WWE SmackDown LIVE results, Nov. 13, 2018: Bryan’s quest for the WWE Title sees him stoop to shocking lows against Styles

ST. LOUIS — WWE Champion AJ Styles kicked off SmackDown LIVE looking ahead to his Champion vs. Champion rematch against Universal Champion Brock Lesnar this Sunday at Survivor Series, but before he could get too deep into his thoughts on his major match with Lesnar this Sunday, he was interrupted by Lesnar’s Advocate, Paul Heyman, who appeared near the timekeeper’s table.

Heyman insinuated that, for as great as Styles is, he isn’t quite at the level of Daniel Bryan and declared that he couldn’t wait for his client to step in the ring with the “second-best in-ring performer in WWE” this Sunday. The Phenomenal One refused to take the bait, suggesting that he tapped Bryan out in their WWE Title Match a few weeks ago and could very well do the same to The Anomaly at Survivor Series.

Clearly not thrilled with Styles bringing up his name for “no reason,” The “Yes!” Man hit the ring and very passionately proclaimed that he would punch Styles in the face if he said his name one more time. Welp, AJ said it, and Bryan punched away as promised, setting off a chaotic brawl. Shane McMahon and WWE officials dashed to the ring to break up the two Superstars, which they finally did after each man landed a few haymakers … but it was clear that the issue was far from resolved.

After The Miz added Jeff Hardy to the SmackDown Survivor Series Team, he suggested removing Rey Mysterio, clearly still bitter about Mysterio’s defeat of him several weeks ago. Mysterio, never one to back down from a challenge, agreed to take on Miz tonight, and if The A-Lister could defeat him, Mysterio would no longer be on Team Blue this Sunday.

The Superstars exchanged offensive flurries that saw The Biggest Little Man attempt to use his blinding speed to take out Miz and Miz try to wear Mysterio down. It appeared that The Awesome One was en route to picking up the victory he so coveted, but Rey proved to be as crafty as ever when he caught Miz in a unique rollup for the three-count.

Rey would have little time to celebrate, though, as Randy Orton appeared out of nowhere to attempt to blindside him. Mysterio evaded the attack, but Miz wasn’t so lucky, as he felt an RKO outta nowhere after bumping into The Viper.

With the entire SmackDown LIVE Women’s roster and General Manager Paige in the ring, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch hit the scene to hand-pick her replacement to face Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey this Sunday at Survivor Series.

Lynch first addressed Rousey, saying that despite her broken face and severe concussion, the only reason she wasn’t fighting Ronda on Sunday was because the WWE medical staff refused to clear her. The Man then went on to say that she and Rousey would still cross paths one day and that Ronda was no longer The Baddest Woman on the Planet, but now The Luckiest.

The Irish Lass Kicker sized up the other Superstars prior to announcing that Charlotte Flair would be the one to replace her this Sunday. Clearly with emotions and brand loyalty running high, the two bitter rivals shook hands and embraced, as The Queen now prepares to take on Hot Ronda in five nights.

Following a volatile brawl with Daniel Bryan earlier in the evening, WWE Champion AJ Styles defended the WWE Championship against The Beard in the main event on SmackDown LIVE.

With the title and the opportunity to battle Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series on the line, the two Superstars engaged in a breathtaking contest that had the WWE Universe captivated from start to finish. Styles seemingly gained the advantage when Bryan tweaked his leg, but The “Yes!” Man would simply not relent, and he continued to battle through the immense pain. Styles looked to be in prime position for victory when he blocked the Running Knee with a perfectly placed dropkick to Bryan’s injured knee and followed up with a Calf Crusher, but Bryan reversed it and continued fighting.

In the pivotal moments, Styles went for The Phenomenal Forearm, but Bryan dodged it and caused Styles to inadvertently strike the official. With the referee temporarily down, Bryan shockingly took the opportunity to kick The Phenomenal One below the belt before dropping him with the Running Knee to complete his long road back to the WWE Title. Bryan then doubled down on his shocking decision, brutalizing the already downed Styles after being awarded the championship.

With a sadistic smile on his face, Daniel Bryan is the new WWE Champion… and what does it mean for SmackDown LIVE?