AJ Styles’ world got turned upside down when Rey Mysterio relieved him of the United States Championship — albeit with a little help from Randy Orton — and now, “Uncle Allen” will have the opportunity to right the ship. Following his victory in Monday’s Six-Man Tag Team main event, Styles has been named the first challenger to Mysterio’s reign, giving him the chance to ensure The Ultimate Underdog’s second stint with the U.S. Title ends just as quickly as his first.
His victory is obviously not a foregone conclusion. Mysterio has been on something of a tear since his son Dominik convinced him not to retire a few months ago; the odd loss aside, he’s been a near-constant source of dominance ever since. And, of course, there’s always the threat of Orton still lurking on the periphery — though given that The O.C. has never had a problem interfering on Styles’ behalf, we can probably place things on something of an even keel in the outside interference department. In that case, Monday’s stage is set as simply as possible: Mysterio vs. Styles. May the best man win.