Kevin Owens names the one wrestler who he loves being in the ring with as an ally or enemy.
Multiple WWE Superstars claim to be the best in the world. For some, they back it up with a catchphrase. Others win a tournament at the last minute to win a trophy recognising their accomplishments. But for many, who is the best is all down to personal opinion and differs greatly.
While being interviewed by James Williams, Owens was asked about his recent run with Sami Zayn, where the duo would win the Tag Team Championships in the main event of WrestleMania. Owens looked back fondly on his 20-year-plus journey with Zayn, naming him as the best partner and opponent in the world:
“Well, you know, Sami brings out the best in me as an opponent and as a partner. It sounds exaggerated to say this, especially when people will call themselves that and it makes me roll my eyes a lot. Whether people call themselves great or good or even people say ‘I’m good at this. I’m great at that. I’m the best in the world.’ ‘Okay.’ Sami Zayn, is probably the best I’ve ever been in the ring with. I don’t think I’m the only one who would say that.
“As far as the athletic side goes he can do it all. From a performance standpoint, from the intensity, the passion he brings, and the connection he has with the audience. Very few people have it all, like he does. I’m very lucky that he happens to be my wrestling brother for the last 20 years or so, maybe more at this point. He influenced me a lot and I got to learn a lot from him. Getting to win the Tag Titles in the main event, probably number 2 moment in my career, behind Stone Cold”
In the same interview, Kevin Owens praised Randy Orton following The Viper’s return.
Kevin Owens And Sami Zayn: Best Friends & Bitter Rivals
From CZW to PWG to ROH to NXT and to WWE, Owens and Zayn have been inseparable in wrestling. Despite repeatedly going down their own respective paths as singles stars, Owens and Zayn would frequently reunite in the ring as partners or opponents. Many fans still remember Owens shockingly betraying Zayn moments after Zayn became NXT Champion and going on to snatch the title away.
Rekindling the rivalry on the main roster, Zayn would get his revenge on the main roster at Battleground 2016 in one of the best singles matches between the two best friends. Hell would freeze over at Hell in a Cell 2017 when Zayn saved Owens at the last second from a falling Shane McMahon, who dove off the cell to try and end Owens once and for all.
Fast forward to 2023 and Zayn was expelled from The Bloodline. Looking to get revenge on The Usos, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn reunited once again to win the Tag Team Championships in one of the most heartwarming ends to a WrestleMania in recent memory.
In a new interview in March 2024, a former WWE Superstar had nothing but nice things to say about Kevin Owens.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit James Williams and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.