AJ Styles Retains The United States Championship Without The O.C.’s Help
On WWE Clash of Champions Kickoff, AJ Styles defended the WWE United States Championship against Cedric Alexander. Despite a valiant effort from Alexander, Styles won the match on his own and retained the championship. But the O.C. viciously assaulted Alexander after the match.
Yeah. This match is gonna be good… scratch that, this match is gonna be PHENOMENAL. #WWEClash #USTitle @AJStylesOrg @CedricAlexander pic.twitter.com/Kifkkbeumf
— WWE (@WWE) September 15, 2019
The two superstars have formed a personal rivalry in recent weeks; Styles and the O.C. arguably cost Alexander his WWE King of the Ring quarterfinal match with Baron Corbin. Alexander got some revenge when he pinned Styles this past week on RAW and the victory earned Alexander this opportunity. Styles sent his stablemates in the O.C. to the back before the match.
In front of Alexander’s hometown crowd, he immediately brought the fight to Styles. A Michinoku Driver and a springboard kick to the head got Alexander two early near falls. The champion seized control and planted Alexander with a Styles Clash on the floor. Styles rolled Alexander into the ring and pulled him up during a pinfall. The champion briefly locked in the Calf Crusher but Alexander reached the ropes. A stiff elbow rocked Styles but Styles quickly regained control. A Phenemoneal Forearm and a Styles Clash earned Styles the win.
Styles attacked Alexander after the match and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson joined in. The three men left Alexander lying in the ring.