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In a surprising turn of events, AJ Styles defeated Jinder Mahal on the most recent episode of SmackDown Live to win the WWE Championship. The Modern Day Maharaja had been previously advertised to defend the title during the tour of India in December, so it came as a bit of a surprise when Styles left Manchester with professional wresting's most famous title around his waist.
This means that the former TNA standout will face Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series — a huge achievement for a man who was toiling away in Japan just two years ago. Even though it appeared that WWE was set on a Jinder Mahal vs. Brock Lesnar match, there were reportedly concerns that it would destroy the Indo-Canadian Superstar's credibility which means that this could be a short title run for Styles.
Several publications suggest that Jinder Mahal will defend the WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania 34, so there is a very good chance that he could win it back in time for WWE's tour of India, where he is set to be the marquee attraction.
This isn't the first champion vs. champion match that has undergone a change as Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins lost their Tag Team Championships to Sheamus and Cesaro, on the most recent episode of Raw, after they were distracted by The New Day.
Natalya will also defend the SmackDown Live Women's Championship against Charlotte on the blue brand's next television of which means that there could be more changes in the works.
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