Kevin Owens Talks Al Snow Ripping ROH Matches, William Regal's Influence

NXT Champion Kevin Owens appeared on this week's Talk Is Jericho, and spoke extensively about his indy career, as well as his move to NXT. He also talked about Al Snow and William Regal during the podcast.

Owens said that current NXT Commissioner William Regal was at one of his shows at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla to scout talent and he was able to bend his ear. Owens said he wrestled independent star Johnny Gargano on the show, and the two had a good match that had the crowd going. He wasn't sure what Regal would think of the style, but asked for his advice.

"He gave us his thoughts on the match, he was very positive. It was really refreshing. The style in PWG was really crash and burn. For a guy that's had the career he's had to say 'you had the crowd going in the end, that's what matters.'"

Owens said shortly after, he got a call from NXT asking him to come in for a tryout. He said that the tryout process was grueling process, over the course of three days.

Owens noted that the crash and burn style often seen on the independent circuit isn't for everyone, and that there have been cases of wrestlers ripping it. He singled out Al Snow as someone who came to an ROH show and didn't enjoy the way they worked.

"Al Snow came to a show," Owens said "He watched the whole show, but he was in the crowd. Afterwards I heard that among the fans that paid to see the show, he put down every single match while he was in the crowd. Every match had the crowd rocking, it was a Ring of Honor show. But he couldn't open his mind enough to see that maybe it's not the way he would do it, but (it would work)."

Owens said that it is no knock on Snow, and he'd probably gladly admit it if someone asked him about it. Snow has been vocal about the crash and burn style during several shoot interviews.