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Survivor Series is right around the corner and storylines have started to develop after Crown Jewel, where a couple titles were defended, including AJ Styles' United States Championship. The United States Champion defended the belt successfully, pinning Humberto Carrillo, after Carrillo won a 20-Man Battle Royal to earn the opportunity.
After a lengthy feud with Cedric Alexander, AJ Styles found his next challenger in Humberto Carrillo, who arrived on the main roster from 205 Live. Before Carrillo won the Battle Royal and received a United States Championship opportunity against Styles at Crown Jewel, the two squared off on RAW with Carrillo coming up just short. Moreover, the two Superstars also crossed paths in a tag team match on RAW this week, where Styles once again pinned Carrillo.
Having lost three times, Carrillo is not likely to meet Styles again. Since the US Champion traditionally takes on the Intercontinental Champion at Survivor Series, Styles could wrestle Nakamura next in a non-title match. Meanwhile, AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson invaded NXT this week, as they assaulted The Undisputed Era and main evented the show.
However, it remains to be seen who earns the next United States Championship opportunity against AJ Styles. Here we examine three possible challengers after Humberto Carrillo.
#3 Buddy Murphy
The current WWE roster has a number of Superstars, who are exceptional in the squared circle, and Buddy Murphy is definitely one of them. Similar to Cedric Alexander and Humberto Carrillo, Murphy was also part of 205 Live, before moving to the main roster this year.
The Australian Superstar had a memorable stint on 205 Live, winning the Cruiserweight Title once. Making his main roster debut against Roman Reigns, Murphy made a terrific first impression, as his debut match was spectacular. Subsequently, Murphy defeated former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and participated in the King of the Ring tournament.
Murphy switched brands in the draft last month, and is looking for a credible opponent on the Red Brand. AJ Styles offered some impressive matches against two former cruiserweight Superstars, and it would not be surprising if Murphy turns out to be his next rival. Given the in-ring prowess of both Murphy and Styles, they are more than capable of stealing the show with each and every bout.
#2 Aleister Black
Aleister Black is in the dire situation of needing to find a formidable opponent, and currently there is no better option than United States Champion AJ Styles. With a title shot, Black could take his first step toward ascending to the top of WWE's competitive ladder. A meaningful feud between Styles and Black would be exciting for WWE fans, considering their dexterity in the ring and outstanding mic skills. With Black's hard-hitting striking ability and Styles' high-flying maneuvers, their matches would most definitely be worth watching.
'The Dutch Destroyer' was promoted to the main roster earlier this year, but began his journey as a singles Superstar after WrestleMania 35, when he was drafted to SmackDown. Black's character went through significant development on the Blue Brand and he had a rivalry with Cesaro. After arriving on RAW a few weeks ago, Black is waiting for someone to knock on his door.
It will be interesting to see if AJ Styles knocks on Aleister Black's door on RAW. While Black's dark persona could be intimidating for any Superstar, Styles has Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and they have been invincible since The OC reunited. Black is still undefeated since moving up from NXT, and is capable of taking the title away from Styles and winning his very first main roster championship.
#1 Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens, another new arrival on RAW, has a significant chance of engaging in a long-term feud against United States Champion AJ Styles. The possibility is high, as Owens delivered a vicious stunner to Styles a couple of weeks ago on the Red Brand, helping The Street Profits win their first main roster match. Furthermore, Owens is already set to face Styles at WWE Live Mexico City Supershow 2019, which is set to take place later this month.
Owens is certainly one of the top names in Vince McMahon's company, having already won multiple titles since his debut on the main roster. 'The Prize Fighter' is a former Universal Champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, and a three-time United States Champion. Before swapping brands in the recent draft, Owens had a great feud with Shane McMahon, and even forced him to quit WWE.
Owens has been a babyface for a while now, making him a perfect challenger for Styles, who is a top heel on RAW. Both Styles and Owens are familiar with each other, as they crossed paths a number of times in the past. Another rivalry between the two prominent Red Brand Superstars could be exciting, and Owens will be aiming to win the United States Title for the fourth time in his career.
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