Clash of Champions 2019: 5 potential opponents for AJ Styles

AJ Styles took the United States Championship to new altars of success ever since he got his hands on the title. Week after week, Styles has successfully defended his title while being engaged in several notorious acts backstage alongside The O.C.

A Superstar as skilled as Styles deserves to face the best of the opponents for his title. He is enjoying his time as the Champion and needs to face someone who will admirably challenge his caliber inside the ring.

Styles defended his title against Braun Strowman in the main event of RAW this week. It might be possible that WWE are planning a solid feud involving these two Superstars. And the Phenomenal One can always rely on The O.C. to help him take on Strowman if this feud goes further.

However, even if the U.S. Championship is not the main focus of the WWE creatives, Styles can effortlessly elevate the storyline and turn it into one of the most sought out matches at the upcoming pay-per-view, Clash of Champions.

Thus, here's a list of five opponents who could face AJ Styles for the United States Championship.

#5 Cedric Alexander

Ever since his move to Monday Night RAW during WWE Superstar Shakeup 2019, Cedric Alexander has continued to impress the WWE Universe. He teamed up with Roman Reigns to take on Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon.

Although Reigns and Alexander lost that match, the latter went to pick an incredible over McIntyre in the following week.

Later, his loss against the Scottish Psychopath ended their feud but Alexander successfully made a mark for himself. He even entered the 'King of the Ring' tournament where he defeated Cesaro in the first round. It is interesting to note that Cesaro was Alexander's first opponent upon latter's main roster debut.

Cedric Alexander's in-ring speed is beautifully complemented by his speed and creativity. He is one of the few wrestlers who can make room for countless impressive spots in matches that are short.

His transition from one move to another is also quick which keeps the action going inside the ring. A match against AJ Styles will be good for Alexander's push and will give him a perfect chance to display his full potential on the main roster.

He may not be successful in taking away the championship but he will surely leave the audience in awe.

#3 Aleister Black

Aleister Black is one of the most talented Superstars on the main roster. He sustained injury soon after his main-roster call-up which kept him out for a while. But ever since his return, Black has not engaged in a full-fledged feud.

In fact, he received his first main roster PPV match only last month at Extreme Rules where he defeated Cesaro.

Black has been cutting promos in the dark, looking for challengers for several weeks now. Thus, it will be interesting to see a hungry Black stepping up against AJ Styles for the title.

During their feud, the Phenomenal One can also seek help from The O.C. which will help him win without making Aleister Black look too weak.

Moreover, this will help engage Black in a feud until the WWE creatives find a perfect storyline for him. It is high time that he receives a title shot and United State Championship would make for a good start.

#4 Rey Mysterio

Can you fathom the creative potential in this match?

After engaging in a feud with Andrade and losing in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match, Rey Mysterio teased his retirement earlier this month. Almost a fortnight ago, his son was seen persuading his dad and asking him to reconsider his retirement from WWE.

For days we didn't get any update. But earlier today, it was announced that Rey Mysterio will return on the next episode of Monday Night RAW.

It is highly unlikely that he will resume his feud against Andrade. Thus, it will be a good move to turn him into the direction of the United States Championship.

Mysterio achieved a milestone when he became the U.S. Champion for the first time in his WWE career at Money in the Bank, thereby becoming WWE Grand Slam Champion.

However, he had to vacate the title owing to his injuries. This time, his return can make for the perfect opportunity to introduce the masked Superstar back into the pool of challengers who have their eyes set on the title. And what can top Mysterio locking horns with AJ Styles inside the squared circle?

Mysterio is someone who defined high-flying moves in wrestling. His pace inside the squared circle and shocking transitions always take the fans by surprise. And he certainly deserves to have shot at the United States Championship title, especially when it will set up a dream match between him and AJ Styles.

#2 & #1 Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins

Braun Strowman teamed up with WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins and defeated The O.C. to win the RAW Tag Team titles. He also went up against AJ Styles for the United States Championship but fell short as Styles picked a shocking victory with the help of disqualification. Interestingly enough, WWE have manged to bring three of most celebrated Superstars into a perfectly woven storyline (so far).

Thus, in the weeks leading up to Clash of Champions, the WWE creatives can pit Rollins, Strowman, and Styles against each other -- which seems to be the direction they are most likely to take. And here's how it can happen.

Owing to Styles' interference, Strowman and Rollins lose their Tag Team titles to The O.C. which will make the 'Monster Amongst Men' turn on the Universal Champion.

And Styles shares history with both these men which will prompt him into throwing his title into the mix as well. Additionally, the support of The O.C. will only encourage the Phenomenal One to go through with the gamble. After all, The Club is always looking out for oppurtunities to establish their dominance.

In the end, the three men can be booked in a triple-threat match wherein the winner takes all -- the Universal Championship and the United States Championship.

Strowman, Rollins, and Styles inside the ring at the same time going up against each other will surely tear the house down. And who knows, if this feud is well-narrated, it might meet a memorable conclusion at WWE Hell in a Cell, 2019.