Kevin Owens Beats AJ Styles to Win US Title at WWE Battleground 2017

In his first title defense since surprisingly winning the United States Championship, AJ Styles was defeated by Kevin Owens on Sunday at Battleground, making Owens a three-time United States champion.

Owens was able to get the pin as a groggy referee appeared to miss that Styles had his shoulder off the ground.

WWE shared Owens' reaction:

The abrupt ending did not sit well with both Brandon Stroud of Uproxx and Chad Matthews of LordsofPain:

Bleacher Report's Kevin Berge commented on Styles' rather short title reign:

Styles became No. 1 contender for the U.S. title by winning a Battle Royal on the July 4 edition of SmackDown Live, and it was assumed that he would get his opportunity at Battleground.

In a decision that sent shock waves through the WWE Universe, however, The Phenomenal One beat Owens for the championship at an untelevised WWE live event from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The loss infuriated KO, and he vowed to take back the title he felt rightfully belonged to him:

"

The United States of America deserve a champion they can be proud of. Someone good. Someone kind. Someone with dignity. That someone is ME!

— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) July 11, 2017"

Owens and Styles have been at odds since shortly after WrestleMania, as Owens got moved from Raw to the blue brand due to the Superstar Shake-up.

Styles stepped up as his first opponent for the United States Championship following the departure of Chris Jericho, and he pushed the Canadian Superstar to the limit at Backlash.

Owens was victorious by count-out, though, as Styles got his leg stuck in the announce table and entangled in cords, which prevented him from answering the 10-count.

The focus then shifted away from the United States Championship with both Owens and Styles attempting to capture the Money in the Bank contract, but they fell short of that goal.

Although Owens had no interest in giving Styles another title shot after beating him at Backlash, SmackDown general manager Daniel Bryan gave Styles a chance to earn it, and he did precisely that.

In addition to winning the Battle Royal, Styles beat Chad Gable in an entertaining match just to qualify for the Battle Royal.

Styles then made it his stated goal to raise the profile of the United States Championship after winning it and wanted it to be associated with the very best WWE has to offer.

The Face That Runs the Place even teased bringing back the U.S. Open Challenge, which John Cena popularized when he held the title.

Styles was immediately faced with a huge challenge at Battleground in the form of Owens, and his loss figures to lead to the continuation of what has been a heated rivalry.

Owens and Styles are undoubtedly two of the best all-around Superstars WWE has to offer, and they have an opportunity to restore the prestige the United States Championship was once known for.

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