At some point, the relationship between Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho will come to an end. Two cocky Canadians who are solid on the mic and in the ring, cannot coexist without there being friction between the two of them. This is a newer version of Jericho and Christian from the past, which ended up in a solid feud with Christian going over.
While WWE is doing its best to put both wrestlers front and center on Raw and keep them on the fringe of the main event picture, tag team for the ages they are not. Egos will get in the way and feelings will be hurt. It’s a breakup waiting to happen. We all know Jericho will find another program to work with, to help a younger star get over. Owens, on the other hand, should be moving up the company ladder, looking to secure a shot at the Universal Heavyweight Title, and a place as WWE’s top villain.
There is another scenario I would explore as well – that of Owens as the company’s top babyface. All wrestlers wrestle with the idea of changing sides. Owens could conquer both, but for now, his arrogance and his style are perfect for the role he is in.
WWE just has to figure out what to do with him once the magic is gone in his bromance with Jericho. Here are five ways WWE should consider booking him moving forward.
1 – As WWE’s Universal Champion
I would love to see him win the title in place of Finn Balor. There is a certain romantic quality to this guy as the one who has not grabbed the brass ring yet. Of the wrestlers who are left in the Fatal Four Way match, it would seem more likely for Owens to walk out as champion. Cass is too green. Roman Reigns isn’t a solid choice. Seth Rollins is too obvious.
The Owens era of this company should start now. While Rollins is still high on the company ladder, why not have the two feud with the title on the line? It would go over with the fans and would be a nice change to see two heels beat the hell out of each other.
2 – A feud with Chris Jericho
One of the central themes of professional wrestling is tag team partners becoming foes. With these egos in check, for now, it is bound to happen. The most glaring example of this is Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. Jericho is not in the championship match, but he could be part of the main event, possibly causing his “buddy” to lose the title opportunity.
The fans, who are already huge Owens’ supporters, would love to get behind this kind of confrontation.
3 – Brock Lesnar
Not only can Owens hold his own in the ring with Lesnar, I am sure fans would love to see him hold his own on the mic with Paul Heyman. In this case, I assume Lesnar players the role of babyface while Owens continues his heel persona. This kind of match could have WrestleMania 33 written all over it.
4 – Big Cass
How you doin’? If WWE is serious about giving the NXT upstart a chance at a singles career, this might be the best way to go about it. Cass is Matt Morgan, Test and Edge in one package. His lack of a solid singles feud keeps him in the tag team division with Enzo, which is gold as far as the fans are concerned.
My only problem with this kind of confrontation is Cass is not the best on the mic, which means Owens would eat him for lunch. In contrast, Cass needs a solid opponent to help him get over. Owens might be the best choice to make that happen.
5 – Roman Reigns
