What’s the story?
WWE has revealed on its official site that Kevin Owens has issued an open challenge to the SmackDown Live roster to prove he is the “Face of America”.
In case you didn’t know...
Kevin Owens (Kevin Steen) is the reigning WWE United States champion – a title that he won by defeating friend-turned-foe Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania 33.
Owens, who was a staple of Monday Night RAW, was drafted to SmackDown Live in the Superstar Shake-Up. His transfer is temporary, so to speak, with the condition that the winner of Owens and Jericho’s upcoming championship rematch this April 30th, will become a permanent member of the SmackDown roster.
The heart of the matter
Owens introduced himself to the blue brand’s roster last week on the episode that featured a Triple-Threat match between AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, and Sami Zayn to determine the number 1 contender for Owen’s US title – a match that was eventually won by Styles.
With a potential matchup against ‘The Phenomenal One’ looming on the horizon, Owens has issued the “Face of America Open Challenge” daring any WWE Superstar on the blue brand’s roster to step into the ring and compete against him. Owens’ challenge comes merely hours after Chris Jericho implied himself as being the real ‘Face of America’.
From the current batch, Baron Corbin looks like a likely option who could answer KO’s challenge as he is not in the 6-pack main event. What would be even surprising is if Mike Bennett – former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis’ husband – makes his WWE debut to confront KO. He is rumored to be backstage at SmackDown and is said to have signed a contract with the WWE along with his gorgeous wife.
What’s next?
Kevin Owens will defend his US title against Chris Jericho at the Payback pay-per-view this April 30th. The winner of the matchup will earn a permanent membership of SmackDown Live and would then face number 1 contender AJ Styles in the near future.
Author’s take:
Owens faces a stiff task ahead, not only in his championship rematch against Y2J but also against the bevy of talented Superstars on SmackDown. Mind you, KO is no stranger to challenges and come fight-night, the Prizefighter will rise to the occasion.
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