Why Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn Will Steal the Show at WWE Battleground 2016

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will write what could be the last chapter in their ongoing rivalry at WWE Battleground on July 24. The two former best friends are out for revenge in a match that could be the surprise hit of the night.

Indeed, it could steal the show.

This is a good thing for these guys, as both Owens and Zayn have thrilled WWE crowds since they rekindled their feud on the main roster. Theirs is an heated rivalry that immediately draws fans in every time they work together.

They bring it like a couple of old-school hands would, and they do it with much intensity.

Though the point has been driven home countless times on WWE programming, Zayn and Owens are the future of the company. The New Era is real, and the two former Ring of Honor standouts are a big part of it.

When the future has the opportunity to shine on today's stage, the talent involved must take it. That's exactly what's happening here, and it could not have come at a better time. 

The all-Shield main event between Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns is a big deal and will draw money. But the inclusion of Reigns has perhaps left something of a sour taste in the mouths of many, who believe he should have been taken out because of his recent suspension.

John Cena vs. AJ Styles would surely have been a welcome addition to the card, but they will face each other as part of a six-man tag match. While The Club, Enzo Amore and Big Cass will certainly deliver on their end, this is perhaps not the contest fans wanted to see.

This is the ideal time for Owens and Zayn to get in the ring and do what they do best. 

They've already garnered tremendous fan support individually, which will definitely translate to their match at Battleground. But as July 24 draws closer, the question is, what comes after this feud ends?

A freshly divided roster will provide the backdrop for this event, as the WWE draft will take place on July 19. That means both Zayn and Owens could soon be on separate brands, meaning this could be the last time they face off in the ring for a while.

If that is the case, then Sami needs this win.

Owens has had more than his share of opportunities, especially when it comes to championships and the spotlight. He's a two-time Intercontinental champion. He's beaten John Cena and Dean Ambrose, the WWE champion.

There is no denying WWE has a plan for Owens, and that could involve some big things for him in the near future.

But the same cannot necessarily be said of Zayn. He's doing well in the ring, and though the effort is there, he seems to be falling flat. Whether this is an issue on his part or simply how WWE has booked him thus far is up for debate.

But what's not up for discussion is the fact Zayn should be a bit further ahead than he is.

Winning the supposed final match against his most hated rival would go a long way to establishing Zayn as a solid presence on the card. Fans would begin to take him more seriously after that, as he would finally get over like he's not been able to do so far.

Programs involving the secondary titles, wherever they end up post-draft, should be where Zayn goes next.

Whether he's on Raw or SmackDown, Zayn needs to pursue the top midcard belt available to him. Winning either the IC or the U.S. Championship would be a great start for him as he evolves into the bankable star many fans believe he can be.

He has to start somewhere, and that would be a great way to get him on the right path.

As for KO, he could well be heading for bigger things. He's held the secondary titles, he's flirted with main event status and he's always come through with his performances. A guy such as this doesn't need the right path; he just needs the right nudge.

That nudge could lead him to the main event scene—and the WWE Championship. 

It's reasonable to assume WWE could go this way, and it's feasible Owens could make it work. He may not be ready for the company's top spot, but he could be primed for one of the two top belts if WWE's most prestigious prize is divided after the draft. The only way to find out is to test him and see what he's made of.

But does that mean he needs to win at Battleground?

The truth is no. He's already built his reputation, and though he's still growing, he doesn't necessarily need to pin Zayn yet again. Losing would not hurt Owens in the long run, and fans would probably not hold it against him as he pursued a top title.

The key here is the booking. Is the company creatively prepared to move ahead with both of these guys when the night is over, or will both Superstars continue heading in the same direction they have since their feud resumed following Money in the Bank?

It's all in WWE's hands, and fans can only hope the future continues to offer promise for both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Bleacher Report. His podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online here.