Kevin Owens is taunting the crowd after his win over Cesaro. (Photo : Getty Images/JP Yim)
The WWE swerved and shocked many of their fans in this week's episode of Monday Night Raw when Kevin Owens became the new WWE Universal Champion. According to the latest rumors, Owens will be defending the title at "Clash of Champion" on September 25 against Seth Rollins.
After Big Cass was eliminated in the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Universal title, Roman Reigns took control of the match and he was on the verge of winning. However, Triple H showed up and hit The Pedigree on Reigns and helping Rollins eliminate.
It looked like Triple H was also going to help Rollins dispatch Owens but he turned on The Architect. The Game hit The Pedigree on Rollins before KO pinned him to become the new WWE Universal Champion. Triple H then raised Owens' arms signaling that the "New Era" is really happening.
According to Cageside Seats, Owens' first feud will be against Rollins and they will likely get a title match at "Clash of Champions." The event is Raw's first brand-exclusive event since the brand split and new name for a pay-per-view.
Triple H is going to a key character on television for the next several months as the WWE try to cement Rollins as the company's new top babyface, Forbes reported. It will also help Owens become the top heel in the WWE, something that has been lacking this year.
It is noted that the WWE has been waiting for a long time to turn Rollins face. He received a huge amount of pop during his return at Extreme Rules but the company wanted him as a heel due to the lack of bad guys on the roster.
But with Reigns' suspension relegating him on the midcard and Finn Balor being out with an injury, the WWE was forced to change their plans. However, it might be the best for business since Rollins has the potential to be a great babyface while Owens can continue to thrive as the bragging champion being helped by an authority figure.
Forbes also mentioned that Rollins was a top merchandise seller even though he was a heel. The Architect becoming a babyface will do wonders for sales. Nevertheless, it is great to see WWE pulling the trigger on a big swerve and awarding Owens for his hard work.
"Clash of Champions" will be held on September 25 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Check out the video below to see Owens become the second WWE Universal Champion in history.
