40 Facts About Kevin Owens

Early Life and Career

Kevin Owens, born Kevin Yanick Steen, has had a remarkable journey in professional wrestling. His early life and career set the foundation for his future success.

1. Kevin Owens began his wrestling career at the age of 16 in 2000. He started competing on the independent circuit under the ring name Kevin Steen.
2. Owens adopted the name Kevin Owens as a tribute to his son, Owen. This gesture showcases his deep love and dedication to his family.
3. Kevin Owens made his WWE debut in 2014, shocking the audience by attacking John Cena. This bold move marked the beginning of his journey on the WWE main roster.
4. Known for his intense and hard-hitting wrestling style, Owens brings a no-nonsense approach to the ring. He incorporates a mix of power moves and technical skills that leave his opponents reeling.
5. Owens has held numerous championships in his career. Some of his notable titles include the WWE Universal Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and United States Championship.

Personal Traits and Skills

Owens' personal traits and skills have contributed significantly to his success in the wrestling world.

6. Owens is bilingual, fluent in both English and French. He hails from Quebec, Canada, and is proud of his French-Canadian heritage, often displaying his language skills during interviews.
7. Owens has a reputation for being a fearless competitor. He is willing to take incredible risks to entertain the crowd, often performing breathtaking maneuvers off the top rope or through tables.
8. Before joining WWE, Owens gained international recognition by wrestling for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Ring of Honor (ROH).
9. Owens has competed in various high-profile matches at WrestleMania. He has shown his ability to thrive under the immense pressure of the grandest stage of them all.
10. Owens is respected by his peers in the wrestling industry. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to go the extra mile in every match have earned him the admiration of fellow wrestlers.

In-Ring Innovation and Achievements

Kevin Owens is known for his innovative moves and numerous achievements in the ring.

11. Owens often surprises his opponents and the audience with innovative moves that leave everyone in awe. His unexpected in-ring maneuvers have become a hallmark of his performances.
12. Owens has an unrelenting desire to succeed. He has overcome various obstacles throughout his career and continues to push himself to new heights.
13. Kevin Owens' real name is Kevin Yanick Steen. He adopted the ring name Kevin Owens as a tribute to his son, Owen.
14. Owens stands at 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs 266 pounds (121 kg).
15. Born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada, Owens is proud of his Canadian heritage and often references it in his performances.

Career Milestones

Owens has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career, making him a standout performer in WWE.

16. Owens is billed from Marieville, Quebec, Canada, which is a nod to his hometown and roots in the region.
17. Owens is known by several nicknames, including K.O. and The Prizefighter. These monikers reflect his intense and hard-hitting style in the ring.
18. Owens was trained by former WWE superstars Jacques Rougeau and Terry Taylor. This training played a crucial role in shaping his wrestling career.
19. Owens' first professional wrestling match took place on his 16th birthday, May 7, 2000. This early start set the stage for his future success in the industry.
20. Owens has achieved numerous career milestones, including winning the NXT Championship, Universal Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and United States Championship. He has also become a Grand Slam Champion by winning the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship with Sami Zayn.

WrestleMania and Beyond

Owens has had memorable moments at WrestleMania and continues to be a key player in WWE.

21. Owens has main evented WrestleMania on two occasions. The first was at WrestleMania 38, where he wrestled "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in a one-off match 19 years after Austin's retirement. The second was at WrestleMania 39, where he teamed with Sami Zayn to face The Usos.
22. Owens captured the NXT Championship from Sami Zayn via referee stoppage after repeatedly powerbombing a disorientated Zayn. This win made him 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.
23. Owens won his first singles title on the main roster, the Intercontinental Championship, by defeating Ryback on September 20, 2015, at Night of Champions. He successfully defended the championship against Chris Jericho on October 3, 2015, and then against Ryback on October 25, 2015, at Hell in a Cell.
24. Owens won his first world title in WWE by defeating Big Cass, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins after interference from Triple H to win the Universal Championship. He successfully defended the title against Rollins in a singles match at Clash of Champions on September 25, 2016, and then in a Hell in a Cell match on October 30, 2016.
25. Owens and Chris Jericho were announced as co-captains of Team Raw for the traditional Survivor Series match against Team SmackDown, alongside Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins. Despite their efforts, Team SmackDown emerged victorious.

