15-live-results-from-greenville |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=November 17, 2015 |website=WrestleView}} but lost to Dean Ambrose in the semifinals at Survivor Series on November 22.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=November 16, 2015 |title=11/16 WWE Raw Results: CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/11/16/1116-wwe-raw-caldwells-live-report-on-pre-survivor-series-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117202052/http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/11/16/1116-wwe-raw-caldwells-live-report-on-pre-survivor-series-show/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=November 16, 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=November 22, 2015 |title=Dean Ambrose def. Kevin Owens (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinals) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/dean-ambrose-kevin-owens-28201140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201110643/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/dean-ambrose-kevin-owens-28201140 |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=November 23, 2015 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On December 13, Owens lost the Intercontinental Championship to Ambrose at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, ending his reign at 84 days.{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Dean Ambrose def. Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/kevin-owens-dean-ambrose-28263048/page-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216201451/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/kevin-owens-dean-ambrose-28263048/page-2 |archive-date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=December 14, 2015 |website= |publisher=WWE |page=2}} He failed to regain the title on the January 7, 2016 episode of SmackDown and at Royal Rumble on January 24 in a Last Man Standing match.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=January 8, 2016 |title=WWE SmackDown results – 1/7/16 (Ambrose vs. Owens) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/57364-wwe-smackdown-results-1-7-16-ambrose-vs-owens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109063403/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/57364-wwe-smackdown-results-1-7-16-ambrose-vs-owens |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |access-date=January 8, 2016 |website=WrestleView}}{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=January 4, 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose def. Kevin Owens (Last Man Standing Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/intercontinental-champion-dean-ambrose-kevin-owens-last-man-standing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224052432/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/intercontinental-champion-dean-ambrose-kevin-owens-last-man-standing |archive-date=February 24, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} Later that night, he entered his first Royal Rumble match at number 18, eliminating AJ Styles before being eliminated by Sami Zayn.{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |date=December 21, 2015 |title=Triple H won the 2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301180927/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2016 |publisher=WWE}}

Owens then entered a feud with Dolph Ziggler, with the two trading victories over each other on back to back episodes of Raw.{{cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=January 25, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 1/25/16 (The Rock, Fastlane main event) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127204619/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |website=WrestleView}}{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |date=February 2, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – WWE RAW Results – 2/1/16 (Tag Team Match Main Event) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57635-wwe-raw-results-2-1-16-live-results-from-birmingham/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609151246/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57635-wwe-raw-results-2-1-16-live-results-from-birmingham/ |archive-date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2016 |website=WrestleView}} On the February 15 episode of Raw, Owens won his second Intercontinental Championship, defeating former champion Ambrose, Stardust, Tyler Breeze and Ziggler in a fatal five-way match.{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |date=February 16, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 2/15/16 (Big Show vs. Braun Strowman) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217015325/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim |archive-date=February 17, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |website=WrestleView}} At Fastlane on February 21, Owens successfully defended the title against Ziggler.{{cite web |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=February 21, 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Dolph Ziggler |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/kevin-owens-dolph-ziggler-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223095754/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/kevin-owens-dolph-ziggler-results |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} At WrestleMania 32 on April 3, Owens lost the title to Zack Ryder in a seven-way ladder match.{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=March 22, 2016 |title=3/21 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324193628/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/ |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Zack Ryder def. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Stardust, The Miz and Sin Cara to become the new Intercontinental Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/intercontinental-championship-ladder-match-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404014013/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/intercontinental-championship-ladder-match-results |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 3, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} He resumed the feud with longtime rival Sami Zayn after attacking him on Raw,{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=April 4, 2016 |title=4/4 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Report on post-WM32 |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065827/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/ |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} defeating Zayn at Payback on May 1.{{cite web |last1=Artus |first1=Matthew |date=May 1, 2016 |title=Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504100640/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} At Extreme Rules on May 22, Owens faced Zayn, Cesaro and The Miz in a fatal four-way match for the Intercontinental Championship, but lost when The Miz pinned Cesaro.{{cite web |last1=Artus |first1=Matthew |date=May 22, 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz won a Fatal 4-Way Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/intercontinental-championship-fatal-4-way-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524070229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/intercontinental-championship-fatal-4-way-results |archive-date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} At Money in the Bank on June 19, Owens competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Ambrose.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Kevin |date=June 19, 2016 |title=Dean Ambrose won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/money-bank-ladder-match-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623061306/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/money-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=June 23, 2016 |access-date=June 21, 2016 |work= |publisher=WWE}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I think Stephanie [McMahon] wants Raw to be the best show possible and if you want that, you've got to pick me, because I'm the best thing going, [...] But being picked where I was kind of a slap in the face, to be honest, but I'll use that as motivation to show everybody why I should be the face of Raw."|source=Owens commenting on his 18th draft pick position, in an interview with The Independent in August 2016{{cite web|first=De Menezes|last=Jack|title=Kevin Owens has a point to prove to Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley after 'slap in the face' draft pick|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/kevin-owens-has-a-point-to-prove-to-stephanie-mcmahon-and-mick-foley-after-slap-in-the-face-draft-a7171986.html|work=The Independent|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831085935/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/kevin-owens-has-a-point-to-prove-to-stephanie-mcmahon-and-mick-foley-after-slap-in-the-face-draft-a7171986.html|archive-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}}}

During the 2016 WWE draft, Owens was drafted to the Raw brand.{{cite web |date=July 19, 2016 |title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era |url=https://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} At Battleground on July 24, Owens lost to Zayn.{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=July 24, 2016 |title=Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728021456/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At SummerSlam on August 21, Owens and Chris Jericho defeated Enzo Amore and Big Cass.{{cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens def. Enzo Amore & Big Cass |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/enzo-amore-big-cass-vs-chris-jericho-kevin-owens-result |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124704/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/enzo-amore-big-cass-vs-chris-jericho-kevin-owens-result |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=August 21, 2016 |work= |publisher=WWE}} The next night on Raw, Owens defeated Neville to qualify for the vacant Universal Championship fatal four-way elimination match the following week.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|title=8/22 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Finn Balor injury and the WWE Universal Championship, SummerSlam fallout|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 22, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823041531/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Universal Champion Kevin Owens.jpg in September 2016]]

On the August 29 episode of Raw, Owens defeated Cass, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins after interference from Triple H to win the Universal Championship, his first world title in WWE.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=August 29, 2016 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REVIEW 8/29: Ongoing coverage of fatal four-way for the WWE Universal Title |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901173718/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/ |archive-date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=August 29, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Owens successfully defended the title against Rollins at Clash of Champions on September 25 and Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match on October 30, both times after interferences from Jericho.{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=September 25, 2016 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927115151/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |publisher=WWE}}{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=October 30, 2016 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-hell-in-a-cell-match-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031085611/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-hell-in-a-cell-match-results |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=October 30, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} Owens and Jericho were later announced as co-captains of Team Raw alongside Braun Strowman, Reigns and Rollins for the traditional Survivor Series match at Survivor Series on November 20,{{Cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=October 31, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 10/31/16 (Live from Hartford, Goldberg returns, Hell in a Cell fallout, Survivor Series teams) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/68935-wwe-raw-results-103116-live-hartford-goldberg-returns-hell-cell-fallout-survivor-series-teams/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129220904/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/68935-wwe-raw-results-103116-live-hartford-goldberg-returns-hell-cell-fallout-survivor-series-teams/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=WrestleView}} where they lost to Team SmackDown.{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=November 20, 2016 |title=Team SmackDown LIVE def. Team Raw in a 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Men's Elimination Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-mens-elimination-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412103005/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-mens-elimination-match |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=November 20, 2016 |work= |publisher=WWE}} The following night on Raw, Owens retained the title against Rollins in a No Disqualification match after interference from Jericho.{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |date=November 21, 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 11/21/16 (Live from Toronto, fallout from WWE Survivor Series PPV on Sunday night) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122161101/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/ |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |access-date=November 21, 2016 |website=WrestleView}}

