WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Roman Reigns starts off with some power bombs and gets a two count on Styles. Roman tries to hit a Superman Punch but AJ Styles hits a nice kick to his head. A nice AA into a bridging backbreaker gives Styles the upper hand and the crowd seems to be buzzing. Styles fights out of a potential Samoan Drop and then spins through into a Calf Crusher. Roman tries to get himself to the outside, which he does. Styles hits a forearm and then a Phenomenal Forearm through the table. Roman Reigns gets counted out and AJ Styles picks up the victory, but Shane McMahon comes out and says to restart the match. Styles heads up top but has to come back down. Roman Reigns hits a quick move and then gets knocked around with chops and a Pele Kick.
AJ heads up top for a 450 Splash and Roman gets his knees up. Roman gets a two count and the champion is favoring his knee. The referee calls a DQ and AJ Styles picks up the win. Stephanie McMahon comes out and says that it is also no Disqualification. The fight continues into the crowd. Reigns hits a Superman Punch when Styles tried to hit his signature forearm from the ropes. Reigns hits another one and then Gallows and Anderson pull Styles to the outside. They attack the champion and hit the Boot of Doom. Styles hits his elbow and Reigns barely gets his foot on the rope. Jimmy and Jey Uso even things up and the brawl begins. Styles heads up top and Roman throws him into everyone. Roman hits a splash and takes everyone except AJ out. Styles throws him back into the ring and hits a 450 Splash for a two count.
A two count and Roman kicks out again. After a series of reversals, Roman ducks a forearm and hits a Spear. Roman retains the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
This was a really smart and well developed match. AJ Styles forearm through the table was spectacular. Roman Reigns kept up the speed and agility with Styles, which is something I really wanted to observe. He got aggressive when he needed to be and Styles belongs in the main event picture. The guy can go and has some incredible moves that we still are fresh and new to.
The development of the moves, the timing and the interruptions were actually really smart and entertaining. Gallows and Anderson did enough to try and get their boy the victory, but this does nothing but help everyone involved. Hate the winner all you want, but it makes sense. AJ carried Roman Reigns, which is needed. Did Roman have only a handful of moves? Yes. That is why he is the new John Cena. The guy is polarizing.
@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. WWE Payback Rating:
