WWE News: AJ Styles retains WWE World Championship in TLC main event

A major heel turn causes AJ Styles to retain the World title

AJ Styles has defeated Dean Ambrose in a TLC match at the TLC pay per view to retain the WWE World Championship.

During the match, James Ellsworth came out, seemingly to help Dean Ambrose. Ambrose even hit Styles with a Dirty Deeds onto the steel steps and was on the verge of victory until Ellsworth, in a shocking move, pushed the ladder and Ambrose out of the ring, turning heel in the process.

Ellsworth then seemed to rejoice at the sight of The Phenomenal One retaining

The match went on for 31 minutes, wrapping up the Pay-Per-View earlier than the time slot. The 3 Smackdown Live PPVs so far have all ended before time, primarily due to lesser matches. The match also saw a slightly embarrassing moment for Styles when his pants tore from the back.

Also read: WWE News: Alexa Bliss crowned new Smackdown Women's Champion at TLC

Arguably the best spot of the match came when Dean Ambrose put the ladder on the Spanish announcers’ table and then elbowed Styles through the other announcers’ table.

This may likely be the end of the Ambrose-Styles title feud which has been going on since the end of August.

However, we will not know it for certain until Tuesday. The next rumored match for Styles is said to be at the Royal Rumble against The Undertaker. That would undoubtedly be a huge draw for the event in the Alamodome, where WWE are looking to sell over 60,000 tickets.

There are 8 weeks until the Royal Rumble, so there still remains plenty of time to build to one of the biggest shows of the year.

On Talking Smack, Ellsworth justified his actions saying that he will give Ambrose the first shot at the title as soon as he wins it from Styles to make it up to him. He said that commissioner Shane McMahon told him that he would get a title match against Styles on the upcoming Smackdown Live. Ellsworth switched into a delusional character, believing that he has AJ Styles number, despite Bryan reminding him that all 3 of his victories against the World Champion was due to Ambrose’s interference. Ellsworth still seemed overconfident on his chances against Styles, much to the bewilderment of Renee Young and Bryan. Bryan even put his Talking Smack host position on the line and said that if Ellsworth defeated Styles, he would become the new co-host of Talking Smack.


For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at fightclub (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.

What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.