With the ‘Superstar Shakeup,' WWE flipped its rosters in hopes of creating new possibilities and new rivalries. These possibilities and rivalries are immediately taking shape, as everyone is considered a threat to a championship.
Whether its Jinder Mahal having a WWE title match against Randy Orton or Breezango challenging the Usos for the Smackdown Live tag team championships, opportunities are everywhere on the brand.
After recapturing the US championship, Kevin Owens has to prepare for another challenge for the title now, in the form of former WWE champion AJ Styles. For all that Styles can do in the ring and on the mic, there is just something about the build to this match that leads us to believe that he will not walk away with the title at Backlash, on Sunday, May 21st.
Is it because we don't have faith in him to defeat ‘The Face of America? Of course not. On the contrary, Styles is very capable of winning the title, but other reasons may materialise that may prevent him from walking away with the championship. Here are five reasons why Kevin Owens will retain the United States championship against AJ Styles.
#5 The prestige of the US title
An important thing to remember about the US title is that at one point it was considered a throwaway championship, one that a wrestler held, but really didn't defend. However, when John Cena had it, he gave importance by defending it weekly in open challenges. This gave value to the championship.
However, once he lost the belt to Alberto Del Rio, which led to quick changes to Kalisto, then Rusev, and then Roman Reigns, it felt as though the championship lost its significance.
Although Owens only held the title for a short time after he defeated Chris Jericho for it the first time, the belief is, now that he has regained the championship, having him lose it right away would only tarnish the title's value (much like what has happened recently with the WWE Raw women's title.)
In order to establish prestige for the championship, Owens retaining the title appears to make the most sense.
#4 Styles is bigger than the US title
The belief that someone is more significant than a championship is a fairly bold statement. However, when we're talking about AJ Styles, the statement becomes more understandable.
Afer being WWE Champion till Royal Rumble, focussing on getting opportunities to battle for it and being incensed when they don't come along, the US championship seems like a consolation prize for AJ. This match and feud seem to simply buy time for what may eventually be something bigger for the Phenomenal One with Styles.
Styles would be a fine US champion, but with so many other potential contenders for this title, he would be best suited for something more prestigious. While at times the title can make the man, the US title isn't big enough for AJ Styles.
#3 Styles is due another WWE title run
Given that the WWE championship is what he is best suited to be around, AJ Styles’ storyline has revolved around regaining that belt. And he has proven that he is capable of having a great main event, championship matches at any point.
While the specifics of his contract aren't available, and it is unknown if another title run is actually planned, it seems a strong possibility that he could capture the title and challenge bona fide challengers for the belt such as Orton, Corbin, or even Nakamura.
It is usually difficult to have a face versus face title match, but it isn't impossible, and Styles and Orton are such contrasting styles that it could make for a fairly competitive, compelling match and exciting win for the former champion.
#2 Owens will change fans’ perception of him with a win
When Owens was the Universal champion, a number of fans questioned his run as champion.
He was a prizefighter who often ran away from a fight because he could, and because he had Chris Jericho taking a beating on his behalf time and time again. Maybe his run as US champion could be different, but his character has burned bridges and his closest ally is now gone.
This is where Owens could show his worth by actively defending the title and not backing down from fights. And he can still stoop to any level just to hold on to the championship.
As ‘The Face of America,' it becomes important to show fans you will do anything to protect them, even if that means cheating, breaking the rules and stealing! It has the potential of being very different now, and his run as United States champion could be a long and illustrious one as he outlasts his challengers.
#1 Another longtime rival could be the one to take the title from Owens as retribution
Have you ever watched a match and just thought the certain performers create magic together?
An Owens’ title win isn't a knock against Styles or even the rest of the SmackDown Live roster. However, what it would do is set up the inevitable rekindled rivalry between him and Sami Zayn.
Fans may recall that during Zayn's time in NXT, he was often considered the guy that couldn't win the big one. He would come close only to lose time and time again (something that Tye Dillinger can relate to.)
We believe that Zayn is the one best suited to defeat Owens, as another chapter in the story of their rivalry. It could become a story of retribution for all that he has had to endure, from losing the NXT title to being held back on Raw and Smackdown.
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