Why Kevin Owens Couldn't Enjoy His WWE Universal Title Run

Owens speaks on new WWE Chronicle documentary.

Kevin Owens universal
WWE

Kevin Owens has revealed he "didn't enjoy any" of his sole Universal Championship reign, in a sneak peek of a new WWE Chronicle documentary set to land on the Network.

The Canadian took Finn Bálor's vacated red strap during a four-way on 29 August 2016, and firmly held the belt until he was unceremoniously displaced by Goldberg at March 2017's Fastlane. Despite carrying the company's top title for the better part of seven months, Owens was unable to take any pleasure in an undoubted career highpoint.

The documentary follows KO as he prepares for his match with Roman Reigns at this year's TLC, where he once more has the chance to win the Universal strap. Speaking candidly ahead of an episode of SmackDown, Owens said of his first run he "didn't enjoy it as much as [he] should have," admitting the role to be "a curse" which prevented him keeping things in perspective.

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"In the middle of it, I would always think I could have done this differently," he said. "And then it was over. Looking back, I really didn't enjoy any of it."

The former Kevin Steen noted he was "so worried about trying to make it great" that he could never stop to appreciate his position.

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Nevertheless, Owens is eager to reach such heights again, after three years which he concedes have been "a real uphill struggle".

Somewhat tellingly, a producer asks if it matters to be a champion again?

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"Being a champion is important, I think," he concludes.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.