10 Ways WWE Screwed Up At Battleground 2017
6. WWE Referees: The Dumbest People In The Universe
Put Kevin Owens and AJ Styles in a ring together and magic should happen. They’re both among the company’s strongest wrestlers, with AJ standing as one of the best in the world, and they’ve demonstrated good chemistry throughout their feud. Unfortunately, last night’s bout proved that there’s no foolproof formula for success in this business: it was a huge disappointment, made worse by a terrible finish.
Things weren’t going well prior to the conclusion, but the way it ended was one of the night’s biggest low points. Knowing he was in trouble, KO tossed AJ into the referee, knocking the official out. A submission sequence followed before both men pinned each other at the same time. The ref recovered, counted the fall, then somehow award the victory to Owens, who left with the United States Title.
It was a goofy TV finish played out on pay-per-view, and while it protects Styles, it paints WWE officials as the dumbest people in the company. Owens’ shoulders were planted on the mat right in front of his face, yet he totally noticed this, and gave him the match anyway. A shambles, but the kind of thing we’ve come to expect on WWE PPVs.