Less is More- Why Kevin Owens is a genius.

[AegonTargaryen]

1)Hi guys! I rewatched the Ambrose-Ziggler match from Raw and I had wanted to watch it again especially because of KO's interference and post-match promo.

2)So KO throws ziggler out, pushes Ambrose towards the ropes and lays him out with a powerbomb. Just after that, the camera focuses on his face and his expression- no adjective seems to come into my mind that would be adequate or perfect enough to describe it- was brilliant! It said it all. That's the beauty of it. He was angry and mad and even enraged/furious and yet his face seemed to be reflecting a sort of placidity and patience. I can't seem to come up with adjectives because no words can describe it, hence beautiful.

3)He powerbombs Ambrose again, kicks Ziggler on the knees(that one seemed legit) in a way which could only be described as methodical/perfect/spontaneous , thinks for a second or two, and chooses to powerbomb him- over an already lain Ambrose. On the apron while departing, he stands and moves his neck(whatever that's called) twice, once again, calmly. He was furious and calm.

4)The promo was the best I've seen in quite a while. In particular, the words "you have no idea..no one has"..the intonation he utters this in was simply..brilliant. He goes on to say, "you think dean ambrose is a lunatic now? wait until I drive him absolutely insane..put him in an institution"..and finally SNIFFS once, before nonchalantly walking away. That was just brilliant.

5)The only thing I was thinking after having watched that was- This is the best heel I've seen in years, the last person in the WWE who came remotely close to being as good as a heel was Randy Orton. The way he said "no one knows.." and his expression??? Jesus it was like KO lost his 10 years' old loved one to some other man..and this was him losing the IC TITLE IN A SCRIPTED MATCH. He's that good.

6)Less is More and better because Kevin Owens doesn't grimace dozens of times like Ambrose/Reigns or contracts his traps like Ambrose or Reigns do, he doesn't move a lot, and he sure as hell doesn't need catchphrases like "I'm awesome". Heck, every time I have had to see The Miz being a heel, I ended up thinking, "no Miz, you're not cool or awesome, you're the biggest dork on TV". In a similar vein, Brock Lesnar has made a fortune doing less and letting actions, a smirk or two here and there, speak volumes. And it has worked.

7)Rather than elaborate further, I'd like to say that Kevin Owens, IMO, based on what I've seen of him so far, is better, even the best, on the mic and when it comes to in-ring psychology, than probably the entire WWE roster combined. Obviously, mr. Owens learned his craft elsewhere, and just like Chris Jericho once remarked about his own self, is a member of a rare, dying breed. Everything about KO screams brilliance/genius. Fortune must be cursed for KO having been given his genes/body type, because had he been a bit muscular like Brock, or he'd be the WWE's main guy, considering him being overflowing with talent in multiple aspects- something which today's wrestlers severely lack in.

8)I do think KO could become/be given a chance to be WWE WHC. And I think he'd be brilliant as champion.

9)In theory, most WWE wrestlers should learn from him, as to why Less is More. But in practice, there are exceptions. Shawn Michaels overdoing all his boytoy schtick as a heel, the Rock clapping after delivering a suplex when he was a heel in 2003, Bo Dallas' schtick- they're exceptions. But the best heel in the business KO proves again and again- less is more.

 

[NatureBoy3:14]

Steen molded his craft for years of training, traveling, and earning his stripes and respect around the world. The guy is a monster. It just goes to show all the folks that bash indie wresting don't know what they are talking about. The last WWE home grown talent to be worth a damn in the past decade are few and far in between. Steen, Generico, Black, Punk, Danielson, Devitt, Joe and the Nation Moxley, Claudio, El Patron and Summary are killing it and will be the reason why the WWe stays afloat. Even now I'm trying to think of WWe developmental talent that's worth a damn. I'm struggling. But back to you point stern is freakin awesome

 

[YatesA]

Slowly becoming my favourite guy on the roster.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I like the 'Less is more' words in the title of the topic; it helps define what I've been thinking about Kevin Owens since he debuted on the main roster.

