WWE SmackDown Top 5 Segments: Big Night For Sami Zayn

2. WWE Champion A.J. Styles vs. Sami Zayn (non-title)

The Styles vs. Owens match was fine for what it was, but WWE kept it short due to Owens’ ongoing ailments. Of course, WWE could have simply kept Owens out of the ring altogether, but that’s another story for another day.

Styles and Zayn filled up the remainder of SmackDown’s television time, and they had another great match. I think I’m not alone in saying that I could watch Styles and Zayn wrestle every day of the week; these are two of the best wrestlers in the world and they showcased some of their skills in this entertaining main event.

Despite the outstanding workrate, WWE still did some things during this match that bothered me. For instance, they felt obligated to show SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and Commissioner Shane McMahon watching the match from their office. I guess they did that to let the audience know who the real stars of the storyline are: the Authority Figures, of course.

The creative team also seemed determined to ensure the WWE Champion looked dumb before the show ended. During his match with Zayn, Styles attacked Owens twice without provocation (Owens was selling a leg injury after tapping out to the Calf Crusher in his match against Styles). The second assault ultimately cost the champion, as he ate a Helluva Kick the second he re-entered the ring, allowing Zayn to pick up the win.

Despite a few hiccups, the match was very good. It almost made me want to see Styles clash with Zayn one-on-one for the title at the Rumble, but I’m curious to see how WWE books this handicap match at the Royal Rumble. Styles will likely retain the title, but I’m curious to see how WWE gets there.