But He's FAT!!!

[Mustang Sally]

Given Kevin Owens' come-down in influence since his series with John Cena, I expected Ryback to beat KO for the IC title last night. For whatever reason, it seemed WWE has been anxious to establish Ryback as a genuine star, although I haven't seen anything from the Big Guy we didn't see during his first go-around in the company......and despite his bulk, he certainly had a harder time lifting Owens than did Cena or Cesaro.

But Kevin Owens won last night and is now the IC champion.....and I think it's great. WWE originally wanted to add prestige to the US and IC titles, choosing Cena to hoist the US belt and Daniel Bryan to defend the IC. It was a great idea and would have worked with the IC had Daniel not been injured. After he was, the company didn't seem to know how to go about re-establishing their original goal, choosing Wade Barrett as the man to carry the belt. He's a fine performer but not charismatic enough to get folks to care about him as champion.....although heaven knows they keep trying.

Now, we've got Kevin Owens. Yes, I think he could try eating a salad once in a while instead of looking as if he trains at McDonald's. Still, the guy is a genuine presence in the ring and draws strong crowd reaction....so as a young veteran, I believe he's got the wherewithal to add some real excitement to the Intercontinental championship.......because if people care about the IC title, it becomes important again.

What do you think?

 

[THTRobtaylor]

Why is his physique even an issue to anyone? Wrestlers were NOT always these chiselled from granite types... plenty of larger guys not only had success but had titles and the differences were part of what made wrestling exciting.

You could put guys like Vader in there with Sting or Arn Anderson with Lex Luger and the match work because of the difference. Oh that's right, it was WCW...

WWE does have a reason I guess for wanting it's guys to be as fit as possible, watching someone as beloved as Yoko pretty much die in front of you isn't going to be fun for anyone... they have to be seen to be sensible, but in this match you had their version of the "monster" vs a normal guy...

Some of the best workers WWE have EVER had were guys similar to Owens, guys like Big Bossman, One Man Gang (before they made him dance) and King Kong Bundy...that's before the dropped ball that was Vader... Those 3 kinda got the pass more cos they were very tall as well as big... At 6ft Owens isn't that type of monster... but has all their meanness and is in essence WWE's version of Roy Nelson... want to call either of those guys above...Nelson OR Owens fat to their face or tell them to eat a salad? I thought not!

 

[Mustang Sally]

... want to call either of those guys above...Nelson OR Owens fat to their face or tell them to eat a salad? I thought not!

Sure, I will! Just lemme at 'em! I'll even buy the fat-free dressing to get them started.

The thing is, I presume the reason Owens has been able to make his mark so quickly in spite of his way-below-average physique is his in-ring talent. Fat or not, he's great to watch and that's why I think he'll add some badly needed impact to the IC title.

The thing is, this is today's wrestling and I didn't think WWE would hire any more Akeems' or King Kong Bundys. Fortunately for all of us, management didn't take one look at Owens' body and refuse to even let him try out. He's that good.

But he is fat.

 

[OYDK]

Yes, I think he could try eating a salad once in a while instead of looking as if he trains at McDonald's.

The ironic thing is he seems to have very good cardio. He regularly wrestles 20 minute matches (not even mentioning his ROH matches) and never looks gassed. Considering all the moves he does, I think it's pretty impressive that a man that big can be as athletic as Kevin Owens is. But yeah I agree, I was pretty upset that I missed his title win live but he's definitely a good choice to get people invested in the IC title. Ryback should get his obligatory rematch, I'd assume on Raw but it will be interesting to see where Owens goes from there.

If they were ever going to unify the titles, they don't have much of a better opportunity than right now. That's a long-shot option that I wouldn't want to see happen at this time, but it's a possibility now that Owens and Cena are the champs. I think it's time for Owens to really start taking off now. The IC title should give him a lot more TV time and direction and I have no doubt he'll run with it.