On the November 28 episode of Raw, WWE United States Champion Reigns issued a challenge to Owens, who stated that he did not need Jericho's help against him, and Owens suffered his first pinfall loss since becoming champion after losing a non-title match to Reigns that same night, earning Reigns a Universal Championship match against Owens at Roadblock: End of the Line.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=November 28, 2016 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129124116/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=November 28, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=November 28, 2016 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. U.S. Champion Roman Reigns |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129210322/http://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=November 28, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} At the event on December 18, Owens retained the title against Reigns by disqualification when Jericho intentionally attacked him with a Codebreaker.{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=December 18, 2016 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns by Disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220211805/https://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=WWE}} This led to Reigns' rematch at the Royal Rumble being under the stipulation that would see Jericho (who pinned Reigns in a handicap match involving Owens to win the United States Championship on the January 9 episode of Raw){{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=January 9, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW REPORT 1/9: Reigns vs. Owens & Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Foley's Performance Review, Undertaker "rumored" to appear |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/09/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-report-19-reigns-vs-owens-jericho-shawn-michaels-foleys-performance-review-undertaker-rumored-appear/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110233324/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/09/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-report-19-reigns-vs-owens-jericho-shawn-michaels-foleys-performance-review-undertaker-rumored-appear/ |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} being suspended above the ring in a shark proof cage.{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=December 19, 2016 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns (Chris Jericho will be suspended in a shark cage above the ring) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221144544/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |access-date=December 19, 2016 |work= |publisher=WWE}} On January 29, 2017, at Royal Rumble, Owens defeated Reigns in a No Disqualification match after interference from Strowman.{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=January 29, 2017 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns (No Disqualification Match, with Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201200455/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-results |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=January 29, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} The following night on Raw, Owens defended the title against Strowman. Despite the match ending in a no contest after Reigns attacked both him and Strowman, Owens retained the title.{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=January 30, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Royal Rumble fallout including Owens celebration cut short by ominous Strowman news |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201183437/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/ |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

On the February 6 episode of Raw, Owens was challenged by Goldberg to a championship match at Fastlane, which Jericho accepted on Owens' behalf, much to his dismay.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=February 6, 2017 |title=WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113631/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |access-date=February 6, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} On the February 13 episode of Raw, Jericho hosted a "Festival of Friendship" for Owens, who was not impressed with Jericho's idea of humor and instead then presented Jericho with a new list as a gift, but when Jericho realized that he was the first name on it and that it was "The List of KO", Owens turned on Jericho and viciously attacked him.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=February 13, 2017 |title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/13: Las Vegas Festival of Friendship, Emmalina's debut, Fastlane developments, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-213-las-vegas-festival-friendship-emmalinas-debut-fastlane-developments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214182611/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-213-las-vegas-festival-friendship-emmalinas-debut-fastlane-developments/ |archive-date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=February 13, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At Fastlane on March 5, Owens lost the title to Goldberg in 22 seconds after a distraction from Jericho, ending his reign at 188 days.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 5, 2017 |title=Goldberg def. Kevin Owens to win the Universal Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306154320/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-results |archive-date=March 6, 2017 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |publisher=WWE}}

The following night on Raw, Owens accepted Jericho's challenge for a match at WrestleMania 33 on April 2 as long as Jericho would defend the United States Championship,{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=March 6, 2017 |title=United States Champion Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307051104/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens |archive-date=March 7, 2017 |access-date=March 6, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} which Owens won for the first time in his career.{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=April 2, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens def. United States Champion Chris Jericho |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403111434/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/chris-jericho-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |access-date=April 2, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} On the April 11 episode of SmackDown Live, Owens was traded to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up.{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 11, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/11: Superstar Shake-up Night 2 details |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412143414/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/ |archive-date=April 12, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} Owens, who was scheduled to defend the title against Jericho at Payback with the winner going to SmackDown as well,{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=April 3, 2017 |title=United States Champion Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404131604/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=April 3, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} started referring to himself as the "Face of America" and began sporting a different look, having trimmed his beard and hair down, while wearing a suit.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 17, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 4/17: Post-Superstar Shake-up edition including follow-up on Roman-Braun beatdown angle |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/17/kellers-wwe-raw-report-417-post-superstar-shake-edition-including-follow-roman-braun-beatdown-angle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418163610/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/17/kellers-wwe-raw-report-417-post-superstar-shake-edition-including-follow-roman-braun-beatdown-angle/ |archive-date=April 18, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 18, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/18: Six-Way Contenders Match, Naomi vs. Charlotte, Styles vs. Corbin |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/18/wwe-smackdown-report-418-six-way-contenders-match-naomi-vs-charlotte/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420045936/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/18/wwe-smackdown-report-418-six-way-contenders-match-naomi-vs-charlotte/ |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 24, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 4/24: Braun vs. Kalisto in a dumpster match, Jericho transitions to Miz TV with Ambrose, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/24/kellers-wwe-raw-report-424-braun-vs-kalisto-dumpster-match-jericho-transitions-miz-tv-ambrose/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120035/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/24/kellers-wwe-raw-report-424-braun-vs-kalisto-dumpster-match-jericho-transitions-miz-tv-ambrose/ |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 25, 2017 |title=4/25 WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: Shinsuke Nakamura's debut in a talking segment interrupted by Ziggler, Styles vs. Corbin, Payback hype |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/25/425-wwe-smackdown-report-shinsuke-nakamuras-debut-talking-segment-interrupted-ziggler-styles-vs-corbin-payback-hype/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427103546/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/25/425-wwe-smackdown-report-shinsuke-nakamuras-debut-talking-segment-interrupted-ziggler-styles-vs-corbin-payback-hype/ |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} At Payback on April 30, Owens lost the title back to Jericho, ending his reign at 28 days.{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |date=April 30, 2017 |title=Chris Jericho def. United States Champion Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505121435/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/united-states-champion-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-results |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} Owens reclaimed the title on the May 2 episode of SmackDown Live by defeating Jericho, attacking and injuring him after the match.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=May 2, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/2: Jericho joins Smackdown, Shane takes belt from Jinder, Jinder vs. Sami |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/02/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-52-jericho-joins-smackdown-shane-takes-belt-jinder-jinder-vs-sami/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521133220/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/02/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-52-jericho-joins-smackdown-shane-takes-belt-jinder-jinder-vs-sami/ |archive-date=May 21, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

At Backlash on May 21, Owens defeated AJ Styles by countout to retain the United States Championship,{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 21, 2017 |title=United States Champion Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles via count-out |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226073311/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} but lost the title to Styles during a house show at Madison Square Garden on July 7, ending his second reign at 66 days.{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=July 7, 2017 |title=AJ Styles wins United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Madison Square Garden Live Event |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709152714/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} He regained the title at Battleground on July 23{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles to become the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730162726/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=WWE}} but lost it back to Styles two days later on SmackDown in a triple threat match also involving the returning Jericho.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=July 25, 2017 |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 7/25/17 (Fallout from Battleground PPV) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/87115-wwe-smackdown-results-july-25-2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727094422/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/87115-wwe-smackdown-results-july-25-2017/ |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2017 |website=WrestleView}} Owens failed to regain the title on the August 1 episode of SmackDown Live and at SummerSlam on August 20 with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=August 1, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/1: John Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a first-time dream match, Owens challenges Styles for U.S. Title |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043041/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=August 20, 2017 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens (Special Guest Referee Shane McMahon) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014054027/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} During that time, Owens dropped the Face of America gimmick and reverted to the Prizefighter persona, shedding both the suits and America-orientated promos. On the August 22 episode of SmackDown Live, in another title rematch with Baron Corbin as the special guest referee, Owens was again unsuccessful, after Corbin walked out on the match and Shane took over, distracting Owens enough for Styles to capitalize and win. This also meant that as long as Styles held the title, Owens could not challenge Styles for the title again, ending their feud.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=August 22, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/22: Summerslam fallout including Owens-Styles-Shane controversy and a new roster member |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031627/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}

