PHILADELPHIA — Following the controversial close to Backlash, which saw AJ Styles defeat Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship by sneaking in a low-blow, the new titleholder opened SmackDown LIVE with nothing but celebration on his mind … but then John Cena shockingly returned, claiming he only had one goal in mind — becoming a 16-time World Champion. Meanwhile, Dean Ambrose stormed out wanting retribution on Styles, but was also quickly met with a tongue lashing from Cena himself.

SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon soon completely halted “the champ that runs the camp’s” victory lap and called time on Ambrose and Cena’s personal war of words, stating that thanks to The Phenomenal One’s actions at Backlash, he would now defend his newly-won crown at SmackDown LIVE’s next exclusive event, No Mercy, against both Dean Ambrose and the returning John Cena!

Shane then also informed all three competitors that, in addition to the No Mercy main event, SmackDown LIVE’s main event would be Cena and Ambrose against Styles and a partner of his choosing!

The SmackDown LIVE Universe instantly said “Yes, please” to No Mercy.

SmackDown General Manager Shane McMahon makes a match for No Mercy – WWE World Champion AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose and John Cena.