Kevin Owens Addresses Crowd After NXT Live Event, Praises NXT Stars As the ‘Future’

Kevin Owens spoke with the crowd after his match at an NXT live event over the weekend, praising his teammates as the future of WWE. As noted, Owens teamed with Tony D’Angelo, Shiloh Hill, and Kendal Grey in the main event of the Gatineau, Quebec live event against BirthRight’s Lexis King, Uriah Connors, Charlie Dempsey, and Arianna Grace.

Owens spoke after the show in a clip shared to Reddit. He spoke about why he agreed to do the show and put a spotlight on NXT producer/coach Steve Corino for asking him. You can see the highlights below, per Fightful:

On Saying ‘Yes’ To the Show:

“To get to wrestle here tonight in front of you all — obviously, the reception you’ve given me, incredible. I have to admit, the last three weeks I’ve been a struggle, because I’ve had to endure CM Punk’s company and I don’t like that. Trust me, if you knew him, you’d also consider retirement, but I’m going to forge through for you guys.

“With that said, another thing that really helped me say ‘yes’ when they asked me if I want to be a part of this show was knowing that I get to share the ring with people that are shaping the future of what WWE will be. The four idiots we just beat – very talented idiots – but still, not the best attitude. These three, I just said the future; quite frankly, I think you’re really looking at the present. So for that, Tony, thank you. Kendall, thank you. Shiloh, thank you. It was an honor and a pleasure. Thank you guys so much.”

On Steve Corino Asking Him To Do the Show:

“But before I go, he’s going to hate this, but I would be remiss to not do this. The person who asked me to be here, there is no way I would say no to, even though I had to fly to Winnipeg on Thursday, fly to Sacramento on Friday, then fly all the way here. That’s a lot of trouble for somebody who’s got a bad knee, bad shoulder, bad neck. But the guy who asked me to be here is a legend by the name of Steve Corino.

“Steve, I can genuinely say, without a doubt, if you’re not familiar with his career, go back and watch. One of the greatest of all time. I met him in 2004. He took me under his wing, and without him, I am telling you, I would not be standing here right now. Tonight, or ever, I would have never had the career I had without him. So Steve, I’m not going to make you come out here, because I know you won’t want to, but you’re back there. I love you. Thank you. Anytime you need anything, I’m here. Anytime you guys need anything, I’m here. I’m at the Performance Center, you know it. Well, you guys can’t tell me, you don’t have my phone number… just know, if they ask me to be here for you guys, I’ll be here. Thank you.”