File:Hell in a Cell 04.jpg at Hell in a Cell in October 2017|244x244px]]

On October 8, at Hell in a Cell, Owens defeated McMahon in a Hell in a Cell match after interference from Zayn.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=September 5, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/5: Nakamura vs. Orton to earn WWE Title match at Hell in a Cell, Carmella vs. Natalya, big Shane-Owens angle |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043311/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=October 8, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens def. Shane McMahon (Falls Count Anywhere Hell in a Cell Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122201647/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} At Clash of Champions on December 17, Owens and Zayn defeated Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura in a tag team match with their jobs on the line and with McMahon and SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan as special guest referees.{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=December 17, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura & Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/randy-orton-shinsuke-nakamura-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221005107/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/randy-orton-shinsuke-nakamura-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=December 21, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2017 |publisher=WWE}} Owens and Zayn failed to win Styles's WWE Championship in a handicap match at Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=January 28, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129144827/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |publisher=WWE}} and at Fastlane on March 11 in a six-pack challenge.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 12, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. John Cena, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin (Six-Pack Challenge) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-pack-challenge-match-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031513/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-pack-challenge-match-results |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At WrestleMania 34 on April 8, they lost to McMahon and Bryan, who made his in-ring return, after Bryan submitted Zayn.{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/daniel-bryan-shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409111410/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/daniel-bryan-shane-mcmahon-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE}}

After WrestleMania, they were assigned to the Raw brand.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 16, 2018 |title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: The Superstar Shakeup Night One, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt vs. The Revival for a shot at the vacant Raw Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417111441/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/ |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On May 6, at Backlash, Owens and Zayn lost to Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman.{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 6, 2018 |title=Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/braun-strowman-bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221515/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/braun-strowman-bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE}} At Money in the Bank on June 17, Owens competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Strowman.{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=June 17, 2018 |title=Braun Strowman won the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518155026/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=WWE}} Following weeks of Strowman humiliating Owens,{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=June 25, 2018 |title=6/25 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on live show from San Diego including Ziggler vs. Seth in IC Title rematch |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/06/25/6-25-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-live-show-from-san-diego-including-ziggler-vs-seth-in-ic-title-rematch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628183534/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/06/25/6-25-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-live-show-from-san-diego-including-ziggler-vs-seth-in-ic-title-rematch/ |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Brian |date=July 3, 2018 |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Reigns runs the show, Strowman trashes a toilet |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-reigns-runs-the-show-strowman-trashes-a-toilet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040548/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-reigns-runs-the-show-strowman-trashes-a-toilet/ |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=CBSSports.com}} he defeated Strowman in a steel cage match at Extreme Rules on July 15.{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 15, 2018 |title=Kevin Owens def. Braun Strowman in a Steel Cage Match via Escape |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/braun-strowman-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724100543/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/braun-strowman-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=WWE}} At SummerSlam on August 19, Owens failed to win Strowman's Money in the Bank contract in under two minutes.{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=August 19, 2018 |title=Braun Strowman def. Kevin Owens to retain his Money in the Bank contract |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/braun-strowman-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329142119/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/braun-strowman-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On October 8, WWE announced Owens suffered injuries to both knees in a match with Lashley the previous night on Raw, which required surgery.{{cite web |date=October 8, 2018 |title=Bobby Lashley injures Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-injured |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301201534/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/bobby-lashley-kevin-owens-injured |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |publisher=WWE}}

On the February 26, 2019 episode of SmackDown, Owens returned as a face, replacing Kofi Kingston in the WWE Championship match at Fastlane on March 10 against Daniel Bryan, per Vince McMahon's orders.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=February 26, 2019 |title=2/26 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Daniel Bryan-Kofi Kingston contract signing with Shane & Stephanie, Rusev & Nakamura vs. Ricochet & Black |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/02/26/2-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-daniel-bryan-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-with-shane-stephanie-more-gargano-and-ciampa-rusev-nakamura-vs-ricochet-black/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024555/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/02/26/2-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-daniel-bryan-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-with-shane-stephanie-more-gargano-and-ciampa-rusev-nakamura-vs-ricochet-black/ |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} A returning Mustafa Ali was added to the match, making it a triple threat match, and Owens failed to win the title after Bryan pinned Ali.{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=March 10, 2019 |title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali (Triple Threat Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-mustafa-ali-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090716/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-mustafa-ali-results |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |publisher=WWE}} In April, Owens started a storyline where he congratulated Kingston for winning the WWE Championship and joined The New Day as their honorary third member, since Big E was recovering from an injury.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/16/4-16-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-2019-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two-with-vince-mcmahon-introducing-the-brands-biggest-acquisition-paige-introduces-her-new-tag-team/|title=4/16 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of the 2019 WWE Superstar Shakeup Night Two with Vince McMahon introducing the brand's biggest acquisition, Paige introduces her new tag team|date=April 16, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417022736/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/16/4-16-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-2019-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two-with-vince-mcmahon-introducing-the-brands-biggest-acquisition-paige-introduces-her-new-tag-team/|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}} However, since Bryan suffered an injury at WrestleMania, SmackDown needed a top level heel,{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=May 2, 2019 |title=Report: Daniel Bryan Has Been Medically Cleared |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-daniel-bryan-has-been-medically-cleared |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503025529/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-daniel-bryan-has-been-medically-cleared |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Fightful.com}} so on the April 23 episode of SmackDown, Owens turned on Kingston and attacked him and Xavier Woods, turning him back into a heel.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 23, 2019 |title=4/23 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Roman Reigns-Vince McMahon fallout, Shinsuke vs. Kofi, Charlotte-Becky face off |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/23/4-23-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-roman-reigns-vince-mcmahon-fallout-shinsuke-vs-kofi-charlotte-becky-face-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424020354/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/23/4-23-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-roman-reigns-vince-mcmahon-fallout-shinsuke-vs-kofi-charlotte-becky-face-off/ |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=April 24, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On May 19, Owens failed to win the WWE Championship from Kingston at Money in the Bank.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 19, 2019 |title=WWE Champion Kofi Kingston def. Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/kofi-kingston-vs-kevin-owens-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525100651/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/kofi-kingston-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At Stomping Grounds on June 23, Owens and Zayn defeated Big E and Woods.{{cite web |last=Bristout |first=Ralph |date=June 23, 2019 |title=Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. Big E & Xavier Woods |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-stomping-grounds/2019/big-e-xavier-woods-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624013733/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-stomping-grounds/2019/big-e-xavier-woods-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=June 23, 2019 |work= |publisher=WWE}}

