Kevin Owens has always been one of the most popular WWE wrestlers. His in-ring skills, added with his impressive promo abilities, elevated him to a respectable position. Throughout his career in WWE, Owens has been a hot prospect. And, currently, his feud with The Bloodline is one of the most impressive things going on at the company. However, his recent actions during the latest episode of WWE SmackDown won every wrestling fan’s heart. Interestingly, it was not Kevin Owens alone who did that, but The Viking Raiders and Michael Cole also took part, and paid their respect.
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The latest episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed Kevin Owens come out to the show, wearing a Jay Briscoe arm-band. Briscoe was a ROH pro wrestler, who recently lost his life on 17th January 2023. The 38-year-old wrestler was extremely loved and respected by his peers.
The wrestling world lost the ROH legend to a car crash in his hometown. The car crash also had his daughters in the car. However, currently his daughters are hospitalized. The entire wrestling community was heartbroken after this news.
Jay and his brother, Mark, were a dominant tag-team in ROH, who were currently in their 13th tag-title reign. Kevin Owens aka Kevin Steen was also good friends with Briscoe during his time in ROH, and thus decided to pay a little homage to his late friend.
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His wholesome gesture won over the entire wrestling community, and they decided to react to it, and show their love.
WWE Fans show their love and respect to Kevin Owens after his tribute to Jay Briscoe
Kevin Owens is currently involved in a heated rivalry with Roman Reigns, and The Bloodline. Owens is next scheduled to face Reigns at the 2023 Royal Rumble for his championship. Although Briscoe has never been in WWE, and ROH is not in good ties with WWE, Owens decided to pay homage to his friend.
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed Owens wearing a black armband with Briscoe’s name on it. WWE Fans loved the gesture and reacted to it.
Kevin Owens honored Jay Briscoe on SmackDown 🙏 pic.twitter.com/TSMfAldeDD
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) January 21, 2023
That was the perfect way to honor him
— shcruz (@sabugg89) January 21, 2023
So did Viking raiders and Michael Cole
— M (@MarkRedbeliever) January 21, 2023
Kevin Owens wearing Jay Brisco armband, love and respects for him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JtBGz4eUZN
— Jᴀʜɪɴ Kʜɪʟᴀᴅɪ (@Jahhhin_Cena) January 21, 2023
You & Jay always put on fantastic matches together. Whether it was you and Generico against Dem Boys in gruelling hardcore matches or the night Jay was crowned world champ.
Briscoes, Steen, Danielson & Joe are the 4 pillars of ROH in my opinion. Redefining what a wrestler is.
— Harry (@hazzache1seafc) January 21, 2023
Man this is a powerful photo. Jay Briscoe is powerful
— ½Zero (@HalfZero) January 21, 2023
Now real hero kevin
— Bs gurung (@barshag61107489) January 21, 2023
Respect.
— Humble Wrestling (@WrestlingHumble) January 21, 2023
Love that! Amazing way to honor him!
— Andrew Shroyer (@The_DeShroyer) January 21, 2023
Michael Cole, Viking Raiders, and KO payed tribute/respect to Jay🙏
— NoSympathy (@ChaseCh98882582) January 21, 2023
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Much love KO. You did the Briscoe family proud tonight
— Cooper (he/him) (@CooperHoffman_) January 21, 2023
Despite WWE and ROH being two different companies, it was a wise decision from WWE’s side to allow the pro wrestlers to pay tribute to one of the modern-day wrestling legends. And, Owens’ current run as a babyface was the perfect place to capitalize on the situation.
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The Prizefighter currently is extremely over with the fans, and it would be interesting to see if Owens is able to defeat Reigns at Royal Rumble.
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