Kevin Owens Explains How Close He Was From Leaving WWE

WWE

Kevin Owens has explained how close he was from leaving WWE.

Since signing with WWE in 2014, Kevin Owens has climbed the ranks and become one of the most decorated stars on the entire roster.

As a former Universal, NXT and Intercontinental Champion, there isn’t much Owens hasn’t accomplished in the company over the past nine years.

Despite some momentum heading towards AEW with the likes of Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole signing with the promotion, KO decided to re-sign with WWE in December 2021 despite his ties to the Young Bucks.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on TNT Sports, Kevin Owens was asked how close he was from leaving WWE. He answered:

“I can’t say I was close, but I don’t think I wasn’t close either. I was really open to anything because I didn’t know anything. I had no idea how badly they wanted me to stay here. I had no idea what was possible elsewhere. I had no clue.”

“Honestly, none of the talks went very far because once it was time to talk to Vince [Vince McMahon], he made it clear he wanted me to stay. I felt like I wasn’t done here.”

Explaining his connection to those who work behind the scenes is part of the reason he can’t leave, Owens said:

“Not even career-wise, there’s also a whole side to this place that people don’t see and people don’t know where we have a really incredible crew. Not the wrestlers, obviously everybody I wrestle with, I have a lot of close friends, but the production crew and people behind the scenes.”

“They are really amazing people. At the time, I remember, ‘I can’t imagine leaving and not seeing these people every week.’ The other wrestlers, I’m probably going to run into down the road.”

“Through the independents the last 20 years, there are guys I haven’t seen in ten years, but I’m still friends with them somehow through the bond in wrestling. For crew people, it’s different.”

“I probably ever won’t get back in touch with one of our sound guys because it’s different, it’s different relationship. I just see them at work. Even though I just see them at work, I know them personally, I care about them, and we have a relationship.”

“I couldn’t imagine leaving any of these people behind and never seeing them again. Part of me always felt, ‘I don’t think I can leave,’ but I could if it was better for me and family, whatever it is.”

Expressing his happiness in staying in WWE, KO stated:

“It became pretty clear, pretty quick, that wasn’t going to be the case. I was happy to stay, I’m happy to be here, and I still get to see all those people every week, which is probably the best part.”

“The people behind the scenes make this place very special and they’ll never get their flowers. I try to give it as much as I can. They’re a very special crew, very special beings.”

Kevin Owens signed a three-year deal in December 2021 that will see him with WWE until the end of 2024. He is currently out of action with a rib injury despite being one half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions with Sami Zayn.

Transcription via Fightful

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