WWE signs former Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla star Kevin Steen
Canadian says his in-ring versatility and promo skills catch the eye
Last Updated: 12/08/14 5:11pm
WWE has signed Kevin Steen to its NXT division.
The Canadian has won many championships during his 14-year career to date, including the Pro Wrestling Guerilla and Ring of Honor heavyweight titles.
But the 240lb Steen, who was also placed 10th on grappling magazine Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual list of the world’s top 500 wrestlers in 2013, feels many factors got him noticed by WWE.
It feels great. I’ve been waiting for this pretty much my whole career, so it’s pretty nice to finally get to do it now.
Steen on joining WWE
“I think I’m pretty apt at every style,” said the NXT new boy.
“I can do highflying and that kind of surprises people, considering my size, but I can do technical wrestling as well.
“I guess my specialty would be brawling, but I’ve been known to dip into whatever I need, so I think I’m pretty versatile.
“The way I talk and what I say has also been one of my strong points. I make it count, and I think that went far in getting me to where I am.”
Pride
Steen - who has followed Fergal Devitt and Kenta in heading to NXT - does not have the chiseled physique of a John Cena, but he insists he never questioned his ability to make it to WWE.
And now that he has penned a deal to join Vince McMahon’s company, the Quebec native is looking forward to honing his craft at the Performance Center in Orlando, where the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Billy Gunn and Joey Mercuey act as trainers.
I want to make sure that when I’m done in NXT, Kevin Steen and NXT together mean something.
Steen on his NXT goal
“I’ve encountered a lot of people in my career that didn’t think I’d ever get to WWE, but I never doubted that I would get here eventually,” said Steen.
"I’m actually really proud to be an exception, which is what I’ve been pretty much my entire career, everywhere I’ve went. I’ve never been the norm and I take great pride in that.”
Steen added: “It’s just a dream for somebody who does what we do to have a chance to develop themselves in that environment [the Performance Center].
“There are seven rings and as for the coaches who are there, their names speak for themselves as far as how well they can help somebody build and develop himself to become a WWE Superstar.
“I think everybody who’s there is very lucky to be there and that’s why pretty much everybody in independent wrestling wants to get there. So I feel very lucky to have the chance.
“For those of you who know me and are following me for this new chapter of my career, I appreciate that continued support - and for those of you who don’t know me, you’re in for a pretty crazy ride.”
