United States Championship
Styles and Owens with Shane as Special Referee for the United States Champion was a great bout. Both men put their heart into it, delivered an excellent story and the involvement with Shane was just enough to wet our appetites for either him costing one guy a match or him beginning his next feud.
As Shane checked on Owens, Styles inadvertently connected with a Springboard 450 Splash on Owens and Shane. Owens got up and hit a Pop Up Powerbomb on Styles. Shane was hurting, causing a delayed count. Shane would get knocked into Styles and fell to the outside. AJ forced Owens to tap to the Calf Crusher but there was no referee available. Pop Up Powerbomb from Owens on Styles got him a three count, but Shane saw his foot on the rope and waved it off. As Owens and Shane argued, Styles connected with a Phenomenal Forearm on Owens. Styles performed a second Styles Clash on Owens to retain the title.
This was a great match, one that reminds us that whatever title is or is not on the line does not matter. Styles and Owens worked about 18-20 minutes total and gave us enough needed to make this one of the best matches of the night. With a night of very average to below average contests, you knew you could rely on these two. I love how AJ has a unique set of moves, but still remains constant in how he builds a match to the finale.
I cannot wait for Shane vs. Owens. That could be one hell of a feud.