WWE producer TJ Wilson recently appeared on the Counted Out podcast with Mike and Tyler, where he discussed two of the biggest moments from SummerSlam Night Two earlier this month: Chelsea Green becoming Interim WWE Women’s Champion and Kevin Owens making his surprise return to the ring after 17 months away.
Wilson first reflected on Green’s championship victory and revealed that the reaction backstage was every bit as enthusiastic as the response from fans inside the stadium. “I thought I knew, but I thought I’ve known before and been wrong, so I just wanted to watch and enjoy,” Wilson said. “It was incredible and the right call.”
Wilson particularly praised the way the finish was structured. Green appeared to have an opportunity to secure the victory before Michin and B-Fab emerged, seemingly ending her chances. “I really loved a little bit before she won; it looked like she had the moment to win, and then Michin and B-Fab came out. I think a lot of people thought that was going to be as close as she got to win, and when she overcame it again, that made the reaction that much crazier.”
According to Wilson, Green’s victory also received a huge response behind the curtain. “The reaction in the stadium was probably matched by the reaction in Gorilla. Everyone was really happy.”
Wilson also discussed Owens’ unexpected in-ring return at SummerSlam, revealing that despite speaking with Owens regularly throughout his recovery, even he did not know “The Prize Fighter” would be wrestling until the day of the show. “I talked to Kevin a lot through the process. It was a tough process for him, obviously. He was out for 17 months. I didn’t know Kevin was wrestling that day. I found out Sunday.”
Wilson initially overheard discussion of a Stunner and assumed Owens might simply be getting involved in another match featuring longtime friend and rival Sami Zayn. “I heard somebody talking about a stunner, and I thought Kevin was doing something with Sami in the Finn match. I didn’t realize Gunther and Kevin were being added.”
It wasn’t until Wilson attended a production meeting approximately two hours before the match and spotted Owens already dressed to compete that he realized what was happening. “When I saw the meeting two hours before, and I saw Kevin in the gear, I was like, ‘I guess he’s wrestling!’”
Owens’ comeback carried additional significance for Wilson because of his own history with a career-ending neck injury. Wilson said he understood what it was like to suddenly have wrestling taken away but had never experienced the other side of the journey by successfully returning to competition. “When I was in Gorilla and Kevin came in, I was so excited for him. I wondered how he felt because I experienced one part of it where it does come to a halt with your neck, but I never experienced the other side where you have a match again.”
Wilson later checked on Owens following his return and was encouraged by how well he had come through his first match in 17 months. “I saw him on Friday’s SmackDown and asked him how he was feeling. He said he felt pretty good, and I was glad. If he said he was banged up, it would have made perfect sense because he hadn’t wrestled for 17 months, but it shows you that Kevin is made for this.” Wilson concluded with an optimistic assessment of Owens’ return, saying, “He was gone that long and said he is totally fine. He’s going to do awesome!”
You can check out the complete episode of Counted Out below.
You can check out the complete podcast below.
