50 Best Wrestlers Of The 2020s (So Far)
11. Kevin Owens
There’s almost no version of a great WWE era in the 2020s that doesn’t involve Kevin Owens somewhere in the thick of it. Whether as a main eventer, tag partner, or wildcard catalyst, ‘KO’ has remained one of the most reliable - and essential - players for 'The Game'.
While many talents struggled through WWE’s creatively lean years, Owens navigated them with a blend of sly adaptability and sheer commitment. He endured the rough patches, gamed a broken system, and came out the other side stronger for it. Under Triple H’s stewardship, Owens has flourished - not by changing who he is, but by finally existing in an environment that values what he’s always brought: depth, realism, and total investment.
His contributions to The Bloodline saga alone earned him equal parts critical and commercial acclaim. His team-up (and inevitable tension) with Sami Zayn provided an emotional heartbeat for one of the greatest stories WWE has ever told, and their WrestleMania 39 victory over The Usos was not only a show-stealer but a rare example of long-term storytelling delivering exactly the right payoff at exactly the right time.
His ability to seamlessly switch between comedy, intensity, and violence makes him a Swiss Army knife on screen. In 2024, his heel turn - triggered by internal frustrations and jealousy - led to a brilliantly executed feud with Cody Rhodes that folded into 2025 runs against Zayn and Randy Orton before the heartbreaking news broke that he'd be taking substantial time off due to neck surgery.
Owens is one of the rare performers whose presence immediately makes any feud feel bigger. He’s not just good in big matches - he makes matches feel big. His combination of promo ability, in-ring IQ, and emotional authenticity makes him one of the most well-rounded wrestlers of the modern era. WWE need him even more than fans want him.