Kevin Owens defeated AJ Styles at WWE Battleground to earn his third United States Championship.
Fittingly enough for a rivalry that has hinged on heartbreakers and shockers in equal measure, KO and Styles seemed to be one minute away from a full-on fistfight from the second the bell rang. Owens was particularly rabid, looking to avenge his honor after losing the title in a stunning upset to The Phenomenal One at a WWE Live Event in Madison Square Garden three weeks ago.
When Styles attempted to hit the Styles Clash, Owens lifeted his foe on his shoulders and threw him into the ref. The Two then traded crossfaces while the groggy official slowly roused from his slumber, and the ref came to just as Owens managed to roll The Phenomenal One onto his back for the three.
What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comments section.
WWE Battleground Social Media Reactions
Well, THIS is one way to counter the #StylesClash! #WWEBattleground @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/HBzqFVXB4l
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
It’s all about the RED, WHITE and BLUE as @AJStylesOrg and @FightOwensFight compete for the right to be called #USChampion! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/i2AEXTK5s3
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
My thoughts on the ending of AJ Styles Vs Kevin Owens. #WWEBattleground #WWE #USTitle pic.twitter.com/287JNBnSOo
— The Fan’s Podcast (@TheFansPodcast) July 24, 2017
Watch out for those forearms, @FightOwensFight…
One of them just might be a PHENOMENAL one! #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/Ip2hQtEDjb— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017
At WWE Battleground, a still-seething Kevin Owens will challenge United States Champion AJ Styles in a rematch for the prestigious star-spangled title. Up until recently, the WWE Universe was expecting the opposite, as Owens has maintained a firm grip on the illustrious prize. But, in a stunning turn of events, The Phenomenal One dethroned The New Face of America in a championship bout at a Live Event at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Prior to the electric title clash at MSG, Styles was the one chasing after the coveted championship, having to earn No. 1 contender status by winning SmackDown LIVE’s Independence Day Battle Royal. But the noteworthy night at The World’s Most Famous Arena completely shifted the balance of power.
Will Styles’ victory alter the way each Superstar approaches the United States Title showdown at the July 23 pay-per-view?
With each Superstar claiming the blue brand as his show, the conflict between Styles and Owens has become increasingly personal over recent weeks. And now, with Styles taking the United States Title from The Prizefighter in a match that made waves throughout the WWE Universe, tensions are at an all-time high in this red-hot rivalry.
Photo Credit: WWE