Winning the briefcase is only part of his plan
Summary
– Kevin Owens says ending CM Punk’s career is his biggest goal
– He plans to confront the champion directly if he wins the briefcase
– Owens also addressed his neck injury and rivalry with Sami Zayn
Kevin Owens has more than the briefcase on his mind heading into Money in the Bank.
During WWE’s countdown interview, Owens singled out CM Punk as his primary target in the six-man ladder match. While he acknowledged the abilities of the other competitors, he admitted his attention was largely elsewhere.
“One of them, the biggest one, is to hopefully end scumbag CM Punk’s career.”
Owens continued the attack by saying he did not want Punk sharing his locker room or appearing on his shows. He framed removing Punk as part of his mission before climbing the ladder.
His comments set a personal tone for a match that also includes Je’Von Evans, Bron Breakker, Trick Williams, and Penta. Owens praised each wrestler’s credentials, including Evans’ willingness to take risks and Breakker’s destructive approach.
The interview also addressed Owens’ return following his neck injury. He disputed the suggestion that his ladder match against Cody Rhodes at Royal Rumble 2025 was primarily responsible, saying he believed the injury existed before that contest.
“I went into that match half broken and I didn’t even know.”
Owens said his family understood that he intended to return if he had the opportunity. Whatever time remains in his career, he plans to give it his full effort.
That determination has been sharpened by two unsuccessful championship opportunities since returning. Owens described his frustration with those results and said he wanted to put his failures behind him.
If he wins Money in the Bank, Owens intends to give the champion a warning rather than cashing in after an attack.
“Not with some sort of sneak attack when the champion’s already down, because I want him to see me coming.”
He connected that decision to his Universal Championship victory a decade earlier. Although he felt he deserved the title, Triple H’s involvement left him wondering whether he would have won without the help.
Owens also addressed WWE Champion Sami Zayn. He praised Zayn’s ability and said he deserved the championship, while making clear their rivalry remained unresolved.
“The only problem is he kept me from winning the WWE championship in front of my mom.”
For Owens, the ladder match presents two connected objectives: to settle his issue with Punk and secure another opportunity to pursue the WWE Championship.