He does understand ring psychology and does play his character with only rare displays of emotion, as if he's keeping most of what he thinks & feels to himself. It's subtlety, and it works, especially in a form of entertainment with everyone else having such 'over the top' characteristics in their routines and personalities.

That said, if he never gets a run as world champion, I believe it's because of the way he looks. Yes, yes, I know looks aren't supposed to count in any aspect of life......but they do, don't they?

Forget political correctness for a moment and be honest......looks matter in real life......a lot.

To that end, Kevin Owens doesn't look like a world champion. Yes, fortunately, he can get away with holding a minor title like IC, but there's a huge jump from that to the big prize.

The visual contrast between John Cena and Owens in the ring during Kevin's first match was.....to say the least....striking. It's to WWE's credit that they can still surprise us by having Owens win cleanly, and acquit himself so well in the other two matches.

Do I agree that Kevin Owens is a genius in the ring? Yes, I do....but in today's world, it takes more than that and I think it would only help him to get in better physical shape.

If he's such a master in the ring that he can compel his employer to install him as world champion, more power to him. But if he can't, I think his appearance might be the major reason why. At TLC, that one of the announcers said during his match: 'Don't let Owens' appearance fool you' is a sure sign that a company that has to make excuses for the way he looks probably limits him in other ways, too.

 

[Azane]

Kevin Owens is someone that I think worked to have "it" because he wasnt born with "it".

Everything he does from his breathing pattern to where his eyes are moving, are well planned and done to further along the story of Kevin Owens inside Kevin Steen's body.

I have a lot of hope that WWE is seeing in him, what the random internet fans are seeing in him, and this man can elevate some of these high potential mid carders into the ME Scene for now, but I hope he gets his shot to move up.

 

[J.J.]

Steen molded his craft for years of training, traveling, and earning his stripes and respect around the world. The guy is a monster. It just goes to show all the folks that bash indie wresting don't know what they are talking about. The last WWE home grown talent to be worth a damn in the past decade are few and far in between. Steen, Generico, Black, Punk, Danielson, Devitt, Joe and the Nation Moxley, Claudio, El Patron and Summary are killing it and will be the reason why the WWe stays afloat. Even now I'm trying to think of WWe developmental talent that's worth a damn. I'm struggling. But back to you point stern is freakin awesome

What is defined as a homegrown talent? Current day recently would be Roman Reigns. Most in the WWE HOF, legend status and majority of the active roster got their starts elsewhere. Rather it's Indy or the old territories. Perhaps some have been placed with better characters over the years that helped them evolve(SCSA and Undertaker).

 

[AegonTargaryen]

I like the 'Less is more' words in the title of the topic; it helps define what I've been thinking about Kevin Owens since he debuted on the main roster.

Thanks! : )

He does understand ring psychology and does play his character with only rare displays of emotion, as if he's keeping most of what he thinks & feels to himself. It's subtlety, and it works, especially in a form of entertainment with everyone else having such 'over the top' characteristics in their routines and personalities.

Exactly.

That said, if he never gets a run as world champion, I believe it's because of the way he looks. Yes, yes, I know looks aren't supposed to count in any aspect of life......but they do, don't they?

Forget political correctness for a moment and be honest......looks matter in real life......a lot.

Yes they do, for better or for worse. It's the difference between an Umaga and a Roman Reigns

To that end, Kevin Owens doesn't look like a world champion. Yes, fortunately, he can get away with holding a minor title like IC, but there's a huge jump from that to the big prize.

I'd like to disagree here. I think if looking-like-a-world-champion admitted of degrees, KO looks like one to a LESSER degree than lets say, Randy Orton or John Cena. But for a company like WWE, Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy, or Samoa Joe would NEVER look like world champions, though they may give the big gold belt to Jeff, on account of him being such a kids' hero. Some would say even Punk didn't have the look of a world champ. I'd disagree. I think Punk and KO are both tall and charismatic(their face/beard/expression/intensity) enough, to have a certain world championesque look bestowed to them.

The visual contrast between John Cena and Owens in the ring during Kevin's first match was.....to say the least....striking. It's to WWE's credit that they can still surprise us by having Owens win cleanly, and acquit himself so well in the other two matches.

