Kevin Owens has been excellent as the WWE Intercontinental Champion. He has helped erase memory of Ryback's woeful run as champion, and he's someone pro wrestling fans both enjoy and take highly seriously. Similarly, Dean Ambrose fits into that bracket, and the pair met for the Intercontinental belt at TLC. Forgoing any elaborate gimmicks or stipulations, Ambrose and Owens instead had a straightforward wrestling match. This felt refreshing on a show clogged with weapons and stunts, helping make the match stand out from the crowd somewhat. Close to the eventual end, fans were suckered in by a big near fall. It was here that Owens, in particular, showed why he is one of the best performers in WWE. It would have been simple for KO to just grab the ropes, but he put a little twist on the idea. Owens didn't grasp with his full hand, instead only placing a few fingers on the strands. This was enough to break the pin attempt, and caused Jerry Lawler to go nuts on commentary. Owens brilliantly sold the fact that he was supposed to be hurt, and would resort to anything not to lose.
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.
