Kevin Owens & The Duality of the Everyman

Perhaps the most interesting part about wrestling is its characters. The variety of daredevil stunts and stiff strikes pop off the screen but they are nothing without a distinct look. In a majority of Western wrestling, the ability to understand a wrestler’s motivations and to grasp their origins is essential towards investment. The supernatural performers like The Undertaker and Kane were fascinating because they seemed stripped out of a horror movie. An undead demon turned all American Biker turned old grave digger is unheard of in any fighting medium. Similarly, the 80’s held its giant attractions like Macho Man Randy Savage. Even with acts like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, or Bret Hart, they were wrestlers out of the ordinary. Stone Cold would beat up his boss every week. Bret Hart claimed he was “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.” The Rock was the People’s Champ but he possessed endless amounts of charisma that set him apart from the everyday person. That’s why the everyman is as lovable as it is. In a field of Herculean wrestlers and charismatic performers , you could feel like you belonged even if you don’t. They are incredibly regular, the type of person you can catch at work or at the grocery store. What’s so interesting about Kevin Owens is his ability to add layers to such a simple premise.