WWE fans won't have to wait long to find out the key factors behind Kevin Owens' decision to re-sign wth WWE.
As previously noted, Owens has signed a new contract with WWE. His current deal is slated to expire in January, but Vince McMahon and company officials were able to reach an extension. And so ends the speculation that the 37-year-old could make the jump to AEW.
On Wednesday afternoon, professional wrestling author and historian Pat Laprade confirmed that it's a multi-year deal for Owens. Laprade also reported that Owens will talk to him on Thursday regarding his decision to stay with WWE.
Back in 2018, Owens announced that he had signed a five-year deal with WWE. His contract was adjusted, however, and the changes include a much earlier expiration date. But it's not a concern for WWE, because one of their most popular and all-around talented stars is here to stay long-term
Regarding Owens' contract, WrestleVotes reported "WWE felt strongly in keeping Owens", and that they "wanted to get this deal done for a while now."
The contract of Sami Zayn, Owens' close friend and longtime on-screen wrestling rival, is also reportedly set to expire soon. It was recently reported that WWE was giving Owens and Zayn more screen time with the hope of convincing both of them to stay long-term.
Owens will compete for Big E's WWE Championship in a Fatal Four-Way match at the Day 1 pay-per-view on New Year's Day. The match will also feature Bobby Lashley — who was added to the bout this week — and Seth Rollins.
Owens Deserves A Long-Term Main Event Push
Owens has all of the necessary skills to be a long-term main event star. It's refreshing to see him in the WWE Championship scene, but even if he doesn't win the WWE Championship at Day 1, this doesn't mean WWE should end Owens' push altogether. Having paid his dues and displaying loyalty here, Owens deserves to be a perennial main event star from here.