Storylines and Character Work

Owens' ability to engage in compelling storylines and character work has made him a fan favorite.

26. Owens was granted an opportunity to face Braun Strowman at SummerSlam. However, this match did not materialize as planned due to the storyline developments.
27. Owens replaced Kofi Kingston in the WWE Championship match at Fastlane against Daniel Bryan. The match turned into a triple threat match with Mustafa Ali added to the mix, but Owens failed to win the title after Bryan pinned Ali.
28. After WrestleMania 35, Owens started a storyline where he congratulated Kofi Kingston for winning the WWE Championship and joined The New Day as their honorary third member. However, due to Daniel Bryan's injury, SmackDown needed a top-level heel, and Owens took on this role.
29. On the April 23 episode of SmackDown, Owens turned heel by attacking The New Day and aligning himself with the likes of Sami Zayn and other heels in the WWE.
30. Owens cherishes the relationships he has forged in WWE. He often speaks about the special connection he has with the audience, which helps him keep going and continue doing what he loves.

Versatility and Recognition

Owens' versatility and recognition in the wrestling world highlight his impact on the industry.

31. Kevin Owens is known for his versatile storytelling ability. He excels at both in-ring performances and character work, often incorporating casual fourth-wall breaks that add a humorous touch to his matches.
32. During Paul 'Triple H' Levesque's creative regime, Owens' character work flourished. He was not afraid to poke fun at classic pro wrestling tropes and call them out for their ridiculousness, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve as a performer.
33. Owens interrupted the Grayson Waller Effect segment on SmackDown, openly telling the audience the step-by-step process of making the evening's main event tag team match in advance. This move highlighted his ability to engage with the audience and add a layer of realism to his performances.
34. Owens even went as far as to say that he had already spoken to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about everything and then called him out, demonstrating his willingness to push boundaries and challenge authority within the storyline.
35. Kevin Owens celebrated his 10-year anniversary of signing with WWE on August 12, 2024. This milestone marked a decade of hard work and dedication to the company, with many notable achievements and memorable moments along the way.

Awards and Accolades

Owens has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, cementing his legacy in wrestling.

36. Owens still remembers the mind-blowing experience of getting congratulatory Tweets (now called posts on the X platform) from guys like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm. These messages from his idols were a testament to his hard work and dedication to the craft.
37. Owens was ranked third in the PWI 500 in 2017, a testament to his standing in the wrestling world during that period. He has also been recognized for his tag team performances, ranking third in the PWI Tag Team 100 in 2023 with Sami Zayn.
38. Owens was named WON Best Brawler from 2010 to 2012, a recognition of his exceptional in-ring skills and performances during that time. He has also been awarded WON Feud of the Year for his matches against El Generico and Sami Zayn.
39. Owens was named SoCal Uncensored Wrestler of the Year in 2005, 2011, and 2012. These awards reflect his consistent excellence in the wrestling industry over the years.
40. Owens was recognized by Rolling Stone as the Best Heel in 2015 and the Best Storyline for his match against John Cena. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2015, highlighting his rapid rise to prominence in the WWE.

Kevin Owens: A Wrestling Icon

Kevin Owens has carved out a unique spot in the wrestling world. From his early days as Kevin Steen to his explosive WWE debut, Owens has consistently wowed fans with his intense style and fearless attitude. His journey from the independent circuit to becoming a WWE Grand Slam Champion showcases his dedication and talent. Owens' bilingual skills, innovative moves, and ability to connect with the audience make him a standout performer. His memorable matches at WrestleMania and his respect among peers highlight his impact on the industry. Whether he's taking risks in the ring or engaging in compelling storylines, Owens continues to push the boundaries of professional wrestling. As he celebrates over a decade with WWE, Kevin Owens remains a beloved and influential figure, inspiring both fans and fellow wrestlers alike.