Kevin Owens made his return to WWE NXT over the weekend, using the opportunity to take a playful jab at CM Punk while delivering an emotional tribute to longtime friend and WWE Performance Center coach Steve Corino.
As previously reported by PWMania.com, Owens appeared at Saturday night’s NXT live event in Gatineau, Quebec, where he teamed with Kendal Grey, Shiloh Hill and Tony D’Angelo to defeat members of BirthRight in the main event.
Following the match, the former WWE Universal Champion addressed the crowd and expressed his appreciation for the reception he received. However, Owens couldn’t resist making a joke about Punk while discussing his recent experiences. “To get to wrestle here tonight in front of you all, obviously, the reception you’ve given me, incredible, especially I have to admit, the last three weeks I’ve been a struggle, because I’ve had to endure CM Punk’s company and I don’t like that,” Owens said. “Trust me, if you knew him, you’d also consider retirement, but I’m going to forge through for you guys.”
Owens then turned his attention to the NXT roster, explaining that the opportunity to work with WWE’s emerging talent played an important role in his decision to participate in the event. “With that said, another thing that really helped me say ‘yes’ when they asked me if I want to be a part of this show was knowing that I get to share the ring with people that are shaping the future of what WWE will be,” he explained. “The four idiots we just beat, very talented idiots, but still, not the best attitude.”
The former NXT Champion went on to praise his teammates, suggesting that they are already making a significant impact on the brand. “And these three, I just said the future; quite frankly, I think you’re really looking at the present,” Owens continued. “So for that, Tony, thank you. Kendal, thank you. Shiloh, thank you. It was an honor and a pleasure. Thank you guys so much.”
Owens also revealed that Steve Corino was the person responsible for bringing him back to NXT for the appearance.
Despite dealing with several physical issues and a demanding travel schedule, Owens explained that he could not turn down a request from someone who had played such an important role in his career. “The person who asked me to be here, there is no way I would say no to, even though I had to fly to Winnipeg on Thursday, fly to Sacramento on Friday, then fly all the way here,” Owens said. “That’s a lot of trouble for somebody who’s got a bad knee, bad shoulder, bad neck. But the guy who asked me to be here is a legend by the name of Steve Corino.”
Owens then delivered a heartfelt tribute to Corino, a former ECW World Heavyweight Champion who has worked as a coach at WWE’s Performance Center.
Reflecting on their relationship, Owens credited Corino with helping him establish himself in professional wrestling after they first met in 2004. “And Steve, I can genuinely say, without a doubt, if you’re not familiar with his career, go back and watch. One of the greatest of all time,” Owens stated. “I met him in 2004. He took me under his wing, and without him, I am telling you, I would not be standing here right now. Tonight, or ever, I would have never had the career I had without him.”
Owens concluded by thanking Corino personally and assuring the NXT roster that he would always be willing to help whenever needed. “So Steve, I’m not going to make you come out here, because I know you won’t want to, but you’re back there. I love you. Thank you.”
“Anytime you need anything, I’m here. Anytime you guys need anything, I’m here. I’m at the Performance Center, you know it.”
Saturday’s appearance marked Owens’ first match for NXT since November 2019, when he made a surprise return to the brand as a member of Tommaso Ciampa’s team at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
His return to NXT in Gatineau gave Owens an opportunity to reconnect with the brand, share the ring with its current talent and publicly acknowledge one of the most influential figures in his wrestling career.
Kevin Owens & Kendal Grey putting on a Stunner Party at WWE NXT Gatineau 😂👏 https://t.co/RUmu1knotg
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 19, 2026
