WWE SmackDown 5 Takeaways: Styles vs. Owens for WWE Title On Deck

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1. WWE Championship Match Between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens Likely Set For the Royal Rumble Amid Confusion

One of the best feuds of 2017 might still have some juice left in the turnip after all, but now with much bigger stakes and another major storyline involved.  The Phenomenal AJ Styles has moved past the Jinder Mahal roadblock and many wondered what his next challenge would be.

And last night’s SmackDown might have given the WWE universe some insight on who will challenge Styles.  The main event of last night’s show was Styles against Kevin Owens, but the match would take a wild turn towards its conclusion thanks in large part because of Sami Zayn on the outside and the interfering Shane McMahon.

As Zayn tried to interfere on Owens’ behalf, Shane O’Mac came out to try and get Zayn thrown out of ringside.  However, this confusion ultimately led to KO sneaking a victory in over Styles after another stellar match between the two.  This should all but confirm that Owens will get a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble against The Phenomenal One.

Styles and Owens had a great feud earlier in the year for the United States Championship.  And now with the WWE Championship at stake and the added addition of Shane O’Mac in the picture, this version of the feud could be even better.  Having Zayn in the fold this time around changes things up as well assuming the WWE does make the match official at the Royal Rumble.

Next: WWE Raw 5 Takeaways From Dec. 25 Show

The Phenomenal One and KO have arguably carried SmackDown on their backs in 2017, so it’s only fitting they vie for the WWE Championship to kick off 2018.