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When it was announced that Bray Wyatt was pulling out of WWE TLC 2017 due to viral meningitis, AJ Styles stepped up to replace The Eater of Worlds against Finn Balor at the pay per view. This last-minute change proved to be a blessing in disguise as the two men absolutely tore the house down.
The former leaders of New Japan Pro Wrestling faction, Bullet Club, put on an exciting match that defied all expectations and left fans craving for more. With the two men on opposite brands, it might be a while before we see them going against each other again, but for the moment, we can contemplate on what this match means for "The Demon" and "The Phenomenal One."
So, without any further ado, here is our list of 5 major takeaways from the Finn Balor vs AJ Styles match at WWE TLC 2017:
#5 The Club's future depends on these two men
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows — a legendary tag team in NJPW — have faltered since their move to the WWE but there is some hope for The Club. Just looking at the fan reaction to the "Two Sweet" gesture after the Finn Balor vs AJ Styles match, a reunion can save Gallows and Anderson's career.
It can be either Balor or Styles or even both, but at least one of them needs to align with The Goodbrothers.
#4 AJ Styles is the best wrestler in the WWE
On Saturday night, AJ Styles worked a WWE Live Show in Santiago, Chile. On Sunday night, he flew over to Minneapolis in order to face off against Finn Balor at WWE TLC 2017. And, the two men proceeded to put on the match of the night.
It's absolutely insane just how much work "The Phenomenal One" is able to put in and just how good he is at everything he does. There is no denying that he is the very best the WWE has to offer today.
#3 Finn Balor's career is back on track
Ever since Finn Balor was forced to vacate the WWE Universal Championship on the night after WWE Summerslam 2016, his career has been on a downward spiral. He missed Wrestlemania and there were no suitable feuds until his current program against Bray Wyatt.
The feud against Bray started off interesting but degenerated into mystical nonsense. This last-minute change was the best that could happen to The Demon's career and this looks like the start of the road back to the top.
#2 AJ Styles should be the next WWE Champion
The WWE Championship has lost all significance in the hand of Jinder Mahal. It is barely even considered the top title on Smackdown Live these days, let alone the entire WWE. And, for all that to change, the new champion of the so-called "Biggest Prize in Sports Entertainment" needs to be AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One's performance and commitment to the company were exemplified this weekend and he proved against Finn Balor that he is the man who can restore the prestige of the WWE Championship.
#1 There needs to be an AJ Styles vs Finn Balor feud
If the two men can have such a great match with absolutely zero build-up, imagine what a great program Finn Balor and AJ Styles could have in a proper feud. Their history as former leaders of Bullet Club adds an extra layer of excitement to proceedings.
This match has confirmed what everyone suspected: we need to see more Balor vs Styles.
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