Kevin Owens is back in WWE and gearing up for another major match, but Jim Ross believes there was a time when his career could have gone in a very different direction. In JR’s opinion, Owens had everything it took to become AEW World Champion—and he isn’t convinced that possibility is completely off the table.
While speaking on Grilling JR, Jim Ross praised the Prizefighter as one of his favorite wrestlers before reflecting on what an AEW run might have looked like had the stars aligned.
“Kevin Owens’ return has been nothing short of extraordinary. And he’s one of my favorite talents in the ring. I kind of got closer to him when I found out that he learned to speak English in Montreal by listening to me do commentary. So I thought that was kind of cool, but he’s a hell of a hand.”
When Conrad Thompson brought up past speculation about Owens potentially joining AEW because of his friendships with Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, Ross didn’t hesitate when asked what role Owens could have played.
“Champion. He could have been world champion. Still could. He’s not an old guy.”
Ross explained that Owens brings much more than great matches to the table. He praised his reputation backstage, his ability to work as either a babyface or heel, and also acknowledged that WWE has treated him well during his recovery from injury.
“But I think he’s, from what I hear, a good locker room guy. He can work. He can work with anybody as a babyface or a heel, and that’s a great trait to have. So, WWE’s taken good care of him while he was hurt. Surgery got paid. Those things are big, especially for the wife of the family.”
JR then made it clear he doesn’t believe the door to AEW is necessarily closed forever. While he isn’t reporting that Owens is leaving WWE, he said he’d gladly welcome him if the opportunity ever came along.
“So we’ll see how that transpires as it goes forward. But it’s not too late for him to be in AEW at some point in time. At least that’s my take on it.
And I would welcome him with open arms if I were Tony Khan, into my roster and my locker room. But he’s just a hell of a hand. And he is a rugged heel. His matches have been physical and logical, and that seals it with me.”
Ross also made an important distinction, noting that he isn’t suggesting Owens is currently headed to AEW. In fact, he believes Owens may have already signed a new WWE deal, but still likes the idea of what an AEW run could eventually look like.
“I don’t know how likely it is. I thought he re-signed. Maybe I’m wrong. But I would love to see Kevin Owens in AEW. I think that would create a lot of new and interesting matchups.”
Owens has become one of WWE’s most reliable stars over the last decade, but JR clearly believes there are still plenty of fresh opportunities left for him wherever his career eventually takes him. Whether he spends the rest of his career in WWE or ever tests the waters elsewhere, Ross doesn’t think it’s too late for Owens to make an impact on another major stage.
Do you think Kevin Owens would have become AEW World Champion if he had made the jump? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
