Kevin Owens said the animosity with CM Punk requires no manufacturing, and that he chose Toronto for their Undisputed WWE Championship match so his parents could see it live.
Owens challenged Punk on Friday’s SmackDown in Toronto, with Punk retaining the title. On the August 14 episode, Owens had brought up how Punk treated him 20 years ago and said he does not believe Punk has changed.
Asked by FACES Magazine ahead of the match whether the rivalry required faking any hostility, Owens said no.
“Some people, you’re just not compatible with, and he’s one of them. I’m sure he’d happily say the same, like, we don’t gel.”
Owens said Toronto was a deliberate pick, and not for the crowd support, since he expects the reaction could split given Punk’s popularity. It was the site of what he once believed was his final match.
“So now, to get to come back and have a show so soon in Toronto, and in such a major match, is great. Also, my parents will get to be there, my family will get to be there, and that wouldn’t have been the case if the match happened somewhere else, because my mom, through her health issues over the last several years, her ability to fly and go to shows that are far away, it’s just not the case anymore.”
Owens said his family watched his Universal Championship win on television rather than in the building, and winning this title in front of them would mean more after everything since.
