Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Daniel Bryan, in a shocking turn of events, defeated AJ Styles on Smackdown to become the new WWE Champion.
Bryan was given a rematch against Styles with the title on the line on Tuesday by Smackdown commissioner Shane McMahon after the pair got into a heated dispute to open the show which also included Universal Champion Brock Lesnar's advocate, Paul Heyman.
Heyman appeared and said that Styles would be a worthy opponent for Lesnar on Sunday at Survivor Series as he is the second best in-ring performer in WWE behind Bryan. Styles said he respects Bryan, but that he defeated The Yes Man recently at the end of October.
Bryan arrived onto the scene, confused as to why he was being discussed. He warned Styles not to mention his name anymore and then proceeded to punch The Phenomenal One after Styles didn't listen.
The highly-competitive main event match featured both superstars giving it their all as Bryan and Styles battled for Smackdown's top prize.
Bryan, despite slamming Styles from the top rope and placing the high-flyer into The Yes Lock, was unable to secure a victory.
Bryan, after Styles accidentally took down the referee with The Phenomenal Forearm, then cheated by kicking Styles below the belt. Bryan delivered the Running Knee for the three count, making him the new WWE Champion. Styles' title reign has ended after an impressive 371 days.
The newly crowned champion completely snapped after his victory and continued to viciously assault Styles. Bryan then looked at the WWE Championship with a fiendish look on his face.
Bryan, who was taken off of Smackdown's men's Survivor Series team earlier due to not being a team player, will now face Lesnar Sunday at the event in a champion vs. champion match. Survivor Series is WWE's annual event where Smackdown and Raw collide in a series of matches for brand supremacy.
Also on Tuesday, Smackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch was forced to back out of her Survivor Series match against Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey after suffering from a broken nose and a severe concussion on Monday. The Irish Lass Kicker had invaded Raw and was injured during the ensuing brawl between the two brands.
Lynch, who said Rousey was lucky she didn't have to face her anymore, was tasked with choosing who should face off against the former UFC Champion.
Lynch decided on Charlotte Flair, despite the pair's recent feud over the Smackdown Women's Championship. Flair was already the team captain of Smackdown's women's Survivor Series team, leaving a space open on the squad that includes Carmella, Naomi, Sonya Deville and Asuka.
Other moments from Smackdown included Jeff Hardy defeating Andrade 'Cien' Almas which led to The Miz adding Hardy to his Survivor Series team; Rey Mysterio defeating The Miz in order to keep his Survivor Series spot; and Smackdown Tag Team Champions Sheamus and Cesaro and Big Show defeating The New Day.
