WWE SmackDown Live: Results, Analysis, and Grades for Aug. 22

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Baron Corbin and AJ Styles Backstage

Like a man truly out for his own self-interest, Corbin approaches AJ Styles regarding the arrangement that he made with Kevin Owens if Owens were to win. AJ Styles said that when he wins all Corbin has to do for a shot is answer the challenge.

WWE United States Championship Match
AJ Styles (C) vs. Kevin Owens

Result: AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens via Phenomenal Forearm

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Before the match Corbin comes out with a referee shirt with the sleeves cut off…of course. Once the bell rings the match is fairly called by Corbin. Each superstar is able to get their offense in as needed.

It isn’t until about halfway through the match, where things take a turn for the worse for the champion. With the calf crusher locked in, Corbin calls off the hold claiming KO grazed the ropes. While in a heated discussion with Corbin, a frustrated Styles is pushed into the Lone Wolf by KO. Corbin pushed Styles back, and KO goes for the schoolboy roll-up. Corbin goes with a fast count and nearly lands a 3 before Styles kicks out. After another argument, roll up, fast count, kick out series Shane McMahon rushes to the ring and tells Corbin to call it down the middle.

While distracted KO goes for a low blow. Corbin turns around and goes for the 1-2-3 before Shane pulls Corbin from the ring. After some words Corbin throws the shirt at Shane and leaves. Shane dawns the shirt to become the referee. A distraught KO is hit with a Phenomenal Forearm and loses any hope of challenging for the United States Championship again.

This was a great blowoff match, which also leads to Kevin Owens’ growing paranoia that the WWE is trying to screw him out of title opportunities. Eventually, it looks like it will lead to KO vs Shane McMahon at some PPV, while AJ Styles continues the open challenge.

Next: The 5 Best Matches at SummerSlam

This episode may be in the top 3 best SmackDown Lives since the brand split. It’s most definitely the best one since the Superstar Shakeup. With exciting matches, great debuts, and some fresh faces in-ring, SmackDown seems to have course corrected after SummerSlam. Next week looks to be just as exciting with Shelton Benjamin’s in-ring debut with Chad Gable, Dolph Ziggler, and Tamina as well.