On the July 2 episode of SmackDown, Owens questioned Shane McMahon's decisions and underhanded tactics before they were interrupted by Dolph Ziggler, leading to McMahon booking them in a tag team match which they lost after a miscommunication.{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=July 2, 2019 |title=7/2 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of the first show since Eric Bischoff was named executive director, the build to Extreme Rules continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/02/7-2-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-first-show-since-eric-bischoff-was-named-executive-director-the-build-to-extreme-rules-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818201713/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/02/7-2-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-first-show-since-eric-bischoff-was-named-executive-director-the-build-to-extreme-rules-continues/ |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=July 3, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The following week, Owens stated his distaste in McMahon's constant dominance on television, before fleeing as McMahon called for security. Later that night, Owens interfered in Ziggler's match against Roman Reigns and hit McMahon with a stunner, turning face once again.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 9, 2019 |title=7/9 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler, Nikki Cross vs. Carmella, Daniel Bryan vs. Xavier Woods vs. Otis, the final push for Extreme Rules |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/09/7-9-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-finn-balor-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-title-match-kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-nikki-cross-vs-carmella-tag-team-summit-the-final-push-for/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126084159/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/09/7-9-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-finn-balor-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-title-match-kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-nikki-cross-vs-carmella-tag-team-summit-the-final-push-for/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=July 10, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Extreme Rules on July 14, Owens defeated Ziggler in 17 seconds.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 14, 2019 |title=Kevin Owens def. Dolph Ziggler |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415202535/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-results |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=July 14, 2019 |publisher=WWE}} At SummerSlam on August 11, Owens defeated McMahon in a match where had Owens lost, he would be fired.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=August 11, 2019 |title=Kevin Owens def. Shane McMahon |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/kevin-owens-vs-shane-mcmahon-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005170631/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/kevin-owens-vs-shane-mcmahon-results |archive-date=October 5, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2019 |work= |publisher=WWE}} Owens lost to Elias in the first round of the King of the Ring tournament with McMahon as the special guest referee.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 20, 2019 |title=8/20 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Daniel Bryan vs. Buddy Murphy, Kevin Owens vs. Elias and Apollo Crews vs. Andrade in first round King of the Ring tournament matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/20/8-20-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-buddy-murphy-kevin-owens-vs-elias-and-apollo-crews-vs-andrade-in-first-round-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819004011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/20/8-20-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-buddy-murphy-kevin-owens-vs-elias-and-apollo-crews-vs-andrade-in-first-round-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches/ |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the September 10 episode of SmackDown, McMahon fired Owens, after McMahon tapped out to Chad Gable in their King of the Ring semi-final match, where Owens was serving as the special guest referee.{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Shane McMahon fired Kevin Owens after Chad Gable advanced to the King of the Ring Final |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-10/article/chad-gable-def-shane-mcmahon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016154022/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-10/article/chad-gable-def-shane-mcmahon |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |access-date=September 12, 2019 |website= |publisher=WWE}} The following week, Owens attended the show as an audience member, but had also filed a kayfabe wrongful termination lawsuit against McMahon.{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=September 17, 2019 |title=Kevin Owens laid a lawsuit onto Shane McMahon |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-17/article/kevin-owens-laid-a-lawsuit-onto-shane-mcmahon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416033852/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-09-17/article/kevin-owens-laid-a-lawsuit-onto-shane-mcmahon |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On October 4, during the 20th Anniversary of SmackDown, Owens defeated McMahon in a ladder match with both men's careers on the line. As per the pre-match stipulation, McMahon was fired from WWE.{{Cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=October 4, 2019 |title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Stunning debut, The Rock, title change highlight Fox premiere |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-stunning-debut-the-rock-title-change-highlight-fox-premiere/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020182204/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-stunning-debut-the-rock-title-change-highlight-fox-premiere/ |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=October 5, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}

On October 11, Owens moved back to the Raw brand as part of the draft.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=October 11, 2019 |title=See all the results from the 2019 WWE Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/full-2019-wwe-draft-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018115204/https://www.wwe.com/article/full-2019-wwe-draft-results |archive-date=October 18, 2019 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On November 23, at NXT TakeOver: WarGames, Owens made a one-off appearance as Tommaso Ciampa's mystery fourth partner for the WarGames match against The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, and Roderick Strong), which Team Ciampa won.{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=November 23, 2019 |title=Team Ciampa def. The Undisputed ERA (Men's WarGames Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-wargames/article/mens-wargames-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413110108/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-wargames/article/mens-wargames-results |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At Survivor Series the next night, Owens made up part of Team Raw in a losing effort to Team SmackDown also involving Team NXT.{{cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=November 24, 2019 |title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw & Team NXT (Men's Survivor Series Elimination Triple Threat Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/men%E2%80%99s-survivor-series-elimination-triple-threat-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127112229/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/men%E2%80%99s-survivor-series-elimination-triple-threat-match-results |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |publisher=WWE}} Owens subsequently began a feud with Seth Rollins and was targeted in attacks by Rollins and his allies AOP (Akam and Rezar).{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 25, 2019 |title=11/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the night after Survivor Series edition with AJ Styles vs. a four-way winner for the U.S. Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka, Seth Rollins' town hall meeting |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031082044/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=November 25, 2019 |title=RAW: Seth Rollins calls out the RAW roster after a poor Survivor Series |url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/11/25/22803055.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128031412/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/11/25/22803055.html |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |access-date=November 28, 2019 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 9, 2019 |title=12/09 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Rusev and Lana divorce, the brand's final push for the WWE TLC pay-per-view |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/09/12-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-lana-divorce-the-brands-final-push-for-the-wwe-tlc-pay-per-view/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129043146/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/09/12-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-lana-divorce-the-brands-final-push-for-the-wwe-tlc-pay-per-view/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=December 9, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020, Owens entered the titular match at number 27, but was eliminated by Rollins.{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Drew McIntyre won the 30-man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/2020-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127071700/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/2020-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2020 |work= |publisher=WWE}} On Night 1 of WrestleMania 36 on April 4, Owens defeated Rollins in a No Disqualification match.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 9, 2020 |title=3/9 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge returning following Randy Orton's attack on Beth Phoenix, Rey Mysterio vs. Angel Garza, Drew McIntyre in action, the build to WrestleMania kicks in |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/09/3-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edge-returning-following-randy-ortons-attack-on-beth-phoenix-rey-mysterio-vs-angel-garza-drew-mcintyre-in-action-the-build-to-wrestlemania-kicks-in/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320073605/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/09/3-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edge-returning-following-randy-ortons-attack-on-beth-phoenix-rey-mysterio-vs-angel-garza-drew-mcintyre-in-action-the-build-to-wrestlemania-kicks-in/ |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{cite web |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=April 4, 2020 |title=Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins in a No Disqualification Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812113722/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-results |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |publisher=WWE}} At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules on July 19, Owens defeated Murphy, an ally of Rollins, on the pre-show.{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=July 19, 2020 |title=Kevin Owens def. Murphy (Kickoff Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/kevin-owens-def-murphy-kickoff-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721150128/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/kevin-owens-def-murphy-kickoff-match |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=July 19, 2020 |work= |publisher=WWE}} After this, Owens entered into a program with Aleister Black,{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 24, 2020 |title=8/24 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Keith Lee's debut, Drew McIntyre's opening segment, Apollo Crews vs. Bobby Lashley in an arm wrestling contest officiated by Mark Henry, SummerSlam fallout and WWE Payback hype |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/24/8-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-keith-lees-debut-drew-mcintyres-opening-segment-apollo-crews-vs-bobby-lashley-in-an-arm-wrestling-contest-officiated-by-mark-henry-summerslam-fal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205140457/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/24/8-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-keith-lees-debut-drew-mcintyres-opening-segment-apollo-crews-vs-bobby-lashley-in-an-arm-wrestling-contest-officiated-by-mark-henry-summerslam-fal/ |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} trading victories until the October 12 episode of Raw, when Owens defeated Black to end their feud.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 12, 2020 |title=10/12 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the 2020 WWE Draft night two, Dual-Brand Battle Royal for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Aleister Black in a No DQ match, Seth Rollins says farewell to Raw, Mustafa Ali's first promo as Retribution's leader |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/12/10-12-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-two-dual-brand-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-aleister-black-in-a-no-dq-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117183030/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/12/10-12-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-two-dual-brand-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-aleister-black-in-a-no-dq-match/ |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

