10 Positives Heading Into WWE Fastlane 2017

Despite having held the belt for over six months, Kevin Owens’ reign as Universal Champion hasn’t been a particularly memorable one. He’s defended the title just three times since mid-December, and though he’s managed to retain on each occasion, it’s always resulted from outside interference.

In recent weeks, though, Owens has enjoyed a slight change in direction that’s helped him establish himself as a far more credible heel champion.

First off, he brutally ended his alliance with Chris Jericho, powerbombing his former best friend onto the apron and smashing him head first into the ridiculously expensive Jeri-tron 6500. Then, the following week, he cut a heartless figure as he took to the ring in a slick black suit where he not only no-sold his betrayal of Jericho, but also ran down Goldberg in a promo fitting of any World champion. And he was at it again this past week, confronting Goldberg once more and warning him that the Goldberg chant “dies” this Sunday.

Even though he hasn't been in any in-ring competition, it's been a welcome change to see Owens conducting himself like the real deal, finally looking like the World champion that everyone knew he could be.