The United States Championship match between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens on SmackDown tonight didn’t do anything to resolve their feud.
Instead, the two will again face off with the title on the line at SummerSlam later this month. Styles retained against Owens on SmackDown, with the storyline being that Owens’ shoulder was up but referee Mike Chioda couldn’t see it after a ref bump.
Owens pushed Chioda in a backstage segment and demanded that someone capable officiate their next match, which led to Daniel Bryan suggesting that Shane McMahon should be the special guest referee at SummerSlam. Owens initially called Shane incompetent, but he agreed to it when Shane said that it was the only way that he would get his rematch.
Styles and Owens have traded the US title in recent weeks. Styles first won it at a house show at Madison Square Garden last month before dropping it back to Owens in a strange finish at Battleground. Styles regained the championship on SmackDown last week after stealing a pin from Owens in a triple threat match that also included Chris Jericho.
Styles vs. Owens is the second SmackDown match officially set for SummerSlam at the Barclays Center on August 20th. Naomi will also defend her Women’s Championship against Natalya at the pay-per-view.