As part of the 2020 Draft in October, Owens was drafted to the SmackDown brand.{{cite web |author= |date=October 9, 2020 |title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008042643/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2020 |publisher=WWE}} He reignited his rivalry against Roman Reigns and challenged him for the Universal Championship on three occasions—at TLC on December 20, in a steel cage match on the December 25 episode of SmackDown, and at Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, but lost all matches after interference from Jey Uso and Paul Heyman.{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=December 20, 2020 |title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/12-20-2020/roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221051359/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/12-20-2020/roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |access-date=December 20, 2020 |work= |publisher=WWE}}{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=December 25, 2020 |title=12/25 WWE SmackDown TV Results: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Owens in a cage for the Universal Title, Sami vs. Big E for IC Title, Charlotte & Asuka first tag title defense |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/12/25/12-25-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-owens-in-a-cage-for-the-universal-title-sami-vs-big-e-for-ic-title-charlotte-asuka-first-tag-title-defense/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102215407/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/12/25/12-25-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-owens-in-a-cage-for-the-universal-title-sami-vs-big-e-for-ic-title-charlotte-asuka-first-tag-title-defense/ |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=November 29, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/roman-reigns-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201120023/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/roman-reigns-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At Elimination Chamber on February 21, Owens competed in the Elimination Chamber match where the winner would receive an immediate Universal Championship match, eliminating Sami Zayn before being eliminated by Uso.{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=February 21, 2021 |title=Daniel Bryan won the Elimination Chamber Match to earn a Universal Title opportunity |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2021/smackdown-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222080007/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2021/smackdown-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=February 22, 2021 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE}} Owens defeated Zayn at Night 2 of WrestleMania 37 on April 11,{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=April 11, 2021 |title=Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37-night-2/kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412023541/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37-night-2/kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |website= |publisher=WWE}} lost to Zayn at Hell in a Cell on June 20,{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=June 20, 2021 |title=Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2021/kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621172011/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2021/kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |website= |publisher=WWE}} and defeated Zayn again in a Last Man Standing match on the July 2 episode of SmackDown to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank on July 18,{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 2, 2021 |title=7/2 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Edge addressing Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in a Last Man Standing match to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/02/7-2-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-edge-addressing-roman-reigns-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-last-man-standing-match-to-qualify-for-the-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417191151/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/02/7-2-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-edge-addressing-roman-reigns-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-last-man-standing-match-to-qualify-for-the-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match/ |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} which was won by Big E.{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Big E won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007033415/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |publisher=WWE}}

As part of the 2021 Draft, Owens was drafted to the Raw brand,{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 4, 2021 |title=10/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the WWE Draft night two, Goldberg returns, the build to WWE Crown Jewel continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081644/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/ |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} where he turned heel by attacking WWE Champion Big E.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 8, 2021 |title=11/8 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Carmella vs. Queen Zelina for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship, WWE Champion Big E vs. Chad Gable in a non-title match, the build to Survivor Series |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/08/11-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-vs-bianca-belair-vs-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-vs-queen-zelina-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128184049/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/08/11-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-vs-bianca-belair-vs-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-vs-queen-zelina-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe/ |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 15, 2021 |title=11/15 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Big E, Randy Orton, and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and The Usos, The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy, Bianca Belair vs. Tamina, the brand's final push for WWE Survivor Series |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/15/11-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-the-usos-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-bianca-belair-vs-tamina/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116093847/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/15/11-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-the-usos-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-bianca-belair-vs-tamina/ |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} He competed for the title in a fatal five-way match on January 1, 2022, at Day 1, which was won by Brock Lesnar.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 1, 2022 |title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203242/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/ |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |access-date=January 1, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 on April 2, Owens faced Stone Cold Steve Austin in a No Holds Barred match in the main event, which marked Austin's first match in 19 years after his retirement. Owens lost to Austin and was escorted out of the stadium by Dallas police officers.{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=April 3, 2022 |title=“Stone Cold” Steve Austin accepts No Holds Barred challenge, def. Kevin Owens, raises hell |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/stone-cold-steve-austin-kevin-owens-result |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403045625/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/stone-cold-steve-austin-kevin-owens-result |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website= |publisher=WWE}}

Following WrestleMania, Owens began a storyline with a clean shaven Elias, who claimed to be Elias' younger brother Ezekiel, much to Owens' irritation as he thought he was actually Elias himself.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 4, 2022 |title=4/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Raw After WrestleMania with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the return of Cody Rhodes, new Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair appears, the "debut" of Veer Mahaan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427141333/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 18, 2022 |title=4/18 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. an opponent of Seth Rollins' choosing, Finn Balor vs. Theory for the U.S. Title, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits in a non-title match, commitment ceremonies, lie detector test |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512201402/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/ |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 23, 2022 |title=5/23 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz, Bobby Lashley's "All Mighty challenge" for Omos and MVP, Becky Lynch comments on losing to Asuka, the build to Hell in a Cell continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/23/5-23-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-the-miz-bobby-lashleys-all-mighty-challenge-for-omos-and-mvp-becky-lynch-comments-on-losing-to-asuka-the-build-to-hell-in-a-cell/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625111359/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/23/5-23-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-the-miz-bobby-lashleys-all-mighty-challenge-for-omos-and-mvp-becky-lynch-comments-on-losing-to-asuka-the-build-to-hell-in-a-cell/ |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Hell in a Cell on June 5, Owens defeated Ezekiel.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Kevin Owens def. Ezekiel |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/ezekiel-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606035423/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/ezekiel-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work= |publisher=WWE}} On the August 8 episode of Raw, he stretchered Ezekiel out of the arena after attacking him with an apron powerbomb, a move he had not used in years, ending their feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 8, 2022 |title=8/8 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Ciampa for the U.S. Championship, the tournament for the vacant WWE Women's Tag Team Titles begins, Seth Rollins vs. Angelo Dawkins, Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/08/8-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-ciampa-for-the-u-s-championship-the-tournament-for-the-vacant-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles-begins-seth-rollins-vs-angelo-dawkins-re/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820203442/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/08/8-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-ciampa-for-the-u-s-championship-the-tournament-for-the-vacant-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles-begins-seth-rollins-vs-angelo-dawkins-re/ |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Owens subsequently brought back his "Prizefighter" gimmick and turned face in the process.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 15, 2022 |title=8/15 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Riddle returns, Alexa Bliss and Asuka vs. Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament first-round match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/15/8-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-riddle-returns-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-nikki-ash-and-doudrop-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-te/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816012254/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/15/8-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-riddle-returns-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-nikki-ash-and-doudrop-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-te/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 22, 2022 |title=8/22 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Edge vs. Damian Priest, Alexa Bliss and Asuka vs. Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai in a WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament semifinal match, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus appears |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/22/8-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edge-vs-damian-priest-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-iyo-sky-and-dakota-kai-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-team-title-tournament-semifinal-match-wwe-hall/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903040851/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/22/8-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edge-vs-damian-priest-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-iyo-sky-and-dakota-kai-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-team-title-tournament-semifinal-match-wwe-hall/ |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}File:Kevin Owens and Sami zayn wwe live event.jpg in 2023|212x212px]]

At Survivor Series: WarGames on November 26, Owens, The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch) and Drew McIntyre lost to The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn) in a WarGames match.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=November 26, 2022 |title=Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn def. Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch |url=https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/mens-wargames-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127082948/https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/mens-wargames-match-results |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |work= |publisher=WWE}} On January 28, 2023, at Royal Rumble, Owens lost to Reigns in an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match. After the match, Owens was beaten down by The Bloodline, except for Zayn, who would hit Reigns with a chair, leading to the entire Bloodline attacking Zayn.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens to retain Undisputed WWE Universal Championship; Sami Zayn was beaten by The Bloodline after hitting Reigns with a steel chair |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129065228/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=January 28, 2023 |work= |publisher=WWE}} After the Elimination Chamber main event on February 18, Owens saved Zayn from a beatdown by Reigns and Jimmy Uso.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 18, 2023 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, two Elimination Chamber matches, Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226133417/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/ |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 on April 1, Owens and Zayn defeated the Usos to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in the main event, making Owens the 23rd WWE Grand Slam champion.{{cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=April 1, 2023 |title=Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. The Usos to become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/the-usos-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402042607/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/the-usos-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work= |publisher=WWE}}

