Controversy Helps AJ Styles Beat Kevin Owens at SummerSlam

AJ Styles is the first Champion to keep his belt at SummerSlam. And he may not have done it [...]

By Jack Snodgrass

AJ Styles is the first Champion to keep his belt at SummerSlam. And he may not have done it without the help of Shane McMahon.

Styles would beat Owens after a second Styles Clash, but that's not what we'll be talking about come Tuesday on SmackDown. Shane McMahon found himself to be quite the clumbsy referee as he got involved in numerous spots, each having increasingly significant repercussions. Shane was hotly questioned all match by both competitors. But no one will have more legitimate complaint than Owens.

KO hit Styles with a Pop-Up Powerbomb that landed him a 3-count. However, Styles put his foot on the ropes, but Shane missed it and counted anyway. Owens celebrated as Shane was waving off his erroneous count. The moment gave Styles an opening to regain the offensive. Owens attempted to fight back, but he was off balance and too late.

From here we can only guess that tonight will serve as the perfect jump-off point for a feud between Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon. While some have guessed that this may carry into Survivor Series, the better idea lies at Hell in a Cell. There's been rumors on the matter, but nothing is confirmed. However the concept of Owens and Shane in a cage is one of those types of whispers that just feels true.

That will be one of the first things addressed on SmackDown this upcoming Tuesday. For Styles, the world is wide open. Who his next challenger will be makes for a fun guessing game. Perhaps the US Championship Open Challenge is set to resume?

Regardless, there was some good storytelling in this match that will payoff even further on a later date.

0comments
Start the Conversation

of