 

[timothy26]

Kevin Owens has far more in ring ability than most of the bodybuilder types.
Dusty Rhodes was fat.

I still find Owens believable, being muscular like Ryback doesn't equal great fighter, that's a very old fashioned notion, still something Vince probably thinks. Plus Owens must be incredibly fit to be doing what he's doing in these matches, he's made himself believable because of his performances - the guy obviously has the athletic ability and strength to be doing what he's doing

 

[timothy26]

Sure, I will! Just lemme at 'em! I'll even buy the fat-free dressing to get them started.

The thing is, I presume the reason Owens has been able to make his mark so quickly in spite of his way-below-average physique is his in-ring talent. Fat or not, he's great to watch and that's why I think he'll add some badly needed impact to the IC title.

The thing is, this is today's wrestling and I didn't think WWE would hire any more Akeems' or King Kong Bundys. Fortunately for all of us, management didn't take one look at Owens' body and refuse to even let him try out. He's that good.

But he is fat.

Well as we know Owens debuted in 2000 and had some stellar matches and a title run in PWG and ROH so that's probably what got him signed, he's a veteran wrestler capable of carrying a match.

 

[S.J. Maximus]

It really really irks me when people comment on Owens' physique. People always complain about how prejudice the media is with body image and how it promotes "the same seemingly unattainable look" but it seems as if wrestling fans bought in on that hype.

The thing that makes me so mad about that, is that every fan will have so much respect for guys like Dusty Rhodes, Bam Bam Bigelow, and even 500+ pound Yokozuna but as soon as a new guy comes that doesn't have a 6-pack he's automatically fat. That way of thinking is absolutely absurd. I think Daniel Bryan put it best on Tough Enough when he said "You can look however you want, it only comes down to how much you can go"

And with that being said, Kevin Owens is one of the best in-ring performers in the world today. He's already proven that he can go with the best of them, and arguably had the best match at SummerSlam against Cesaro (who I also think is an elite ring performer). He's extremely charismatic and there's just something about him that I find refreshing. I can't quite put my finger on it but I've bought into his character far more than any character in the WWE besides Cena's. He honestly has the making of a top heel and if politics don't get in the way I absolutely expect him to become one for the years to come.

A huge problem with the IC belt is that the champions usually end up disappearing after winning the belt (Bryan got hurt, Barrett was only on Superstars for some reason, Ryback got hurt) but if Kevin Owens continues to get air time, he will definitely make that belt relevant again.

 

[Messiah]

I just wish Kevin Owens would go back to ROH. He was far more entertaining in that company.

Yes, the look does matter and Kevin Owens doesn't have the best look, everybody knows that. That's the only thing he's lackin', unfortunately for him, the look means the most in WWE. It's going to keep him from being World Champion.

 

[enviousdominous]

Kevin Owens is by some definitions "husky" and by other definitions "portly". He's a fat guy basically. As were Bam Bam Bigelo, Mabel, Yokozuna, King Kong Bundy, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, Andre the Giant, Big Daddy, Earthquake, Tugboat and Kamala. I really don't know why his being fat is an issue if he's still able to hang in the ring. There are "fat" people out there finishing marathons, so we probably shouldn't associate the term with being unable to perform athletically. Chris Farley trained in Ninjitsu for his role in Beverly Hills Ninja, and apparently they didn't have to train him very much because he was already a tremendous athlete for his size.

Kevin Owens throws his own body around like he's a cruiserweight, I'm sure he could give my scrawny ass a run for my money in the gym. I really don't think it'll ever be my place to judge Kevin Owens on his looks.

He's very matter-of-fact on the mic, which is a lot more difficult than it sounds. Most of us would stutter or stammer or correct ourselves as we attempt to verbally analyze our environment. Some performers are lucky enough to find a flow that works for their style, but it's usually the same message over and over again with only slight differences in the method of delivery. Kevin Owens critiques his opponents in a fresh way every time I hear him. His expressions are genuine and I honestly think it's a good sign when an established heel earns face cred by accident.