As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Owens, along with Zayn, was drafted to the Raw brand.{{cite web |date=April 28, 2023 |title=See all the results from the 2023 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430031156/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |publisher=WWE}} At Night of Champions on May 27, Owens and Zayn retained the Undisputed Tag Team Championship against Reigns and Sikoa.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-solo-sikoa-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527213413/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/sami-zayn-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-solo-sikoa-results |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |work= |publisher=WWE}} At Payback on September 2, Owens and Zayn lost the titles to The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Finn Bálor) in a Pittsburgh Steel City Street Fight, ending their reign at 154 days.{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2023 |title=WWE Payback 2023 full recap, highlights, photos and exclusives |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 3, 2023 |website= |publisher=WWE}} They were unsuccessful in a rematch for the titles on the September 25 episode of Raw.{{cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=September 25, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Judgment Day beats Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in chaotic main event |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-judgment-day-beats-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-in-chaotic-main-event/live/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004045225/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-judgment-day-beats-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-in-chaotic-main-event/live/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=CBSSports.com}} In October, Owens was traded to the SmackDown brand, splitting up the team of Owens and Zayn.{{cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Kevin Owens: My 'Bittersweet' Move To WWE SmackDown Effectively Ends My Partnership With Sami Zayn |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-my-bittersweet-move-wwe-smackdown-effectively-ends-my-partnership-sami-zayn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023122317/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-my-bittersweet-move-wwe-smackdown-effectively-ends-my-partnership-sami-zayn |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=October 13, 2023 |work=Fightful.com}}

Owens faced Logan Paul for the United States Championship at Royal Rumble on January 27, 2024 and in a triple threat match also involving Randy Orton at Night 2 of WrestleMania XL on April 7, losing both times.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 27, 2024|access-date=February 10, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127233116/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 7, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship with Bloodline Rules, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025008/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the April 19 episode of SmackDown, Owens reignited his feud with The Bloodline after he was attacked by its newest member, Tama Tonga.{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 19, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/19): Barnett's review of Bayley vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship, LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Championship at WWE Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420022344/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Backlash France on May 4, Owens and Orton lost to Sikoa and Tonga in a Tag Team Street Fight after interference from Tama's brother Tanga Loa.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 4, 2024 |title=WWE Backlash France results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924224014/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/ |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=May 4, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Money in the Bank on July 6, Owens, Orton and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes lost to Sikoa, Tonga and the debuting Jacob Fatu in a six-man tag team match after interference from Loa.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 6, 2024 |title=WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of Damian Priest vs. Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, two MITB ladder matches, Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/06/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-review-of-damian-priest-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-two-mitb-ladder-matches-sami-zayn-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-intercontinental/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706213626/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/06/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-review-of-damian-priest-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-two-mitb-ladder-matches-sami-zayn-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-intercontinental/ |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

File:Kevin Owens RR25.jpg championship belt at Royal Rumble in February 2025]]

At Bash in Berlin on August 31, Owens faced Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a losing effort.{{cite web |last=McGuire |first=Colin |date=August 31, 2024 |title=WWE Bash in Berlin results: McGuire's review of Gunther vs. Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a strap match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927144608/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/ |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=August 31, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On October 5, after Bad Blood went off the air, fans captured video footage of Owens attacking Rhodes as he was entering his bus, turning Owens heel for the first time since 2022.{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Kevin Owens Attacks Cody Rhodes In Parking Lot After WWE Bad Blood |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-attacks-cody-rhodes-after-wwe-bad-blood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241017135125/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-attacks-cody-rhodes-after-wwe-bad-blood |archive-date=October 17, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Fightful.com}} He solidified his heel turn on the following episode of SmackDown by attacking Orton in the parking lot.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 11, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (10/11): Powell's review of Roman Reigns' return, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill vs. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes for the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/11/wwe-smackdown-results-10-11-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-return-bianca-belair-and-jade-cargill-vs-lash-legend-and-jakara-jackson-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-la-knight-vs-carmelo/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241017100844/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/11/wwe-smackdown-results-10-11-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-return-bianca-belair-and-jade-cargill-vs-lash-legend-and-jakara-jackson-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-la-knight-vs-carmelo/ |archive-date=October 17, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} A match was made official between Owens and Orton for Crown Jewel on November 2,{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 25, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (10/25): Powell's review of Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles, Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes "game seven" with LA Knight as special referee |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/25/wwe-smackdown-results-10-25-powells-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-andrade-vs-carmelo-hayes-game-seven-with-la-knight-as-special-refere/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127064426/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/25/wwe-smackdown-results-10-25-powells-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-andrade-vs-carmelo-hayes-game-seven-with-la-knight-as-special-refere/ |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} where both men brawled throughout the arena and the match never started.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 2, 2024 |title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's review of Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship, Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's Crown Jewel Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110050317/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/ |archive-date=November 10, 2024 |access-date=November 2, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The following week on SmackDown, Owens took out Orton with a piledriver.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 8, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (11/8): Barnett’s review of Solo Sikoa’s Undisputed Tribal Chief Acknowledgement Ceremony, Motor City Machine Guns vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/08/wwe-smackdown-results-11-8-barnetts-review-of-solo-sikoas-undisputed-tribal-chief-acknowledgement-ceremony-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109175440/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/08/wwe-smackdown-results-11-8-barnetts-review-of-solo-sikoas-undisputed-tribal-chief-acknowledgement-ceremony-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory/ |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14, Owens again faced Rhodes for the title but lost in a controversial manner.{{cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |date=December 15, 2024 |title=WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10147081-wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-highlights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108093614/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10147081-wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-highlights |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}} After the event went off the air, Owens brutally attacked Rhodes with a package piledriver and got into a verbal and physical confrontation with Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=December 15, 2024 |title=Kevin Owens Delivered A Package Piledriver To Cody Rhodes To Send The Crowd Home Happy |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-delivered-package-piledriver-cody-rhodes-send-crowd-home-happy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215180515/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-delivered-package-piledriver-cody-rhodes-send-crowd-home-happy |archive-date=December 15, 2024 |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=Fightful.com}} Owens then stole the Winged Eagle-design WWE Championship (that was presented to Rhodes by Levesque specially for Saturday Night's Main Event) and began referring to himself as the “True WWE Champion".{{Cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Pragya |date=December 18, 2024 |title=Kevin Owens Sparks a WWE Title Debate: Who is the Real Champion? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/kevin-owens-sparks-a-wwe-title-debate-who-is-the-real-champion/articleshow/116411165.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210181633/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/kevin-owens-sparks-a-wwe-title-debate-who-is-the-real-champion/articleshow/116411165.cms |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=December 19, 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} At Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, Owens failed to win the Undisputed WWE Championship from Rhodes in a ladder match with both the "Undisputed" and "Winged Eagle" title belts on the line, ending their feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 1, 2025 |title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a ladder match for the WWE Title, DIY vs. MCMG in a best of three falls match for the WWE Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/01/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-wwe-title-diy-vs-mcmg-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-wwe-ta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202094817/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/01/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-wwe-title-diy-vs-mcmg-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-wwe-ta/ |archive-date=February 2, 2025 |access-date=February 2, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

