10 Most Divisive WWE Match Outcomes Ever
2. John Cena Vs. Kevin Owens - Battleground 2015
Who is the more credible top-tier champion - Kevin Owens or AJ Styles?
There can be doubt that the Face That Runs The Place is thoroughly deserving of his nickname. Styles might be in possession of the more prestigious title, but the man makes the title. As we've learned from the failures of The Miz and Sheamus, it doesn't work the other way around.
Owens must be looking at his counterpart with some envy. Styles is a made main event talent, cementing that status with a (WWE) career-making win over John Cena at SummerSlam 2016, whereas Owens' best buds act with Chris Jericho, while entertaining, has a distinctly midcard flavour.
The major difference between Styles and Owens is that the latter was one of many who just couldn't get the job done against John Cena. Their first match, at Elimination Chamber 2015, was as rewarding as it was exciting, even if it was a bit too busy. Cena predictably equalised their series at Money In The Bank, before winning it outright at Battleground.
Owens undoubtedly benefitted from that first, decisive win - but in the wake of his subsequent defeats, he has ironically coopted the false braggadocio of best friend Chris Jericho. When the Ayatollah prattles on about defeating The Rock and Steve Austin on the same night, it rings hollow. He did so via chicanery and did not become a bigger star in the aftermath of Vengeance 2001.