WWE Announces Signing Of Kevin Steen

Several months ago the news leaked out that WWE had signed international wrestling stars KENTA, Prince Devitt and Kevin Steen at around the same time. KENTA and Devitt reported to Orlando within the last month while the signing of the Canadian Ring of Honor star Steen became official today thanks to an article on WWE.com and the photo you see above with Steen shaking hands with Triple H. The article notes that Steen is a 14 year veteran (he's 30 years old) and mentioned that Steve Austin has put him over as a guy that has a "hell of an arsenal." Steen was on Austin's podcast several months ago because Austin was impressed by him. It's a good interview to check out if you haven't listened to it. Steen's one of the most popular indy wrestlers in the world that hails from Marieville, Quebec, which is just outside of Montreal. He made his name in Ring of Honor as a World Champion that held the ROH World Title for 328 days in 2012. One of his best friends is the former El Generico, who is another Canadian that has been wrestling in WWE NXT as Sami Zayn. Don't be surprised if the two are involved in a storyline when WWE is ready to put Steen on screen. In addition to wrestling a brawling style, Steen is really gifted on the microphone. He's not afraid to say something to get under somebody's skin as a heel or to play off the crowd as a face. He can really do it all. During the interview with Steen, he was asked about his look. He's not a skinny guy or the most muscular guy that you're going to see. He wrestles in a shirt, which is not common for WWE superstars, but for a guy with his figure it's what works. Here's how Steen addressed those that thought he wouldn't make it to WWE because of his look: "I€™ve encountered a lot of people in my career that didn€™t think I€™d ever get to WWE, but I€™m actually really proud to be an exception, which is what I€™ve been pretty much my entire career, everywhere I€™ve went. I€™ve never been the norm and I take great pride in that, but I never doubted that I would get here eventually." He makes a good point about being an exception. His physical appearance shouldn't be seen as a hindrance. Look at Bray Wyatt and how fast he has ascended at just 27 years old or Mick Foley from years ago. They don't have the bodybuilding type bodies either, but they have found ways to break through. In the end, talent wins out. When he does report to NXT on August 25 (he noted that's when he starts in Orlando) he'll likely get a name change. WWE doesn't like their newer wrestlers using their name from their indy days, which also happens to be Kevin's real name. It is WWE's way of branding a character. They like to trademark the name that person is given and that way they can maximize their investment. The wrestlers know that when they sign too. Here's how Steen wrapped up the interview: "For those of you who know me and are following me for this new chapter of my career, I appreciate that continued support. And for those of you who don€™t know me, you€™re in for a pretty crazy ride." On behalf of everybody where at WhatCulture, we're looking forward to Steen's future in WWE and hope that the "crazy ride" is a successful one.