7 Totally Accidental Wrestling Title Changes
2. AJ Styles’ Bizarre US Title Screw-Up
Despite being two of WWE’s most exciting performers, the 2017 AJ Styles/Kevin Owens feud never really delivered in the ring. A fine match at Backlash was soured by a dumb count-out finish, while their Battleground rematch will ultimately be remembered for its unfortunate conclusion.
The finish was a complete shambles.
Owens, the challenger, rolled out of a crossface and into a cradle. AJ was supposed to kick out and retain, but the dazed referee counted the 1, 2, 3, and while the immediate speculation suggested the result had been changed on the fly, consensus later revealed that it had been a massive botch.
Styles was supposedly livid with the official afterwards, even though it was entirely his fault. He neglected to kick out, and the belt he’d won just two weeks prior was gone. AJ did regain it two days later on SmackDown.