The 'Phenomenal' AJ Styles was involved in a non-title match against Kevin Owens on the final episode of SmackDown of 2017. The match provides us with a signal as to who Styles first opponent in the New Year will be as Owens picked up a huge win with a roll after the champion was distracted by events outside the ring.
The distraction was SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon, who went to ringside convince the referee to eject Sami Zayn as his presence had been problematic throughout the match.
The confusion outside ring provided Owens to capitalize the moment and clinch a vital victory over an opponent with whom he had a long rivalry.
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