Kevin Owens has revealed how WrestleMania XL foe Logan Paul has earned respect from his WWE peers – and how easily he loses it!
WWE United States Champion Paul defends his gold against Randy Orton and Owens in a triple-threat match at the blockbuster show on Sunday.
It’s the latest high-profile bout for relative rookie Paul, who is still just eleven matches into his professional wrestling career.
The YouTuber turned boxer and grappler has already amassed major matches at WrestleMania and SummerSlam since debuting in 2022 – even battling for the Undisputed Universal title against Roman Reigns along the way.
In that short space of time, he has impressed many with his diligence to the craft, and willingness to either play the fool or take a beating when required.
It’s all part of being a WWE Superstar, says Owens, who had to give the devil his due when he spoke to talkSPORT at a pre-WrestleMania press event.
He stopped short of being too kind, though, saying: “I’ve said it in many interviews before, he’s a very annoying person!
“But nobody can deny how hard he works in the ring and how much of himself he gives when he’s out there.
“He wants to make everything he does as memorable as possible and as good as possible.
“That’s the right attitude to earn respect in WWE, and he has a lot of people’s respect.
“He usually loses it once he opens his mouth, but that’s what the match Sunday is for!”
The Canadian applauded the 29-year-old’s ability to attract heat – wrestling terminology for a negative fan reaction – wherever he goes.
He added: “I think he wakes up in the morning and, in every aspect of life, just tends to attract that.
“There’s something about him.”
While Owens will look to snare the United States title from Paul this Sunday, the two will, of course, not have the ring to themselves.
Tangling with the pair will be Orton, who is also enjoying a purple patch of sorts having found his groove after returning from a lengthy lay-off at Survivor Series last year.
The chance to work with The Viper in such a high-profile match delights Owens, who ranks the former Evolution prodigy as one of the greatest of all time.
“I’ve never gotten the chance to do anything major with Randy over the last ten years somehow,” commented ‘KO.’
“To be in the ring with him at WrestleMania is incredible.
“To me, Randy Orton is on the same level as Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, John Cena and all those guys.
“He deserves a spot right there next to those guys in everyone’s esteem, in my opinion.”
Kevin Owens was speaking to talkSPORT with WWE 2k24, which is out now.