Kevin Owens’ record in World Title matches over the past five years has been nothing short of astonishing. Despite being one of the most talented performers in WWE, he has consistently come up short in these high-stakes contests. For a wrestler of his caliber, this recurring theme of losses in marquee matches significantly impacts his character and credibility, especially when he’s positioned as a top-tier competitor.
As we look at the current storyline developments, the prospect of Owens losing yet another World Title match—this time to Cody Rhodes—could be detrimental to his perception among fans. Even with the added edge of a heel turn, another high-profile defeat could further cement the narrative that Owens is unable to win when it matters most. This not only undermines his potential as a serious threat in the main event scene but also diminishes the gravity of his character’s evolution into a heel.
To break this cycle and protect Owens’ credibility, WWE should consider a different approach. A bold move would be to have Owens actually defeat Cody Rhodes at an upcoming event like Saturday Night’s Main Event. Such a victory would accomplish several critical objectives: it would reestablish Owens as a formidable force, add unpredictability to the World Title picture, and inject fresh intrigue into Cody Rhodes’ title reign.
While Cody has been an exceptional babyface champion, the reality is that the chase for a title often resonates more deeply with fans than the reign itself. Babyfaces thrive in situations where they face adversity and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. By having Cody lose the title temporarily to Owens, WWE could create a compelling narrative arc that allows Cody to regain the championship at a later date—such as at the Royal Rumble—in a climactic and emotionally charged moment.
This approach offers multiple benefits. For one, it revitalizes Owens as a credible and dangerous heel. His victory would signal that he is not just a stepping stone for other stars but a legitimate threat to anyone holding a championship. This could lead to a series of exciting rematches, as Cody attempts to reclaim the title, ultimately making their rivalry more memorable.
Secondly, this strategy keeps Cody’s character fresh. A long, uninterrupted reign can sometimes make a babyface champion feel stale, as fans may begin to take their victories for granted. Introducing a setback like losing the title to Owens forces Cody to adapt and evolve, keeping his character dynamic and engaging. Fans would rally behind him even more fervently as he embarks on the journey to reclaim what he lost.
Finally, this move would add a layer of unpredictability to WWE’s storytelling. In an era where fans often anticipate the outcome of matches well in advance, swerving expectations with an Owens victory would generate significant buzz and reinvigorate interest in the World Title scene. The subsequent rematch at the Royal Rumble would then feel like a true must-see event, with the stakes elevated and the outcome uncertain.
In crafting this story, WWE could also explore the psychological toll of the loss on Cody Rhodes. Losing the title could lead to moments of self-doubt and reflection, allowing for more depth in his character. Cody’s eventual triumph at the Royal Rumble would then feel even more meaningful, as it would not just be about reclaiming the gold but also overcoming his inner demons and proving to himself that he deserves to be at the top.
On the other hand, Kevin Owens’ character could benefit immensely from the victory. A heel Owens holding the World Title opens up a myriad of storytelling possibilities. He could engage in feuds with other top babyfaces, all while taunting Cody and reminding him of his failure. This would further cement Owens’ status as a top heel and give the audience a reason to despise him while eagerly awaiting Cody’s redemption.
Of course, this plan hinges on WWE’s willingness to take risks and deviate from the predictable formula of long-term babyface title reigns. While consistency in storytelling is important, so is the ability to surprise and captivate the audience. By shaking things up with an Owens victory and a temporary title change, WWE can breathe new life into its World Title scene and keep fans invested in the journey of its top stars.
In conclusion, Kevin Owens’ repeated losses in World Title matches over the past five years highlight the need for a significant shift in how he is booked. Allowing him to defeat Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event would not only restore his credibility but also create a compelling narrative arc for Cody’s character. The temporary loss would make Cody’s eventual triumph at the Royal Rumble even more impactful, proving once again that the chase is often more captivating than the reign itself. This strategy would benefit both Owens and Rhodes, while also adding excitement and unpredictability to WWE’s storytelling.