WWE SmackDown Grades: Joe Renews Rivalry With The Phenomenal One

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4. AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan

Two of the most beloved superstars in WWE history have to be considered to be AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan.  These two former indies darlings have captivated the WWE universe over the years to a level not many have been able to find, so seeing them compete against each other has to be special.

Styles faced Bryan on an episode of SmackDown back in April in a great match, but the two were set for an even bigger match at Crown Jewel with the WWE Championship on the line.  However, with several superstars not wanting to compete at Crown Jewel given the recent uproar of criticism involving Saudi Arabia, the WWE has already had to alter Crown Jewel.

John Cena is no longer on the card for that show and now, Bryan isn’t as well after commissioner Shane McMahon made Styles vs. Bryan for the WWE Championship last night.  This would turn out to be a fantastic match from start to finish that felt like a high-quality pay-per-view match rather than a TV match.

These two technicians put forth a match to remember, but in the end, after a 20-plus minute war, The Phenomenal One made The Yes Man tap out in the calf crusher.  The two embraced after the match in a show of respect, but Samoa Joe jumped Styles from behind and left him laying in the ring along with Bryan.  Joe is now facing Styles at Crown Jewel for the WWE Championship in replacement of Bryan.

Styles vs. Bryan was a great match from start to finish that has to rank among the absolute best TV matches of the year.

Final Grade: A+