8 New Directions For WWE Champion AJ Styles

3. Filler Defence(s)

AJ Styles Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

That last suggestion is probably idealistic, given that Zayn lost to midcard specialist Kofi Kingston via cross-body block on last night's SmackDown.

WWE have allowed themselves weeks' worth of reprieve with this decision - possibly long enough to excuse a predictable programme with a cold midcard act buoyed purely through the goodwill generated last night. Dolph Ziggler, having lost decisively to Bobby Roode recently, still remains a good enough worker to just about justify a main event programme, especially at a time of year in which nothing of significance seems to happen. Nobody will buy him as a contender, and he's no longer among the most elite talents in the company - but he has enough currency and credibility to create anticipation for a 20 minute match with the elite talent in the company.

Straying far further into fantasy booking territory is a Clash of Champions bout with Rusev. The amiable Bulgarian is a designated jobber in 2017 - but what better time to dare to dream, than having just woken up from a nightmare?

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!