Kevin Owens can choose between WWE and AEW for what could be his last big payday

Kevin Owens' contract will expire toward the beginning of 2025. The Smackdown superstar has been with the WWE since 2014, working his way through NXT to become a genuine headliner for the wrestling juggernaut. Owens has held the NXT championship, intercontinental championship, universal championship and United States championship during his tenure with the company. 

Owens has also headlined WrestleMania on two occasions, with one of them being a legendary match against Stone Cold Steve Austin. More recently, he's be part of The Bloodline story alongside Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. 

According to Fightful Select, WWE recently made contact with Owens regarding a new contract. Triple H has moved swiftly to secure the promotion's top talent in recent months, securing the long-term futures of Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins, among others. However, Fightful also noted how AEW has long held an interest in bringing Owens aboard and would be willing to make him an offer if he hit the free-agent market.

"WWE source tells Fightful that Kevin Owens has been approached for a new contract," Fightful Select reported. "We're told that Owens has not signed a new deal as of yet, but communication has been made. His contract is expected to be up at the end of the year. Those that we spoke to in AEW said that the company has long had major interest in bringing Owens in when and if he's available. They're expected to make him an offer if he reaches free agency."

Owens would walk into a readymade fan base with AEW courtesy of his time in Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he operated under the name Kevin Steen. The edgier style of AEW would also suit Owens' character and his in-ring performances. However, with WWE still pushing him as one of its top stars and the promotion going from strength to strength over the past 12-18 months, it doesn't make much sense for him to walk away now.

With his status as a top star in wrestling, Owens has full control of his future. If the notion of joining AEW appeals to him, Tony Khan would likely welcome him with open arms. However, given he opted to re-sign with WWE when his last contract was up, while the promotion was struggling and AEW was at its hottest, it is highly unlikely we'll see him take the leap now that AEW is in decline. Nevertheless, Owens has earned the right to make that choice, and whatever he chooses, his legacy in WWE is already solidified.