On the February 3 episode of Raw, Owens attacked Sami Zayn following his qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber match against CM Punk by ambushing him from behind and delivering a package piledriver on to Zayn, reigniting a feud between the two once again.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 3, 2025 |title=WWE Raw results (2/3): Powell's live review of Royal Rumble winners Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair appear, CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn, and Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan in Elimination Chamber qualifying matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/03/wwe-raw-results-2-3-powells-live-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-jey-uso-and-charlotte-flair-appear-cm-punk-vs-sami-zayn-and-iyo-sky-vs-liv-morgan-in-elimination-chamber-qualifying-matches/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204145843/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/03/wwe-raw-results-2-3-powells-live-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-jey-uso-and-charlotte-flair-appear-cm-punk-vs-sami-zayn-and-iyo-sky-vs-liv-morgan-in-elimination-chamber-qualifying-matches/ |archive-date=February 4, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Elimination Chamber: Toronto on March 1, Owens defeated Zayn in an unsanctioned match, but was confronted by a returning Orton after the match, leading to a brawl between the two.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 1, 2025 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes responding to The Rock's offer, two Elimination Chamber matches, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/01/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-responding-to-the-rocks-offer-two-elimination-chamber-matches-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-an-unsanctioned-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302152229/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/01/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-responding-to-the-rocks-offer-two-elimination-chamber-matches-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-an-unsanctioned-match/ |archive-date=March 2, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} However, on the April 4 episode of SmackDown, Owens announced that he had suffered a neck injury and would require surgery, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania 41 and would be out of action indefinitely.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 4, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (4/4): Powell’s live review of Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, Rey Fenix’s debut, Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman in a Last Man Standing match for a shot at the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/04/wwe-smackdown-results-4-4-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-cm-punk-and-seth-rollins-rey-fenixs-debut-jacob-fatu-vs-braun-strowman-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-a-shot-at-the-u-s-tit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405235027/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/04/wwe-smackdown-results-4-4-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-cm-punk-and-seth-rollins-rey-fenixs-debut-jacob-fatu-vs-braun-strowman-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-a-shot-at-the-u-s-tit/ |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 5, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

In 2012, Ring of Honor (ROH) released a two-disc set entitled Kevin Steen: Ascension to the Top, focusing on his first two years with the promotion, and Kevin Steen: Descent into Madness, covering his solo run from 2009 to 2010. In 2013, ROH released a DVD titled Kevin Steen: Hell Rising, which included both his best matches in the promotion and a shoot interview, in which Steen went into detail most notably about his relationship with Jim Cornette and his booking of ROH.{{cite AV media notes|title=ROH Hell Rising|orig-date=2014|publisher=Ring of Honor|year=2013}} The DVD was pulled from ROH's online store shortly after its release.{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=June 30, 2013 |title=Radican's ROH DVD Review Series: "Kevin Steen: Hell Rising" – Steen discusses relationship with Cornette, run as ROH champ, new details on time away from ROH in 2011 |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_71633.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219081311/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_71633.shtml |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/288627|title=100 Percent Fordified: Ring of Honor Kevin Steen – Hell Rising|last=Ford|first=Kevin|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=December 18, 2013|work=411Mania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219100312/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/288627|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=live}} It was made available again during the 2013 Christmas season.{{cite web |title=Kevin Steen: Hell Rising 2 disc set |url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/kevin-steen-hell-rising-2-disc-set |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210141045/http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/kevin-steen-hell-rising-2-disc-set |archive-date=December 10, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |work= |publisher=Ring of Honor}} Following his departure, ROH released another three disc set entitled Thanks Steen Thanks, which featured matches from the end of his championship run through his final match with the company.{{Cite web |last=Hawke |first=TJ |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Views from the Hawke’s Nest: Kevin Steen – Thanks Steen Thanks – Disc 3 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/views-from-the-hawkes-nest-kevin-steen-thanks-steen-thanks-disc-3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108065045/https://411mania.com/wrestling/views-from-the-hawkes-nest-kevin-steen-thanks-steen-thanks-disc-3/ |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=411Mania}}

Owens is a playable character in the video games WWE 2K16,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|title=Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list|date=August 10, 2015|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321095326/https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2019}} WWE 2K17,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/gallery/wwe-2k17-roster-art-photos|title=Photos: Find out who made the WWE 2K17 roster|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401063820/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/gallery/wwe-2k17-roster-art-photos|archive-date=April 1, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2019}} WWE 2K18,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|title=WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters|last=Artus|first=Matthew|date=September 27, 2017|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107162419/http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=November 4, 2017}} WWE 2K19,{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k19-roster-full-list-200-confirmed-wrestlers-/2900-2163/|title=WWE 2K19 Roster Full List: 200+ Confirmed Wrestlers & DLC Superstars|website=GameSpot|first=Mat|last=Elfring|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014404/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k19-roster-full-list-200-confirmed-wrestlers-/2900-2163/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}} WWE 2K20,{{Cite web |last=Gartland |first=Dan |date=October 10, 2019 |title=Full ‘WWE 2K20’ Roster Revealed: See Every Wrestler Included in the Game |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/10/10/wwe-2k20-full-roster-list |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606162427/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/10/10/wwe-2k20-full-roster-list |archive-date=June 6, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated}} WWE 2K22,{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=May 6, 2022 |title=WWE 2K22 wrestlers list sorted by Raw, Smackdown, AEW and more |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509233619/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers/ |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=GamesRadar+}} WWE 2K23,{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=June 6, 2023 |title=WWE 2K23 roster reveal with every confirmed wrestler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606132700/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=GamesRadar+}} WWE 2K24{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K24 Roster |url=https://wwe.2k.com/2k24/roster-list/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224165449/https://wwe.2k.com/2k24/roster-list/ |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=WWE 2K}} and WWE 2K25.{{cite web |date= |title=WWE 2K25 Roster |url=https://wwe.2k.com/2k25/roster/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405202851/https://wwe.2k.com/2k25/roster/ |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 5, 2025 |website=WWE 2K}}

Steen married Karina Lamer in 2007.{{cite web |title=Karina Steen (@karinaleilas) • Instagram photos and videos |url=https://instagram.com/karinaleilas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222095505/https://www.instagram.com/karinaleilas/ |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2015 |website=Instagram}} They have a son named Owen (named after Owen Hart, with Steen dedicating his WWE ring name to both his son and Hart){{cite web |last=Steen |first=Kevin |date=May 7, 2012 |title=Owen Steen |url=https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/199461469719494656 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151013011000/https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/199461469719494656 |archive-date=October 13, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2015 |publisher=Twitter}} and a daughter named Élodie Leila.{{cite web|last=Steen|first=Kevin|title=Élodie Leila Steen|url=https://twitter.com/FightSteenFight/status/458640103506583552|publisher=Twitter|date=April 22, 2014|access-date=April 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161249/https://twitter.com/FightSteenFight/status/458640103506583552|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} At the end of the DDT4 Night One event in May 2008, a then-six-month-old Owen appeared in a segment with Excalibur in which Excalibur called him "ugly", prompting Steen to perform three consecutive package piledrivers on him before placing Owen on top of Excalibur for the pinfall.{{cite web |last=Domingo |first=Bayani |date=May 18, 2008 |title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla: Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament Night 1 – 5.17.08 |url=http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/75830/Pro-Wrestling-Guerrilla:-Dynamite-Duumvirate-Tag-Team-Title-Tournament-Night-1---5.17.08.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014539/http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/75830/Pro-Wrestling-Guerrilla:-Dynamite-Duumvirate-Tag-Team-Title-Tournament-Night-1---5.17.08.htm |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=February 21, 2010 |website=411Mania}}

Steen is best friends with fellow Canadian wrestler Rami Sebei, currently known in WWE as Sami Zayn, with the pair's on-screen characters teaming up or feuding with each other various times since they first met in 2002.{{cite web |last=Phelan |first=Chris |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Good Friends, Better Enemies: Examining the Bond Between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn |url=https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/wwe-superstars-kevin-owens-sami-zayns-explained |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108000900/https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/wwe-superstars-kevin-owens-sami-zayns-explained |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=USA Network}}

Steen is a fan of Canadian country singer Shania Twain. The two met at her Montreal show in 2018, where he joined her on stage and she promised that she would sing her song "When" for him if he defeated his then-rival, Braun Strowman.{{cite web |last1=Longmire |first1=Rebecca |date=June 27, 2018 |title=WWE Star Kevin Owens Sparks Twitter Meltdown As He Joins Shania Twain Onstage, Begs Her To Play His Favourite Song |url=https://etcanada.com/news/342102/wwe-star-kevin-owens-sparks-twitter-meltdown-as-he-joins-shania-twain-onstage-begs-her-to-play-his-favourite-song/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207033009/https://etcanada.com/news/342102/wwe-star-kevin-owens-sparks-twitter-meltdown-as-he-joins-shania-twain-onstage-begs-her-to-play-his-favourite-song/ |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=7 February 2023 |website=ET Canada |publisher=Corus Entertainment Inc.}}

{{multiple image

|align=right

|width=170

|direction=vertical

|image1=ROH World Champion Kevin Steen.jpg

|caption1=Owens (then known as Kevin Steen) is a former ROH World Champion...

|image2=Kevin Owens, wrestler, March 2015.jpg

|caption2=... a former NXT Champion...

|image3=Kevin Owens as Universal Champion in September 2016.jpg

|caption3=... a former Universal Champion...

|image4=Kevin owens and sami zayn as undisputed champions.jpg

|caption4=... and a former Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champion, along with his tag team partner Sami Zayn (back).

