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What's the story?
Kevin Owens took to Twitter to taunt WWE Champion AJ Styles about beating him in a non-title match on SmackDown Live last night
Owens claimed in the Tweet that he is 'better than phenomenal' whilst also proclaiming himself as the 'uncrowned WWE Champion'.
In case you didn't know...
As Daniel Bryan said last night, Kevin Owens and AJ Styles had fought many times in 2017 over the US Title.
Therefore it was fitting that the final 2017 episode of SmackDown Live saw the main event of Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles take place (the WWE Championship was NOT on the line).
Owens defeated Styles with the help of Sami Zayn, as well as the distracting presence of SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, who was trying to stop Zayn's interference.
However, McMahon inadvertently made Styles lose the match, as the referee did not see Styles pinning Owens because he was dealing with Shane O Mac, who was trying to get Zayn banned from ringside.
Owens then managed to roll-up Styles for the 1-2-3.
This furthers the storyline WWE have been doing over the past few months with Shane McMahon feuding with Owens and Zayn, with SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan caught in the middle.
Now AJ Styles has an axe to grind with McMahon, who he already faced off against earlier this year at WrestleMania 33, as well as Owens again.
The heart of the matter
Owens winning against WWE Champ AJ Styles on SmackDown Live, no matter what help he had, gives the Pop-up Powerbomber a legitimate stake to a title match against The Phenomenal One.
You can't stop the Yep Movement from getting its fair due. And Styles is without an opponent for a title bout at Royal Rumble.
So it looks like we are going to get that as our WWE Championship contest at the PPV.
What's next?
We'll find out on next week's edition of SmackDown Live if Owens will be given a title match against Styles, likely at the Royal Rumble PPV on January 28th (2018, of course).
Author's take
I would predict Kevin Owens will be made the No.1 contender to the title, probably with SD Live GM Daniel Bryan making the decision, which will further tension between him and his boss Shane.
Styles will no doubt retain the title at the Rumble against Owens though, as Owens and Zayn will likely be in a match at WrestleMania 34 which involves Shane McMahon.
That needs no title if WWE keep building the story as well as they have been doing so.
Styles is doing great as champion and I am looking forward to see who his opponent will be at WrestleMania 34.
Nakamura anyone?
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
