AJ Styles is still the United States Champion, but he will once again defend the title against Kevin Owens at Summerslam after tonight’s title match ended in controversy.
The match tonight saw the referee miss Owens’ shoulder up during a pin count, and Styles won the match despite Owens not actually being pinned. Owens watched the replay and pointed out the missed call, then flipped out backstage and demanded answers. Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon tried to calm him down as they checked on the referee’s condition after he had been inadvertently hit in the eye during the match, but Owens would not let up.
Owens demanded justice and Shane announced he would get a title match at Summerslam, but Owens demanded a referee who wouldn’t screw him over. Bryan finally had enough and announced Shane was the referee, and Shane said Owens would have to accept it if he wanted his title match.
“BUT MY SHOULDER WAS UP!!!” @FightOwensFight is beside himself as an injured referee gives @AJStylesOrg the win. #SDLive #USTitle pic.twitter.com/w6pNMzIkbN
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2017
It was a controversial ending, but @AJStylesOrg is STILL your #USChampion! #AndStill #USTitle #SDLive @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/NaKVsX4kME
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2017
#SDLive GM @WWEDanielBryan has an idea for who should officiate @FightOwensFight vs. @AJStylesOrg for the #USTitle at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/zYOhPNsssv
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2017