WWE SmackDown Grades: Daniel Bryan Captures WWE Title In Shocking Fashion

Photo by WWE’s Twitter

1. Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles

One night can change everything in the WWE and often times, fans have seen instances of that over the years.  Last night was one of those examples when not only Survivor Series was dramatically changed, but the future of the blue brand, in general, was changed.

After the opening segment of the night that saw fireworks between AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan, the two were booked for a WWE Championship rematch from their match a couple of weeks ago.  The tension started boiling over between these two and the mutual respect between them would quickly evaporate after the turn of events in this match.

It just felt like something big was going to happen, and it’s safe to say that happened with flying colors.  As expected, Styles and Bryan had a great match that went back and forth with both men vying to walk away as WWE Champion.  However, the finish of the match was one of the most shocking results in recent WWE memory.  The Phenomenal One attempted to hit Bryan with a Phenomenal Forearm, but he wound up slightly hitting the referee instead.

It distracted him just enough for Bryan to hit Styles with a low blow that appeared to even shock Bryan before a running knee put Styles down for the count of three.  The Yes Man is now the WWE Champion after what appeared to be a career-ending injury, but he shocked everyone further when he turned heel and attacked Styles after the match.  This was stunning to see and the events of this match have changed the complexion of the WWE.

Bryan now has a date with Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series, but his heel turn will be the major focus moving forward and things will never be the same again.

Final Grade: A