This week's episode of SmackDown included a backstage interview segment where Kevin Owens appeared to signal that he is looking to take the Intercontinental Championship from Ryback. Here's what the former NXT Champion had to say to Renee Young:
"Now that I've silenced the Cesaro section not once, but twice there's another movement that I'd like to silence... And it's this movement of people making fun of me for the way I look. "See whether it's other superstars, or those oh so clever commentators, or even the WWE Universe, these people need to understand that I've been looked down upon for the way I look for 15 years now and it's never stopped me. "The proof is, I'm right here, right now (pointing at SmackDown sign). "And you know what, it's never going to stop me because the fact is regardless of how I look I have a natural, God-given ability for this business. "So to all those people who want to make fun of me for how I look I say... Bring it on. In fact, I say... Feed. Me. More (wink)..."
Watch out Ryback! This is a fantastic sign for KO's future, whose potential to be a main event star had been cast into doubt after reports emerged over the last couple of months that not all of those in power at WWE are sold on him. Triple H is a huge fan of the former Ring of Honour star but others at the top have questioned his weight. This shouldnt be a problem. Theres room for a stockier man to be at the top of the roster, but at the end of the day KO has a unique look that is far from the stereotypical chiselled body builder look that Vince McMahon desires. It's smart booking for Kevin to reference the issue in his promos as it could be a way for those script writers to nip this subject in the bud and allow Owens to continue his rapid ascension to the top of the card. He proved he could hang with the very best during the fledgling rivalry with John Cena, even though he did end up on the losing end of the feud in terms of wins and losses. (Although we all know there aren't too many that will get the better of Cena in that sense) But WWE potentially sticking a title on Owens would prove that he has shown enough to the powers that be that he is a bonafide member of the upper card in WWE. The Intercontinental Championship, rather unfortunately, has gone a bit stale yet again after Daniel Bryan gave it some purpose at WrestleMania. Ryback hasn't been bad in the role, but there isn't much he can do when paired with a Big Show that the overwhelming majority of the fanbase want retired, and a character in The Miz who hosts more talk shows than he does grapple these days... Giving the belt to Owens, a man that brings a reaction out of every member of the WWE Universe, good or bad, would be best for business!