The NXT Scouting Report, 12/18: Kevin Owens Likes to Hurt People

Kevin Owens vs. Adrian Neville

This match is a better example of the advantages of NXT storytelling than Neville/Zayn at Takeover. While that match was fantastic, it wasn’t that much different than say Daniel Bryan’s matches with Cena at SummerSlam or his WrestleMania XXX triumph – the perpetual underdog finally breaking through.

But this Neville vs. Owens matchup is pure NXT. Without the weight and expectations of having all top guys appear every show, and the fears and neurosis of fans worrying about burials and the security of spots, NXT can spend the time to get Owens established. There’s no example of this kind of storytelling care and elevated importance for a new talent on the main roster. The Shield and Nexus are probably the closest recent examples, but invasion angles are a staple of wrestling and happen frequently. This is a singular talent owning (sorry) the ring from the second he steps through the curtain and thrust right into the main event. NXT’s pace and relative freedom of expectations allow this to happen. This is great for fans who crave the fresh and new.

But this really only works so well because of the talent involved.  Owens in NXT is the BUSINESS because all the backstory is already there. His massive history with Zayn, and even Neville, gives this the weight to get over without much fuss. This is something no WWE writer can just magically create. This is 10 years of built-up story at their disposal. Kudos to WWE for letting it happen, and of course for Owens absolutely crushing it in just two appearances. But to suggest that this is something they can just whip up with any promising talent is short-sited. Owens vs. Zayn is the exception, not the rule.

Oh and Neville wrestles so well as a babyface against a bruiser opponent. As much as I want to see him stretch his abilities as a character, sometimes you have to embrace what you’re great at and try to be the BEST at it.

Kevin Owens – 99%
Adrian Neville – 98%

Matthew Timmons can be harassed on Twitter @matthewtimmons.

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