Who came out on top when AJ Styles defended his United States title against Kevin Owens on Sunday night at WWE Battleground?
Just a few weeks after winning the United States title at a house show at Madison Square Garden, AJ Styles defended his new gold for the first time in a rematch with Kevin Owens on Sunday night at Battleground.
The two have had a long feud over the belt since Owens came over to SmackDown LIVE and sent Chris Jericho out of action, and we finally got a fresh look at the rivalry with Styles trying to retain his title against Owens, rather than vice versa.
The match was one of the more anticipated matches on the otherwise uneventful card, and delivered to its potential. The animosity was evident right at the start, and the crowd was hot as both Owens and Styles made their way to the ring.
It's time for a #USTitle match, and it's going to be PHENOMENAL! #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/6GqGHLP52K
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
Owens utilized some mind games early on to try and stop any of Styles’ momentum, as he used his old trick of waiting outside and regrouping until he was ready to start the action.
Not once, but TWICE already, @FightOwensFight has had to regroup on the outside in this #USTitle match... #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/XhLr7Nyyrr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017
The action was fast-paced throughout, with each Owens and Styles getting offense in at different points early on. Owens used his strength and size, while Styles utilized his flying forearms for his offense.
Watch out for those forearms, @FightOwensFight...
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017
One of them just might be a PHENOMENAL one! #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/Ip2hQtEDjb
The two have competed a ton on SmackDown over the last few months, and they seem to know exactly what each other is thinking for their next moves in each match they wrestle.
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
Eventually, Owens launched Styles with some serious force into the referee, sending the match into a complete frenzy.
Well, THIS is one way to counter the #StylesClash! #WWEBattleground @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/HBzqFVXB4l
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
Styles locked in his Calf Crusher on Owens with the referee down, but Owens reversed it into a pin just as the referee came back to his wits for a three-count to regain the United States title.
Reunited and it feels so goooooood...@FightOwensFight just REGAINED the #USTitle by pinning @AJStylesOrg! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/xMTgFrxwtB
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
After another controversial finish between the two, we’ll likely get one last battle for the United States title at SummerSlam in August between Owens and Styles, with Styles using his rematch for The Biggest Party of the Summer.
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Hopefully in their next battle, we’ll get a clean finish with no issues, similar to Styles’ battle last year with John Cena at SummerSlam. For now, we just have to wait and enjoy the third reign of the Face of America as United States champion.