Kevin Owens has had a remarkable career in WWE. in the eight years he’s been there, Owens has had show-stealing matches with John Cena, won singles gold on all three brands, and even main-evented WrestleMania 38 against opposite Stone Cold Steve Austin.
That last accomplishment, which took place earlier this year in April, must’ve been a reward for Owens. After all, he got paid a small fortune and got to share the ring with his childhood idol. But it almost didn’t happen because Owens was wrestling with the idea of leaving the ring altogether.
Everything was “Up in the air” for Owens until Christmas 2021
Kevin Owens’ WWE contract was set to expire on January 31st, 2022. Once December 2021 rolled around, Owens was still undecided whether he’d re-sign with WWE or go elsewhere. The lack of clarity on Owens’ contract situation at the time caused some to speculate that he’d jump to AEW.
But by Christmas, Kevin Owens knew he wanted to stay with WWE. During an interview with WrestleRant, Kevin Owens explained what was going through his mind at the time.
“By Christmas time last year I knew I was sticking around. But before that, I really had no idea. I didn’t even know, honestly I didn’t even know at that time if I still wanted to be in the ring. You know, not because I didn’t enjoy being in the ring anymore but everything was kind of up in the air.
Then I made the decision to stay in WWE and I’m certainly glad I made it because like I said, just the year I’ve experienced things that I couldn’t have imagined.”
Kevin Owens went on to explain that his wrestling mindset has changed as well. Now, instead of worrying about the future about going onwards and upwards, Owens has decided to focus more on “enjoying everything he can.”
I used to always want more and I used to always want bigger and worry about what’s next and stuff and I really don’t do that anymore. Not that I don’t want more, everybody would like more, it’s great.
I’m really more worried about just doing good stuff and stuff that people enjoy and I’m also worried or thinking about just enjoying everything I can enjoy. I’ve said in interviews in the past, I’ve missed out on enjoying moments I really should have enjoyed because I was always worried about what’s next. I’m not gonna do that anymore, I’ve had an incredible career that I’m so lucky to have.
So many matches, so many moments that people would give anything they could to have [them]. So I just wanna enjoy everything I can from here on out for as long as I can. My mindset’s definitely shifted, but I think this one’s a lot healthier. It’s probably gonna help me be a better performer as well.”
h/t Fightful for the transcription