That his body is disproportionate(legs-tummy-upper body) and there's more fat to him than muscle is undeniable. In that regard, yes, the visual contrast sure would be striking. I can't help but notice in all of KO's matches how thin his lower legs and knees are in contrast to the rest of his body, so every time he's on the mat and prepares to get up again, this effort on his part is visible. But hell, I'll live with it!

 

[noTORRIEus]

I think the biggest compliment that I can give Kevin Owens is... my girlfriend who watches wrestling but not a huge fan says "Kevin Owens is my favorite. He knows how to be a bad guy." I agree with her, he's not trying to be the cool, catch phrase having heel who wants to sell a ton of merch.

My only criticism on Owens, as well as others, is that when doing a promo with another wrestler in the ring he tends to mouth off to them without saying it into the mic. It's in your hand, use it. Austin has said similar things. Other than that and his lack of any muscle mass whatsoever, I think the guy is the most well rounded wrestler in the WWE and should be a top heel for years to come.

 

[markostojic]

I don't usually agree with the IWC, I'm way too cool and smart for that, but I've gotta say... YES. I watched WWE religiously from 2007-2012, kept up with it (read Raw results on WZ at least twice a month, but typically every week, and looked up match/promo clips of new superstars when they debuted), and then I started watching again when I broke up with my gf (that b***h didn't like wrestling. How did I think that was gonna work? lol) in August and I've been watching on-and-off since.

With my limited exposure over the last few years, even to TNA and ROH back from 2009-2012, KO is debatably the best I've seen in wrestling ANYWHERE in a while. There are guys like Punk who are AWESOME, sure!! But there hasn't been a heel that, like somebody above said, didn't try to sell merch, i.e. Dolph Ziggler. Heels, since Edge retired and Orton had his turn, aren't quiet, calculating, evil anymore. They're crybabies, they're selfish, they cheat on their girlfriends, and they have to cheat to win.

KO has legitimately convinced me he could beat the s**t out of anybody on the roster. If Ziggler runs in on a match, he hides, hits his finisher, and runs away. KO does THIS. Stares them down. Beats the crap out of them. Continues to beat them down. Continues to beat them down. Continues to beat them down (ok you get the point). He's tough. He's the kinda heel who will cash in a MITB briefcase a week after warning the champ, not the kind who run in and cash in once they're already knocked out by somebody else. His character is an a**hole, but he's a winner.

WWE should model their heels after him, like somebody else above said. He's as close to a perfect heel (imo) as has been in pro wrestling (at least throughout my time of fandom, which I like to think includes the Attitude Era. LOTS of DVDs, youtube surfing, etc through jr high & high school lol still collecting if anybody selling)

 

[markostojic]

In addition to my above comment, the only heel like I described (cold, calculating, still a badass, doesn't have to cheat to win, only chooses to when desperate, etc) that I can think of the WWE has had lately in Big Show. When he's a heel, he's unstoppable and a monster. Maybe Kane, now that I use the word 'monster' lol but that's really about it. And while Kane has his gimmick and is great with the mic, neither is quite as good as KO, imo. But hey, if they can win world championship, why can't KO? I'm convinced he will be one day, sooner than later, too. Everybody says the WWE doesn't like him cuz of his look, but if they didn't like him they never would've put him in the rivalry with Cena and the US championship. I think he gets a WWEWHC title match before or at SummerSlam 2016. Feel free to s**t on me next year if I'm wrong lol

 

[KromyD]

In addition to my above comment, the only heel like I described (cold, calculating, still a badass, doesn't have to cheat to win, only chooses to when desperate, etc) that I can think of the WWE has had lately in Big Show. When he's a heel, he's unstoppable and a monster. Maybe Kane, now that I use the word 'monster' lol but that's really about it. And while Kane has his gimmick and is great with the mic, neither is quite as good as KO, imo. But hey, if they can win world championship, why can't KO? I'm convinced he will be one day, sooner than later, too. Everybody says the WWE doesn't like him cuz of his look, but if they didn't like him they never would've put him in the rivalry with Cena and the US championship. I think he gets a WWEWHC title match before or at SummerSlam 2016. Feel free to s**t on me next year if I'm wrong lol

I agree with this completely mate. WWE I think even done the popcorn n soda angle, but on Raw he bought that instance up in his favour claiming to be just your average lad who eats it everyday also.

