Meltzer reporting that there are higher ups in Vince's ear convincing him that Owens is nothing and shouldn't be given a push. He alludes that it is Kevin Dunn, who feels that he will be replaced once HHH and Steph gain full power. HHH is a big fan of Kevin Steen.
So, that would explain the tapout last night and the "losing streak". Hopefully it gets sorted out, but politics in wrestling are nothing new. Odd that HHH is on the losing side of it for once and NOW it sucks.
It's looking pretty clear someone got in someone's ear when you look at the way Owens has been booked the past 3 weeks.
7/6 Raw - Totally backs down from Cesaro; gets AA'ed like he is nothing after Cena just won a 30 minute match.
7/13 Raw - Walks out of the triple threat with Cesaro and Rusev. This is the only "chicken" moment that was tolerable because Owens would have to win 2 matches to become U.S. Champ and he already had a U.S. title shot guaranteed in 6 days.
Last night on Smackdown - Walks out in the middle of a match with Rusev. This was so dumb.
I can't believe this is the same guy they let powerbomb Machine Gun Kelly. If MGK shows up to Raw on Monday, he would be punking Owens out at this point.