Kevin Owens Explains Intentions Behind Surprise WWE NXT New Year’s Evil Return

WWE NXT New Year’s Evil was quite a show, and it ended with Trick Williams putting his #1 contender spot on the line against Grayson Waller. In the end, Waller lost that match, and he had Kevin Owens to blame for that.

Kevin Owens got his payback against Grayson Waller, who had previously caused him to suffer a broken hand alongside Austin Theory. In a WWE Digital Exclusive after the show, Owens candidly discussed his stance.

Kevin Owens addressed his recent appearance on WWE NXT, which saw him encountering Grayson Waller. This ruined Waller’s plan, but it was just what Owens wanted to do.

“I was watching at home, I don’t live too far from here, and once I saw that Grayson Waller was gonna be involved, I figured, what better way to start 2024 than by getting some payback for the broken hand?

Advertising

Advertising

“He and Theory broke my hand, and then I figured Theory might not be there, so great opportunity.

“Now 2024 is off to a great start, and Friday I make it better by beating Santos Escobar and moving on, winning the whole tournament, and then I go on to the Royal Rumble, beat Logan Paul, restore some sort of prestige to the US Title because he’s done a hell of a job bringing it way down. Then 2024, we’re rocking.”

During the No. 1 Contender match for the NXT Championship, Trick Williams faced off against Grayson Waller, but that wasn’t the original match on the card. Ilja Dragunov was supposed to defend the NXT Title against Trick, but that kayfabe injury at the hands of Ridge Holland kept him out of the match.

Shawn Michaels had earlier mentioned a “former NXT champion” showing interest, eventually that revealed to be Kevin Owens. We will have to see what happens next. 2023 was a crazy year, and 2024 is starting off with some big surprises as well.

For more on this story, and so much more, please keep it tuned with us here at Ringside News. We will keep an eye on this story, and so many more from all over the pro wrestling world, to bring you the best headlines in the business.

What’s your take on Kevin Owens’ surprise appearance during NXT New Year’s Evil? Let us know what you think in the comments section!