Kevin Owens: The Dream Match Machine

Kevin Owens is one the most remarkable talents in professional wrestling, and one the hottest things going right now in WWE.

Since his first appearance for NXT, Owens' popularity has grown at breakneck speed. As the theme of last night's live NXT Takeover special on the WWE Network suggests, Owens has been unstoppable.

In a matter of months, Owens established himself as the face of NXT. He's dominating and entertaining as its champion, but he hasn't stopped there. That thunderous sound you're hearing is Owens banging on the door of WWE's main roster.


Not that Owens needs to be in any hurry to leave. The possible matches currently awaiting him in NXT have fans salivating. Within the past few days alone, the groundwork was laid for no fewer than 5 must-see matches starring Kevin Owens.

Kevin Owens vs. John Cena

This is the big one, and we don't have to wait long for this one. It was surprisingly set up in an instant last Monday on Raw.

Before the night was over, a match between Owens and Cena was set for the Elimination Chamber event at the end of the month. Part of me is worried this comes too early in Owens' WWE career. Another part can't wait to see what happens.

Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor 

The opposition is not the Finn Balor that Kevin Owens narrowly defeated in a successful defense of his NXT Championship a couple months ago.

The next time these two meet for the championship, Owens will undoubtedly be facing an even tougher challenge from the newly minted #1 contender in his frightening demon cosplay mode.

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn

There's little doubt there will be a third chapter in this rivalry that seemingly will never end, and spans years and promotions. Hopefully, Owens and Zayn get the big stage one more time, and the opportunity to write a fitting final chapter to their war in NXT, until the next time they resume hostilities. After all, they are destined to do this forever.

Kevin Owens vs. Hideo Itami

Sadly, we'll be waiting a while for this one to actually happen. Itami is out of action with a serious shoulder injury.

Video shown during NXT Takeover: Unstoppable seems to implicate Owens as the primary suspect in the parking lot attack that put Itami on the shelf for months. When Itami finally returns, there's a good chance he'll be looking for Owens.

Kevin Owens vs. Samoa Joe

Then, there's this one. After weeks, and even months, of misdirection, the impossible happened.

Samoa Joe arrived in WWE and NXT. Not as Umaga, Jr. or Roman Reigns' cousin or some other half-rate repackaging, but carrying the name he spent years building in Ring of Honor, TNA and beyond. The sight of these two facing off in an NXT ring for a few seconds was enough to make me want to see this dream match.

All this is more than enough to keep Kevin Owens busy for months, having high-profile dream matches that fans are aching to see. With so many intriguing challengers lined up, you have to wonder how long Owens will reign as NXT Champion.

There seems to be no end in sight.