I'm obviously a huge Kevin Owens mark, I probably always will be. I don't hate Ryback, but I really don't see how his character is any different than the mundane meat-head from his introduction. They gave Ryback a brief backstory about how he told a kid that he was a good guy, or something. I think Ryback is better suited to playing up the Worf-effect.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Is this still a thing? Please tell me no?

The responses are just as worn out as this talk. Lots of wrestlers have had different looks, his matches fucking rock, he is criminlly good in the mic work and charisma factors, he is unnaturally comfortable and aware in the ring, etc etc etc.


Add to this that pracitically no one in NXT looks like the roster of Wrestlemania 4, and I think we are kind or past this sort of stuff.

 

[BillAlfonsos_Whistle]

Owens is the best heel in the business right now. Even better than Rollins and I'm a massive mark for Seth Freakin' Rollins. Owens just drips with hatred, jealousy, anger, etc. He is a true bully. But not in a coward sense. he picks on the top dogs and people his size and always beats them. He does what he says he'll do.

Now watch WWE put the strap back on Ryback in a month LOLOLOL
Owens should have a year long reign and elevate that whole division. We already saw what he can do with guys like Cesaro.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Is this still a thing? Please tell me no?

The responses are just as worn out as this talk. Lots of wrestlers have had different looks, his matches fucking rock, he is criminlly good in the mic work and charisma factors, he is unnaturally comfortable and aware in the ring, etc etc etc.


Add to this that pracitically no one in NXT looks like the roster of Wrestlemania 4, and I think we are kind or past this sort of stuff.

Despite the subject title, the scope of this thread is getting people's opinions as to whether having Owens as the holder of the IC title will benefit Owens, the championship & the company.....and their have been some good replies.

As to those who keep mentioning folks like Bundy, Bigelow & Monsoon, I maintain this is a different era and the standards for whom the company wants in their rings has changed. Still, when a talent such as Kevin Owens shows up, the rules are (properly) bent........and he should be a fixture in WWE rings for years, even though he looks as if he swallowed a piano.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

To me, a guy's look is far less important than what he brings to the table inside the ring and on the mic. Even if he isn't super dynamice mic, what's important is if he can get me interested in what he's involved in as a heel or babyface. What's important is if he can get inside the ring and keep me entertained with his abilities.

Sure, Owens has a bit of a pot belly. It doesn't seem to have gotten the way as far as him being a compelling character and entertaining to watch. He'll probably never be "the face" of WWE as Vince does put a lot of stock in physiques but, at the same time, just because someone looks chiseled out of stone and have matinee idol good looks doesn't mean fans are going to rally around them just because Vinny Mac might want them to. Besides, I don't watch wrestling to get some sort of thrill from seeing a buncha buff guys wearing spandex tights and little else. If I was only interested in seeing mostly naked hot people, I'd have long since been happy with the Divas being nothing more than bits of fluff to serve as filler for air time.

 

[LuckyLouie]

You guys need to hop of KOd dick!
The guy is not anywhere close to being FAT. Does he have a belly and has more body fat then the rest of the body builders...yes.
Him, Daniel Bryan, Wyatts...except the new one. Jericho, Stone Cold, JBL, most cruiserweights, Big Daddy V was a fat fucker, Goerge The Animal Steel, almost every single wrestler from the 60s, 70s, 80 and some 90s were all kinda outta shape. At least it looked like it.
KO stands out since he does not fit the mold of the WWE wrestlers, and everyone stupid enough to think that is jumping on the band wagon.
Anyone calling him fat is just trying to insult him, but they dont have anything.
KO might not be in the best shape of his life, but he is in better shape then most people on here. Im sure he would leave us all in the dust in the gym.
Who knows, lets respect him for what he does not and how he looks.


