Kevin Owens Says NXT 2.0 “Too Different” To NXT He Was Part Of

Kevin Owens has revealed that he believes NXT 2.0 is so different from the version he was part of that it should have a “totally different name”.

When Kevin Owens signed for WWE in 2014, NXT was a place where recently signed independent wrestlers were flourishing. While he was part of the then black and gold brand, Owens had classic matches against the likes of Finn Balor, Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe, three stars who were already highly-respected golobal wrestling stars before they stepped foot in NXT.

In 2021, however, NXT was completely overhauled and became the multi-coloured NXT 2.0. Where previously there were many established veterans, the focus is now on up-and-coming Superstars like Von Wagner and Bron Breakker.

Speaking on Les anti-pods de la lutte, the former NXT Champion said that the brand has changed so much that it wasn’t the same show anymore, going as far as to say it should be renamed.

“Today’s NXT is very different than the NXT I was part of, to the point I believe it should have a totally different name. And I don’t think it’s better or worse, but it’s just too different. So when I’m watching NXT, I don’t see the NXT I was part of. It’s not the same thing.”

“I don’t even consider that to be the same show. I don’t really feel any attachment to NXT now.”

Owens went on to explain that he wouldn’t fit in the show anymore, saying that he doesn’t “feel the same thing” he did when watching two years ago.

“I don’t think I fit in the new NXT as I was fitting in the NXT I was part of, with guys like Sami, Finn, Samoa Joe and Nakamura. When I watch NXT now, I don’t feel the same thing I felt when I was watching NXT two years ago.”

Owens did briefly return to NXT back in 2019, taking part in that year’s WarGames as part of Team Ciampa, aiding the team in their victory over The Undisputed Era before going back to the main roster.

Kevin Owens had been the subject of speculation recently with his WWE contract being close to ending in January 2022. However, he chose to re-sign with the company, saying that, in the end, it was a “pretty easy” decision for him.

H/T to SESCOOPS for the above transcription.