}}

• All American Wrestling
• AAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web |date=December 1, 2013 |title=Show results – 11/30 AAW in Berwyn, Ill.: Steen captures AAW Title, Finals of Allegiance Tag Tournament more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74869.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034155/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74869.shtml |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}
• Capital City Championship Combat
• C4 Championship (1 time){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=C4 Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1143 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707050859/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1143 |archive-date=July 7, 2014 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• C4 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Mike Bailey{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=C4 Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1419 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905004616/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1419 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• C4 Championship Tournament (2009){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=C4 Championship Tournament (2009) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1261&page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205043715/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1261&page=2 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• Combat Zone Wrestling
• CZW Iron Man Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.czwrestling.com/titlehistory/#NewHorror |title=CZW New Horror Champions |access-date=October 23, 2010 |publisher=Combat Zone Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005104115/http://www.czwrestling.com/titlehistory/ |archive-date=October 5, 2009 }}
• Elite Wrestling Revolution
• EWR Heavyweight Championship (2 times, inaugural){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1047|title=EWR Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch|date=February 6, 2004|access-date=November 19, 2020}}
• Elite 8 (2005){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1127&page=2|title=Elite 8 (2005)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020}}
• EWR Championship Tournament (2004){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=EWR Championship Tournament (2004) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1129&page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231051840/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1129&page=2 |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• International Wrestling Syndicate
• IWS Canadian Championship (1 time){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=IWS Canadian Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=412 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929042117/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=412 |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• IWS World Heavyweight Championship (3 times){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=IWS World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=411 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604160201/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=411 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• North Shore Pro Wrestling
• NSPW Championship (1 time){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=NSPW Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1389 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312155743/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1389 |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
• PWG World Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion006.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion: "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012193614/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion006.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}
• PWG World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with El Generico (2) and Super Dragon (1){{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Champions: El Generico & "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012213230/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion016.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion019.html|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Champions: El Generico & "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen (2nd Reign)|access-date=October 23, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012213235/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/champion019.html|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831132846/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|archive-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Class of 2017{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Bret Hart, Kevin Owens inducted into Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame |url=http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=33999&p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206223520/http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=33999&p=1 |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}
• Ring of Honor
• ROH World Championship (1 time)
• ROH World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with El Generico{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship |access-date=April 5, 2010 |publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=April 12, 2010}}
• ROH World Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament (2008){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=ROH World Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament (2008) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=729&page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206003737/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=729&page=2 |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• Match of the Decade (2010s) {{small|vs. El Generico at Final Battle 2012: Doomsday}}{{cite web |date=January 23, 2020 |title=Match of The Decade: Kevin Steen vs. El Generico Ladder War |url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/match-decade-kevin-steen-vs-el-generico-ladder-war |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124202240/https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/match-decade-kevin-steen-vs-el-generico-ladder-war |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |access-date=August 7, 2021 |work= |publisher=Ring of Honor}}
• Rolling Stone
• Best Heel (2015){{cite web |last=Herzog |first=Kenny |date=December 14, 2015 |title=WWE Wrestler(s) of the Year |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-s-of-the-year-the-new-day-20151214 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204908/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestlers-of-the-year-the-new-day-165548/ |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=December 14, 2015 |website=Rolling Stone}}
• Best Promos (2015) {{small|tied with John Cena}}{{cite magazine |last=Herzog |first=Kenny |date=July 1, 2015 |title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402120141/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/ |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=December 20, 2020 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}
• Best Storyline (2015) {{small|vs. John Cena}}
• Ranked No. 6 of the 10 best WWE wrestlers of 2016{{cite magazine |last=Herzog |first=Ken |date=December 21, 2016 |title=10 Best WWE Wrestlers of 2016 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-119760/enzo-and-cass-121969/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215221/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-119760/enzo-and-cass-121969/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2020 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}
• Rookie of the Year (2015)
• WWE Match of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank}}
• WWE Wrestler of the Half-Year (2015)
• SoCal Uncensored
• Match of the Year (2011) with Super Dragon vs. The Young Bucks on December 10{{cite web |last=Cole |first=Adair |date=October 2, 2012 |title=2011 SoCal Year End Awards |url=http://socaluncensored.com/2012/10/02/2011-socal-year-end-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426170250/http://socaluncensored.com/2012/10/02/2011-socal-year-end-awards/ |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |work=SoCalUncensored.com}}
• Wrestler of the Year (2005, 2011, 2012){{cite web |title=SoCal UNCENSORED Awards 2005 |url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu05.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822123621/http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu05.htm |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2010 |work=SoCalUncensored.com}}{{cite web |last=Cole |first=Adair |date=March 4, 2013 |title=2012 SoCal Year End Awards |url=http://socaluncensored.com/2013/03/04/2012-socal-year-end-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929063008/http://socaluncensored.com/2013/03/04/2012-socal-year-end-awards/ |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |work=SoCalUncensored.com}}
• Sports Illustrated
• Ranked No. 7 of the top 10 wrestlers in 2017{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|title=Top 10 Wrestlers of the Year|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=December 30, 2017|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229202856/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Brawler (2010–2012){{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 30, 2012|title=Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}{{cite magazine |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 23, 2013 |title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue |url= |magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |location=Campbell, California |issn=1083-9593}}
• Feud of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. El Generico}}
• Feud of the Year (2023) {{small|with Sami Zayn vs. The Bloodline}}{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 23, 2024 |title=February 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: 2023 Observer Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-26-2024-observer-newsletter-2023-observer-awards-issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224173616/https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-26-2024-observer-newsletter-2023-observer-awards-issue |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• Squared Circle Wrestling
• 2CW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=2CW Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1144 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205055012/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1144 |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• 2CW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jason Axe{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date= |title=2CW Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1145 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826161308/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1145 |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
• 2CW Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2012)
• WWE
• WWE Universal Championship (1 time){{cite web |title=Universal Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405165423/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship |archive-date=April 5, 2017 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |publisher=WWE}}
• NXT Championship (1 time){{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship |title=NXT Championship |publisher=WWE |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409171029/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times){{cite web |title=Intercontinental Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116121547/https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |publisher=WWE}}
• WWE United States Championship (3 times){{cite web |title=United States Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024140/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/5192013-dean-ambrose |archive-date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2017 |publisher=WWE}}
• WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Sami Zayn{{cite web |title=Raw Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101180458/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championship |archive-date=January 1, 2025 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE}}
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Sami Zayn{{cite web |title=SmackDown Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411110235/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |publisher=WWE}}
• 16th Grand Slam Champion (under current format; 23rd overall)
• WWE United States Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2023){{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=January 5, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/5): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Logan Paul's appearances, Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Universal Title at the Royal Rumble |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-5-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-logan-pauls-appearances-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-title-at-the-royal-ru/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110020944/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-5-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-logan-pauls-appearances-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-title-at-the-royal-ru/ |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

{{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Kevin Steen}}

• {{WWE superstar}}
• {{Roh roster|kevin-steen|Kevin Steen}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• {{Twitter}}
• {{IMDb name|name=Kevin Steen}}

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Category:1984 births

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