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The WWE Championship will be on the line this Sunday at Extreme Rules when AJ Styles defends his coveted championship against the Bulgarian Brute - Rusev, in a singles match.
This feud seems like a placeholder or filler feud for AJ Styles before SummerSlam and is expected to be a one off. Unfortunately for Rusev and his fans, it won't be the greatest Rusev Day as recent rumors and betting odds indicate Styles as the favorite to win this match.
SummerSlam is the second biggest event of the year and WWE needs a WWE championship match that is worthy of such a massive stage. Last year we saw Jinder Mahal defend his WWE title against Shinsuke Nakamura in what was an underwhelming and terrible match.
The match was overshadowed by Raw's Fatal Four Way that had Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman battling for the Universal Championship.
The WWE championship must not be overshadowed by the Universal Championship this year at SummerSlam which is why WWE must have a blockbuster WWE championship match.
The Universal Championship match at SummerSlam will involve Brock Lesnar, so SmackDown Live must have a WWE Championship match that can rival Lesnar's star-power.
After overcoming the challenge of Rusev, Styles should move onto a new challenger for the Biggest Event of the Summer.
AJ Styles has run roughshod over the SmackDown Live roster as the WWE Champion. He has been at the top of the food-chain since November 2017 after defeating Jinder Mahal to become the WWE Champion.
He has been champion for around 250 days, defeating the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and John Cena during his long reign.
Since his reign has been so long, it has gotten pretty stale, this is why it would be a wise decision for Styles to drop the title at SummerSlam.
Let's take a quick look at three superstars who could face AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
#3 Randy Orton
Randy Orton is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but is expected to be back in time for SummerSlam. If Orton is cleared to return before SummerSlam, he should target AJ Styles upon returning to television. Orton vs Styles is a dream match worthy of main eventing SummerSlam or even WrestleMania.
These two have faced off only once in a singles match in March 2017 to determine the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Orton emerged victorious in that match.
Styles and Orton have never had a full fledged feud ever before. Both stars are in the twilight of their careers which is why they must feud together immediately.
Orton vs Styles is a money making match. This match could be the catalyst for a Randy Orton heel turn. Orton could attack Styles after losing the match or could embrace the dark side before the match to win the title.
#2 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan's contract expires in September 2018, SummerSlam 2018 may be his last PPV in WWE if he doesn't re-sign. WWE is trying to book as many Bryan dream matches as they can before September.
WWE shouldn't miss out on this dream match by any means necessary. It doesn't get any bigger than AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, does it?
Bryan did face AJ Styles on the post-Mania edition of SmackDown Live, but that match was cut short when Shinsuke Nakamura attacked both men. Bryan vs Styles needs a definite and bonafide winner.
These two could create magic in the ring and could tell a great story. Pairing two of the top and best babyfaces on the roster is a casual fan's dream.
WWE has no option but to book this match for SummerSlam if Daniel Bryan doesn't re-sign before his contract expires.
#1 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is the most likely and perfect candidate to face AJ Styles at SummerSlam, he has all the skills to be a top heel champion. Joe hasn't done much of note since jumping over to SmackDown, a feud with AJ Styles should change that.
Joe is one of the few stars on SmackDown Live who could potentially dethrone Styles. They have quite the history as they spent a lot of time together in the main event scene in TNA.
Joe and Styles haven't battled in WWE before, but their clash is inevitable. SummerSlam is the perfect stage for a match of such caliber. These two could steal the show on any night and can easily outclass the Universal Championship match at SummerSlam.
It would be great for hardcore wrestling fans to relive their classics in the WWE.