KO to be champ by Wrestlemania 33 for me.

 

[Rhodes2TheFuture3313]

I think the thing about Owens is he's clearly a heel, but the little things he does tells the story like the OP suggested. I remember him being in a tagmatch with Rollins against Ambrose & Reigns. He tags in grabs Ambrose and screams to the crowd, "You like this guy??!?!!!" Then, proceeds to kick and stomp a mudhole on him. He knows how to get the crowd to hate him and respect him at the same time. That is what makes a great heel. The crowd wanting to see you perform, but disliking you and your actions at the same time.

 

[ShinChan]

Yes He is simply a genius...... A great heel and more importantly an awesome in-ring worker! Moonsault for a guy of his physique is awesome too....... And yeah the things he say during the match are awesome too....
(By the way, i love what Bubba Ray says during his match)
Coming back on the topic, He knows how to get a crowd reaction.... Less is more so one word for him Excellent

 

[Rocky84]

I'm a big fan of Owens, but feel he needs to kick his character up just one notch in order to get to the world title picture. He reminds me of Punk before the Pipe Bomb speech. He needs something to elevate him. I dunno what it is or could be, but he needs something to make us a believer...in my opinion at least. I think he's one of those guys that does everything well, but nothing great...although his wrestling ability is top notch. For example...

Reigns has the look of a champ and when let free, can be the biggest badass.

Cena is a super hero with elite mic skills.

DBryan is the ultimate under dog.

Cm Punk was the best on the mic, amazing in ring, anti authority, and had a unique look.

Edge had the ultimate opportunist and rated r superstar gimmick that was sweet

Rollins has the weasel gimmick who is great in ring and hilarious on the mic

...list goes on.

Owens has nothing that stands out or separates him from the rest. He's a good bad guy, but I need more. There's nothing specific about his character that allows him to be marketable compared to some guys mentioned above. Can't put my finger on what could be done tho. But it's something!

 

[showtyme27]

You know I have to completely agree with the OP, Kevin Owens is the last of a dieing breed, He is a wrestling genius in the truist sense of the term. The crazy thing about Him is that People in the IWC have consistently pointed out that He doesn't " Have the LOOK of a World Champion" that He is "Fat" ect... but IMO that only makes Him evermore impressive. To hone Your craft to the degree that Kevin Owens has takes extreme hard work and detication that few men in the business have ever had. Because He doesn't have "The Look" He has had to work tremendously harder then Guys with less talent, a physically imposing look and/or unique character trait. No one can seriously try to disagree when I make the statement that KO is not only a great wrestler but has a overall innate knack for the business in general, therefore I don't believe His look should ever come into the equation because We have had several former World Champions like Yokozuna, Mick Foley, Vince McMahon, Big Show, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, The "Not So"Great Khali, Mark Henry, Jeff Hardy, Christian, Daniel Bryan, ect... all of which didn't necessarily have the traditional "Look" of a World Champion, hell some of Them didn't even have a fraction of the talent He has displayed on a regular basis and yet everyone of Them has reigned as World Champion. Although He's fighting a uphill battle I truly believe the WWE knows the unique opportunity They have with someone as great as KO and it shows in His strong booking, so I have no doubt that He will have a long and dominate reign atop the company sooner rather than later He is just too talented not to IMO.

IMO KO's character is pitch perfect, whether He is the egotistical prize fighter or the brutal violent Man with a mission to regain His lost Championship, I believe He has played His role to absolute perfection. He has the ability to control the crowd better then almost the entire roster. He sells His persona so naturally that You can't really even hate the Guy if You call Yourself a True Wrestling Fan. IMO He is the best overall Wrestler/Entertainer/Performer in the entire WWE.