Both Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles have had extremely interesting years in the WWE. AJ Styles debuted in the Royal Rumble this year, and Ambrose was the Intercontinental Champion, who the fans desperately wanted to see break through the glass ceiling and become the WWE World Champion. Part of the desire was also their utter rejection for Roman Reigns, who was receiving the Wrestlemania push they wanted for Ambrose, who they cheered for organically.
AJ Styles, since arriving, has been in four feuds – Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, John Cena, and now Dean Ambrose, which is ongoing. He was a heavily cheered babyface during his first two feuds, but his heel persona is where he has truly shined. The fact that he was a heavily cheered babyface with great merchandise sales and despite that he was turned heel just goes to show the immense confidence the WWE Officials have in The Phenomenal One.
Another thing which makes this current feud so interesting is that this is a face-off between the top babyface and top heel of SmackDown Live. This is seemingly the top feud of SmackDown Live right now. Both superstars definitely need the victory, due to the fact that AJ Styles has so much momentum going after his clean victory over John Cena, while Ambrose is still in the early stages of his title reign. Many believe that if AJ Styles loses to Ambrose, his victory over John Cena at Summerslam will have been pointless.
This is not necessarily true, but it is a risk derailing the momentum he has going on. Many consider him not only the star of SmackDown Live but one of the MVPs of WWE today. However, a recent report has only speculated further that the BackLash result is more favourable towards The Phenomenal One.
This would, of course, be a twist in proceedings considering that Dean Ambrose has retained his title with clean victories over Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to retain his title. Also, he has been plumped as the face of SmackDown these past weeks since the brand split.
However, SmackDown Live’s latest episode drew the lowest rating since the brand split. Despite SmackDown Live being clearly more consistent of the two shows, it has yet to break through the ceiling and match and beat Raw in terms of ratings. The biggest question that comes from this among WWE officials is Ambrose’s ability to represent the brand as it’s top champion.
Naturally, the final segment of SmackDown Live featuring both AJ and Ambrose should mean that both should be held to account for the rating, but that just isn’t how it works. One thing is for sure, though – the tone of SmackDown Live will change heavily, whether AJ Styles becomes WWE World Champion or Ambrose retains the gold.
