There have been very few debutsin the modern era of pro wrestling that were as memorable Kevin Owens' After coming out to seemingly answer John Cenas U.S. Title open challenge, rather than have a match Owens decided to attack the champ, leading to an official bout between the two in which KO came out on top after a hard-fought contest. It looked to be a message that big things were in store for the former NXT champion. There was a rising tide of support behind the brash, outspoken heel and we fans foolishly believed WWE was listening and would put him over their chosen posterboy convincingly. Instead he lost the 2-out-of-3 series and became another member of the 8-8 midcard fodder. Things seem to be a bit back on track for Owens, as he's the reigning Intercontinental champion - already booked considerably better than the last few titlists - in the midst of a program with Dean Ambrose, and there's even rumblings that he may be heading into a coveted WrestleMania match with Brock Lesnar. But they shouldn't have had to rehab him - KO was a superstar in waiting. All they needed to do was pull the trigger. Did WWE blow any other opportunities to take someone to the next level this year? Name drop them in the comments.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
