Kevin Owens should have 'earned' title shot at Bash in Berlin, says WWE legend

A WWE Hall of Famer believes Kevin Owens should have earned his upcoming title shot. The veteran will be challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE Bash in Berlin on August 31.

Cody Rhodes suggested the match during last Friday's edition of SmackDown. Kevin Owens initially refused but got angry when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis admitted he was considering Roman Reigns for a title match. Aldis then booked Rhodes versus Owens for Bash in Berlin at the end of the month.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry questioned the decision to not have Owens earn the title shot.

"And, you know, when you start like in hindsight looking at stuff and going: uhm, maybe you should have added to that? Because Kevin was right. You gotta earn it," he said.

Mark Henry also shared what he would have said if he were in Owens' situation. The former AEW star noted that Owens should have competed to earn the title shot instead of it being given to him by Rhodes.

"Cody? Like, I don't want you to give me nothing. Like, I'm a prize fighter, and I want the prize, and the thrill of victory, and I also want the accomplishment. I want the prize of facing you in Berlin," he added. [H/T: Wrestling Inc]

Vince Russo criticizes Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens' promo on WWE SmackDown

Former WWE writer Vince Russo mocked the promo between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown.

Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Legion of RAW show, Russo claimed that the promo was "the most pathetic thing" he has ever seen. He claimed that the segment was weak and noted that the company was having difficulty coming up with opponents during Rhodes' title reign.

"I don't know if you watched SmackDown. That was the most pathetic thing I've ever seen. A wrestler didn't want a title shot because he wasn't worthy and he didn't deserve it." Russo continued, "I haven't seen something that weak in I don't know how long, man. It's bad enough the guy's got no opponents. So now he's got to literally give out matches because he's got no opponents. And then, when he gives a match out, the guy doesn't want to take it because he's not worthy. What is this?" [6:55 onwards]

You can check out the video below:

Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes have been working together in recent months on SmackDown in a rivalry against The Bloodline. It will be interesting to see if WWE has any surprises in store for fans ahead of Bash in Berlin.