This is the exact reason why many good wrestlers dont make it. Someone says something stupid like that, and it sticks with them for the rest of their career. DB is too small to be a big star, it was drilled into our heads. Christian was ugly. Cesaro is bland. Jack Swagger and his list. All stupid things that should not make a wrestler ends their careers.

 

[CanYouDigIt98]

Stuff like this really annoys the life of me. Why can the world appreciate talent no matter what there appearance is like?

Forget Owens weight, it's his ability that counts. I'd much rather see hiim with the IC round his waist than Fandango just because his BMI is better.

Like other people have said look at some of the biggest names in WWE History: Vader, Dusty Rhodes and not to forget the greatest tag team partner in the world Rosey.

Owens puts on a good standard of match 9/10 times and reminds me of a bit of the old WWE with his Agression, not forgetting his promo skills which has been noted in previous replies. But isn't that what we all complain about? That it isn't the same as it use to be because 'There all to nice' or that they can't be a champion because they can't cut a promo . We've got people now complaining that someone's too Fat, even though there everything that WWE Universe has cried out for years and especially someone that can bring a bit of prestige back to the IC Title.

That being said, I think the IC Title was pretty much lost on everyone a long time ago, It's been 5th placed behind the World and WWE Titles, United States and Tag Championships. Even the Divas title seems to have more worth than it. It's crazy to think that a title which was worth so much back in the day is now basically a card filler without much to it.

For me it would be nice to see Owens carry the title for a while, he could try and regain some interest in the title and further his status within the ring. It's vital that the title doesn't act as a weight holding Owens down though, Placing him in pointless feuds that will do little credibility for his career will not do him any justice and will ultimately see him slip even further down the ranks and be another 'could've beens' like we've seen so many times before due to WWEs inability to book.

 

[LiarsDice]

As to those who keep mentioning folks like Bundy, Bigelow & Monsoon, I maintain this is a different era and the standards for whom the company wants in their rings has changed.

Come on. Bray Wyatt is not a small guy. He's 20lbs heavier than Owens, and only 3 inches taller, and he got a main event program with Cena, and Taker at Wrestlemania. Wyatt is pretty much considered to be "the next Undertaker", so how come he is exempt from these 'standards' while Owens cant be mentioned in a sentence without an addendum about his weight?

 

[Azane]

The pudgy look is part of why I enjoy watching him, seeing different body types instead of everyone looking like a skinny pair of steroids is interesting.

 

[timothy26]

As I said before no one takes bodybuilders seriously in 2015 anyway, most MMA fighters are fairly lean and there's a couple of pudgy ones in there even, Lesnar is marketed as and legitimately is the most dangerous guy in the company but he doesn't have the same physique as he did in 2002, still a big guy but has far more of a natural look. Punk on the other hand was very lean and didn't have a whole lot of muscle on him but was still the most over guy in years, no one cared about his size.

We all know Vince has a hard on for the big bodybuilder types and I guess that's just his mentality being a bodybuilder himself and being from an era where the business was more protected and people thought these huge muscular guys were gods.

 

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Kevin Owens is a better wrestler than 95% of wrestlers lighter than him in WWE. That's what matters. He's also great on the mic and oozes charisma.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

WWE IS hiring bigger guys, Braun Strowman is not a "muscleman" as such, he's a taller version of Wyatt so appears a little more in proportion is all... guys like Bossman had INSANE cardio for their size, just like Owens does now. Bossman rarely did squashes, he always did intense matches at a relatively fast pace, just like Owens does now.

WWE absolutely needs all shapes and sizes for it to work - the world is as tired of 7ft monsters as it is of cruisers passing themselves off as heavyweights... guys like Bray and Owens mix up that "cookie cutter" look and can go in the ring... It's a shame guys like Bossman and Bam Bam died so young as they'd have been great trainers today, and there'd be more guys like them around.

 

[Kodo Sawaki]

What do you think?

Think he is far more likely to be better Champion then Ryback if they book him properly. People like him because eventhough he doesnt have "bodybuilder" type of body can do good in ring and he is good talker with good charisma. So he will do just fine as IC Champ.

