"Clash of Champions" is now in the books, and fans were once again treated to some heart-stopping, back-and-forth matches courtesy of their favorite superstars. While the World Wrestling Entertainment universe is split between their approval and disapproval of the results, many can agree that the event has been a rather entertaining one overall.
True to the show's name, titles were put on the line. Some were successfully defended; some were pried away from the champions' hands. As the challengers successfully claimed their place atop the mountain, the fallen champions now must endure the struggle of again clawing their way back to the top.
But were the results of the matches, as COO Triple H would say, "best for business"? Below are a few thoughts on who would benefit and who would suffer from the aftermath of the event:
Dolph Ziggler winning the United States championship was something many did not see coming. With the Bobby Roode hype train seemingly in full steam, it looked as if "The Glorious One" was all set to grab the title and usher in his new reign.
This wasn't the case, unfortunately.
Still, the win was something that Ziggler desperately needed. It's no secret that while he is known as one of the company's best workers, his career has been struggling to build momentum as of late. Another reign as the U.S. champion might put him right where he needs to be and open the doors anew for him to get back to main event contention.
Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable's failure to win the Tag Team championship might become a setback for the duo. The two have been grabbing the fans' attention since pairing up and started showing a mean streak, which has also worked so well for the Usos. Winning the titles could have validated how good this team is on paper and if the company has any plans to make them the champions in the future, it better happens soon because Shelton Benjamin is not getting any younger.
AJ Styles successfully defending the WWE World Heavyweight championship is not only good for his future, but also the entire "Smackdown Live" franchise.
According to Forbes, the blue brand's ratings have been on the rise every week since "The Phenomenal One" took the belt from Jinder Mahal on television, with the highest week even surpassing "Monday Night Raw," the company's flagship show.
This effect Styles has on viewership is one of the main reasons that the entire company looks to him to carry "Smackdown Live" to new heights. Not even John Cena nor The Undertaker had this ability to lift the brand shoulder to shoulder with "Raw."
If Styles' talents will continually be utilized properly, "Smackdown Live" might even become the WWE's premiere show someday.
