It's a true testament to the man's skill as a performer that Kevin Owens managed to make even a brief squash match on Smackdown tie into his storyline. Destroying Zack Ryder in the short bout, 'KO' mocked Ryback throughout. Before hitting his patented Pop-Up Powerbomb, Owens screamed, 'Finish It'. Of course, this is something Ryback does routinely during his matches before hitting the Shell Shock. Incensed by the Intercontinental Champion's insulting mockery, Ryback tried to attack after the match. It was shrewd to write Owens to get out of dodge, because this only builds anticipation for both men getting their hands on one another at Hell In A Cell. Right now, there are few genuine heels in WWE better than Kevin Owens. Having Ryback at ringside made the match feel meaningful too. If the Intercontinental Title challenger hadn't been present, this would have been completely throwaway. Zack Ryder isn't in the title picture, so there needed to be someone who was present in the segment. KO's heel smirks are tremendous, and never get old.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
