WWE Backlash 2016: Top Talking Points Following PPV Event

The first brand-exclusive pay-per-view is in the books following Sunday's WWE Backlash, a SmackDown-exclusive show that saw the coronation of AJ Styles as world champion.

The Phenomenal One's ascension to the top of the industry after an explosive first nine months of 2016 was but one talking point coming out of the WWE Network presentation.

From newly crowned champions to the questionable booking that overshadowed a perfectly acceptable, though unscheduled match, the show had fans buzzing in ways most did not expect.

As the brand prepares to follow up on its successful event, take a look back at Sunday's broadcast with these talking points from the 2016 incarnation of Backlash.

A Phenomenal Champion

AJ Styles' journey to the top of WWE lasted all of nine months.

A virtuoso performer whose in-ring exploits have spanned several high-profile promotions, including TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, he has proved his greatness in every promotion he has ever worked for. Yet, for everything he has done to solidify his legacy, he was unproven in the eyes of Vince McMahon.

Everything he accomplished meant nothing if he could not arrive on the grand stage of WWE and do the same for the mastermind of sports entertainment.

He not only did the same, but he exceeded expectations.

He had the expected superb matches with Chris Jericho. He worked heavyweight champion Roman Reigns in smashmouth brawls that wowed audiences and got the former Shield member's reign off to a hot start.

And he battled John Cena in a five-star classic at SummerSlam that saw him pin the franchise star clean in the center of the ring, a feat rarer than spotting the mighty Bigfoot.

Sunday night, he capped off his climb with a low blow and Styles Clash that ended Dean Ambrose's run with the WWE title. The Phenomenal One will now have the opportunity to rule over the SmackDown brand, his WWE career already greater than anyone could have imagined.

"We're Getting a Double-Wide!"

Heath Slater has long been one of the most entertaining undercard workers. He has a knack for looking the fool while allowing his opponent to bump him around the squared circle. Whether it was as a member of 3MB, The Social Outcasts or The Corre, he has always had a magnetism about him that attracted the attention of the fanbase.

Sunday night, he teamed with Rhyno to defeat The Usos and become the new SmackDown tag team champions, etching his name in the history books.

It was a celebration well-earned.

Slater's unselfishness as a worker has been apparent. He has put over everyone from Roman Reigns to Darren Young, never complaining or claiming unfairness. He has done his job, done it well and the fruits of his labor were celebrated at Backlash.

Now a champion and contracted member of the SmackDown roster, it remains to be seen if WWE Creative has any plans beyond the actual championship coronation or if Slater will now fall back down the rankings. Given the strength of his performances of late, he has earned a shot at a sustained run.

The Miz Is Awesome

The Miz entered Backlash riding a wave of momentum, and his performances over the last six months have been some of the best of his entire career. Sunday night, he improved on them, delivering a spectacular showing against Dolph Ziggler.

The intercontinental champion was brilliant as he openly mocked Daniel Bryan's move set, targeted the knee of his opponent and trash-talked fans at ringside. On a hot streak after he unleashed frustration on Bryan, he continued his winning ways by defeating Ziggler and retaining his title.

Quickly establishing himself as one of the standard-bearers of SmackDown, Miz seems poised to combat Bryan at some point. Will it be in a match featuring the return of the general manager to action, or will it see Miz battle a handpicked opponent? Either way, their previous feuds have been supremely entertaining and should make for enthralling television.