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WWE wrapped up the Superstar Shake-up with the second half concluding on SmackDown Live. Major superstars like Roman Reigns, Elias, Bayley, and many more moved to the blue brand. But the major story coming out of the episode was the New Day recruiting Kevin Owens as an honorary member.
Owens was put through a screening process to earn his 'honorary' slot in The New Day. Owens passed them all and even voiced their entrance. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Owens.
Here are 5 reasons why Owens joined the New Day.
#5 To provide direction to Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens came back from injury earlier this year. Vince McMahon replaced him with Kofi Kingston and gave him a title shot at Daniel Bryan's WWE Championship. After he failed to win the match, he was removed from the title scene and has since remained directionless.
Owens didn't even make the WrestleMania card even after challenging for the WWE championship a month prior and wasn't even featured in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. It has been a while since 'Big O' was a central part of any storyline.
His inclusion in the group has provided him a direction to follow for the immediate future until Creative comes up with something more for him.
#4 To fill-in for Big E
The New Day has always been a trio. They have won their titles together and have gone from being extremely disliked to one of the most popular groups in recent times. They even won and defended their titles under the Freebird rule.
It's hard to imagine New Day without Big E but an injury has forced him to stay away from the group. This has left a huge gap in the New Day as their powerhouse is no longer with them. Owens was brought in to fill that role in the interim.
#3 For a future feud with Big E
Kevin Owens hosted the Kevin Owens Show with The New Day as guests and asked them to take him in. After a few tests involving body movements and pancake-eating ability, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods agreed to let Owens become an honorary member of the New Day.
Big E was heartbroken when the New Day replaced him with Kevin Owens a.k.a. Big O, and sent out a tweet in displeasure.
This could result in a future feud between Kevin Owens and Big E when the latter is fit for an in-ring return. The build for the feud between Big E and Big O would certainly be fun.
They could fight for a spot in the New Day. Even if they are forced to team up, it would be fun to watch how they co-exist.
#2 To initiate a heel turn for Big E
Even before Kofi Kingston won the WWE Championship, there were speculations regarding Big E's heel turn. It didn't happen because Kofi's win was a greater moment for the New Day and there was no logical reason for Big E to turn heel at that moment.
But after Big E's injury, the rest of the New Day recruited Kevin Owens in his place on the very next episode.
The aforementioned could be the reason for Big E to turn on his stablemates. He would have a legitimate reason to attack his former friends.
#1 To insert Kevin Owens in the World title picture
This is the most obvious reason for Kevin Owens to join the New Day. Kevin Owens is a fighter, a no-nonsense wrestler whose character is totally opposite from that of the New Day.
Owens danced and ate pancakes, and did full justice to his role as a New Day member, but there's something more developing beneath the surface.
Owens could turn on the New Day when they would least expect it. This could bring him back to the title picture and would re-establish him as a top heel.
