WWE Rumours: Backstage criticism over Kevin Owen's Universal title victory

One of the co-main event bouts of the 29^th annual Summerslam pay-per-view featured Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor, to determine the first ever WWE Universal Champion. Although Balor suffered a shoulder injury during that match, he went to finish off the fight and ultimately won the top prize of the red brand. Later, an MRI report revealed that Balor required to undergo a surgery and won’t be able to compete for the next six months.

WWE had no other choice but to vacate the Championship and it led up to the main event match to determine the new Universal Champion on this week’s RAW.

Kevin Owens defeated Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Big Cass in a fatal four-way elimination match to become the second ever Champion. A few moments after Big Cass got eliminated, the WWE Universe witnessed the return of Triple H and the Game’s first target was former World Champion, Roman Reigns. A pedigree knocked Roman out helping Rollins to get the pinfall over him.

In a sudden turn of events, Hunter delivered another pedigree, but this time, the victim was The Man. This assist from HHH provided Owens with the opportunity to become the brand new Universal Champion.

Some earlier rumors indicated that either of the former SHIELD members would have emerged victorious in this match. It seems that the decision to crown Owens as the Champion was made at the eleventh hour. In fact, a few reports point out that very few backstage personnel were informed about this change in the creative plans.

Wrestling Observer even reveals that Owens, Stephanie McMahon or Mick Foley weren’t aware of the eventual outcome when the match started and their reaction towards the closing moments was legit. Apparently, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Triple H and only a few others were informed.

Yet, some criticism has risen due to Triple H’s actions as a few backstage personalities are unhappy over the ending. According to them, Owens getting the pinfall victory due to the pedigree maneuver could have been changed. The signature finishing move of Triple H, that is, the pedigree, shouldn’t have been the decisive factor in the classic fatal four-way match.

There is a feeling that the consistency of the former NXT Champion played a major part in this decision. The company also feels that they can trust somebody like Kevin Owens as their top champion and the as the face of the RAW brand going forward.