Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor consistently prove their worth in the ring and captivate audiences. Yet, they have been denied the chance to solidify their positions as top-tier champions in WWE. Both men have held world championships in the past, but their reigns were cut short due to various circumstances. The WWE landscape is in a state of flux. It’s time for WWE to put the World Heavyweight or Undisputed Championship belts back on these deserving athletes.

A Look Back at Their Championship Histories

Kevin Owens has had a storied career in WWE, capturing a variety of championships. He is a Grand Slam Champion. He has held the NXT Championship and the Universal Championship. He won the Intercontinental Championship twice and the United States Championship three times. He also captured the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship with Sami Zayn. He’s even headlined WrestleMania twice, once against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and once with Zayn against The Usos. Here’s a closer look at his impressive championship history in WWE:  

Championship	Date Won	Date Lost
NXT Championship	February 11, 2015	July 4, 2015
Intercontinental Championship	September 20, 2015	December 13, 2015
Intercontinental Championship	February 15, 2016	April 3, 2016
Universal Championship	August 29, 2016	March 5, 2017
United States Championship	April 2, 2017	April 30, 2017
United States Championship	May 2, 2017	July 7, 2017
United States Championship	July 23, 2017	July 25, 2017
Raw Tag Team Championship	April 1, 2023	September 2, 2023
SmackDown Tag Team Championship	April 1, 2023	September 2, 2023

Finn Bálor’s WWE journey has been similarly impressive, though marked by frustration. He made history as the inaugural Universal Champion. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced him to relinquish the title just one day later. He has since won the Intercontinental Championship twice. Additionally, he won the United States Championship once. This success made him a Grand Slam Champion. He also had a dominant run as a two-time NXT Champion. Here’s a detailed look at his championship accomplishments in WWE:  

Championship	Date Won	Date Lost
NXT Championship	July 4, 2015	April 21, 2016
Universal Championship	August 21, 2016	August 22, 2016
Intercontinental Championship	February 17, 2019	March 11, 2019
Intercontinental Championship	April 7, 2019	July 14, 2019
NXT Championship	September 8, 2020	April 8, 2021
United States Championship	February 28, 2022	April 18, 2022
Raw Tag Team Championship	September 2, 2023	October 7, 2023
SmackDown Tag Team Championship	September 2, 2023	October 7, 2023
Raw Tag Team Championship	October 16, 2023	April 6, 2024
SmackDown Tag Team Championship	October 16, 2023	April 6, 2024
World Tag Team Championship	June 24, 2024	December 16, 2024

Despite these accomplishments, neither man has truly had the opportunity to secure his spot as a top guy in WWE. They haven’t been given this chance. This opportunity hasn’t come for an extended period. Owens’ Universal Championship reign was short-lived, and he has often been relegated to the mid-card despite his undeniable talent. Bálor, while a decorated champion, has faced setbacks and inconsistencies in his main roster career, leaving fans wanting more.  

The Current WWE Landscape

The current WWE landscape is ripe for change. Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion, but his reign has been somewhat underwhelming. Fans have been unable to fully invest in his storylines. His matches have become predictable because there is an expectation that he will always win. Gunther holds the World Heavyweight Championship. He has been a dominant force. However, there’s a sense that his reign could be nearing its end. Fans are eager to see him face new challengers. His vulnerability has become more apparent in recent matches against opponents like Randy Orton and Sami Zayn.  

Both Owens and Bálor are currently involved in compelling storylines. Owens is embroiled in a heated rivalry with Rhodes, while Bálor is the leader of The Judgment Day. These storylines could easily be used to propel them back into the world championship picture.  

Why Owens and Bálor as Champions Makes Sense

Awarding Owens and Bálor with the championships would be a powerful statement. It demonstrates WWE’s commitment to rectifying past booking oversights. It also showcases their belief in these two exceptional talents. There are several reasons why putting the championships back on Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor would be beneficial for WWE:

• Fresh Matchups: Owens and Bálor would bring fresh matchups to the main event scene. Imagine Owens vs. Gunther, Owens vs. Seth Rollins, Bálor vs. Rhodes, or Bálor vs. AJ Styles (when he is clear to return from injury). These are just a few of the exciting possibilities that would be opened up with these two men as champions. A Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn match for the WWE Championship would be a dream match for many fans. Their long history and undeniable chemistry add to its appeal. And clashes with CM Punk, a wrestler with whom both Owens and Bálor have history, would be equally captivating. Owens and Bálor have proven track records. Their undeniable star power has the potential to elevate the prestige of the World Heavyweight and Undisputed Championships. This would bring renewed excitement and significance to these coveted titles.
• Character Development: Both men are currently undergoing interesting character arcs. Owens has embraced a more ruthless and aggressive persona, as seen in his recent attack on Cody Rhodes. Winning a world championship would solidify this heel turn. It would allow him to showcase his villainous side on a grander stage. Bálor is leading The Judgment Day with a newfound intensity. However, internal conflicts are testing his leadership. The looming threat of Damian Priest adds to the challenge. A world championship could either solidify his dominance or become a catalyst for further tension and betrayal within the faction.  
• Storytelling Potential: Owens and Bálor are both excellent storytellers. They can connect with the audience on an emotional level and make fans invest in their journeys. As champion, Owens could delve deeper into his motivations. He can explore his frustrations and ambitions in a way that resonates with the audience. Bálor’s reign could be filled with twists and turns. Damian Priest might interfere in a championship match against Gunther. Dominik Mysterio could even make a shocking face turn. A Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton feud over the WWE Championship would be a fresh and exciting storyline. While Finn Balor has a history of injuries, he is currently healthy and ready to compete at the highest level. This change would intrigue the Raw roster.
• Fan Support: Both men have passionate fanbases who would be thrilled to see them back on top. Their championship victories would generate significant buzz and excitement among the WWE Universe. Owens, as champion, could finally fulfill his potential. He could become the main event player that fans have always believed he could be. Bálor has another chance at world championship glory. He could recapture the magic of his early days in WWE. This would solidify his legacy as a top-tier superstar.  

Contrasting Styles with Current Champions

We conducted research on wrestling styles. We analyzed the wrestling styles of Kevin Owens and Finn Balor. I compared and contrasted them with the current champions, Cody Rhodes and Gunther. Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor offer distinct styles compared to the current champions. Owens is a brawler with a hard-hitting, impactful style that contrasts with Rhodes’ more technical approach. Owens thrives in chaotic brawls. He is known for his devastating powerbombs and cannonballs. Rhodes relies on his athleticism and precision strikes. Bálor, with his blend of striking, high-flying, and submission wrestling, provides a different challenge to Gunther’s power-based offense. Bálor’s agility and speed contrast with Gunther’s methodical and dominant style. This creates a clash of styles that is both exciting and unpredictable.  

Fan Reactions and Potential Interest

Fans have been clamoring for Owens and Bálor to be given another chance at the top. Social media is filled with comments expressing support for these two superstars. A recent fan-made image of Owens even earned him the nickname “K Glow” from WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg. Some fans have expressed frustration with Finn Balor and JD McDonagh’s tag team title reign. They feel it has been underwhelming. They also believe Balor deserves a singles push. This highlights WWE’s need to capitalize on Balor’s potential as a singles competitor. He should be given another opportunity to shine as a world champion.  

Kevin Owens has spoken directly about fan mockery. He expressed his desire for the WWE Championship. He stated, “I’ve never seen someone say ‘Mom I wanna dress up as Kevin Owens for Halloween’.” He has also taken aim at Cody Rhodes, criticizing his self-proclaimed “quarterback” status and influence on fans. This shows Owens’ hunger for the championship and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get it.  

Finn Bálor has also spoken about his championship aspirations, stating, “Eight years I’ve been waiting for that championship. You think I’m going to mess up now? No way.” This demonstrates his determination and his belief that he is ready to be a world champion once again.  

Conclusion

Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor are two of the most deserving superstars in WWE. They have the talent, the charisma, and the fan support to be world champions. They have consistently delivered in the ring and captivated audiences. However, WWE has denied them the opportunity to truly solidify their positions as top-tier champions. Awarding the World Heavyweight or Undisputed Championship belts to these deserving athletes would be a powerful statement. It would show WWE’s commitment to rectifying past booking oversights. It also showcases their belief in these two exceptional talents. Their reigns would not only benefit WWE and its fans but also provide fresh matchups, compelling storylines, and memorable moments. It’s time for WWE to capitalize on their potential and give them the opportunity to shine once again.