 

[JoeMallard]

WWE IS hiring bigger guys, Braun Strowman is not a "muscleman" as such, he's a taller version of Wyatt so appears a little more in proportion is all... guys like Bossman had INSANE cardio for their size, just like Owens does now. Bossman rarely did squashes, he always did intense matches at a relatively fast pace, just like Owens does now.

WWE absolutely needs all shapes and sizes for it to work - the world is as tired of 7ft monsters as it is of cruisers passing themselves off as heavyweights... guys like Bray and Owens mix up that "cookie cutter" look and can go in the ring... It's a shame guys like Bossman and Bam Bam died so young as they'd have been great trainers today, and there'd be more guys like them around.

He has his Stongmans card. He won the 2012 Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championship, but you're correct about everything else.

 

[whoopin' ass]

and? Foley was fat, Vader was fat - didn't mean they couldn't work. Ever hear of Dusty Rhodes? His nickname for years was "The Fat Man". He is good on the mic and good in the ring - what else matters? You kow it is funny - the complain is he is fat so people don't buy into him. Do you really think most of the guys on the roster could handle themselves in a real fight? HBK got his ass kicked in real like, no one ever said "well, I just don't buy him as champ anymore after that". If that doesn't matter, him being a bit bigger shouldn't either. After all, they are not claiming he is a crusierweight. Size matters in some aspects - yeah, it is hard to buy a 150 pound guy beating the Big Show - but in this case, it really isn't an issue,

 

[Mustang Sally]

and? Foley was fat, Vader was fat - didn't mean they couldn't work. Ever hear of Dusty Rhodes? His nickname for years was "The Fat Man". He is good on the mic and good in the ring - what else matters? You kow it is funny - the complain is he is fat so people don't buy into him. Do you really think most of the guys on the roster could handle themselves in a real fight? HBK got his ass kicked in real like, no one ever said "well, I just don't buy him as champ anymore after that". If that doesn't matter, him being a bit bigger shouldn't either. After all, they are not claiming he is a crusierweight. Size matters in some aspects - yeah, it is hard to buy a 150 pound guy beating the Big Show - but in this case, it really isn't an issue,

{sigh}

The problem with this post I started 5 days ago is the title ("But he's FAT!") which I figured would get attention.....and it sure did!

Reading the initial post, though, shows that this was intended to be a thread appreciative of Kevin Owen's talent and indicating approval of WWE's wisdom in attempting to boost the prestige of the IC title by giving it to him.

Is KO fat?....... Sure is!

Were the guys listed in other posts in this thread fat?....... Sure were!

The point is that KO can bring it between the ropes and those mortally offended by having Owens called fat can cool their jets a bit.

 

[Blade]

I think the fact that Kevin Owens looks different can benefit him, once he gains the acceptance and trust of Vince and co, which he seems to have done already.

I remember Jericho talking about how one of the best things a wrestler can do for his career is be like nobody else. And there ain't nobody else like Owens. He doesn't really fit any archetype. He's too small to be a monster. Not muscular enough to be a legit Reigns-esque ass kicker. Too big to be a traditionally weasely heel. He's really just an average guy that would sit next to you at Raw.

And therein lies the brilliance of Owens and his average-guy look. As heel, you hate him because he looks like he doesn't belong, and yet he does, and is super fucking arrogant about it. He looks like an average audience member, except, in reality, he's richer and tougher and more talented. People DESPISE more successful versions of themselves, particularly when it's right in your face. That's why sibling rivalries are so common.

And then, when he turns face a couple of years from now, he can tone down his arrogance, use his mic skills to tear heels to shreds, and people will adore him because, hey, he's just like us! He's an average guy who made it to the big time! Living the American dream! Good for him!

And that's beauty of pro wrestling. And the beauty of what Kevin Owens has going for him with how he looks. And mark my words, he's going to make for a very good Intercontinental champion.