WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for February 28
By Grant Mannis
No. 1 Contenders Match for the WWE Championship
AJ Styles vs Luke Harper
Result: AJ Styles wins via pinfall
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Right before his match with Luke Harper, AJ Styles conducted an interview backstage. Stating yet again that he should’ve been crowned the victor last week, Styles assures everyone that he will be in the main event of WrestleMania.
From the moment the opening bell sounded, both athletes fought knowing that this outcome could impact their career forever. Right away the sheer power and tenacity of Harper were apparent, as he slammed his opponent all over the outside area of the ring. The action continues on the outside for a bit longer, with Styles gaining control and shifting their encounter back into the ring.
A bit of back and forth takes place later on in the match, with Harper getting the upper hand. The action intensifies greatly, with Styles nailing the Phenomenal Forearm and scores the pinfall. However, it turns out that Harper’s foot was on the bottom rope, a discovery that brings out Shane McMahon. Because of Harper’s wherewithal, the match is eventually restarted, but a misplaced superkick from the big man levels Shane by accident. While the Commissioner is down and out, Styles once again manages to win the match.
With this result, it’s rather clear that Styles vs Bray Wyatt is a lock for WrestleMania. Don’t be surprised to see Randy Orton added to this match in the near future.
Backstage, John Cena and Nikki Bella versus Carmella and James Ellsworth is made official for next week following a segment between them. Prepare for a squash of epic proportions.