Phenomenal One pins Dean Ambrose following low blow
Tuesday 13 September 2016 12:33, UK
AJ Styles became WWE World Champion for the first time at Sunday's Backlash pay-per-view - after striking Dean Ambrose with a low blow.
The Phenomenal One booted Ambrose in the crotch while the referee was knocked down, before hitting a Styles Clash to claim Smackdown's top prize.
Styles had failed to win the WWE World Title before July's brand split, losing to then champion Roman Reigns at the Payback and Extreme Rules pay-per-views.
But nefarious tactics after the official had been floored while Ambrose attempted to hit Dirty Deeds allowed the Georgian to back up his huge singles win over John Cena at Summerslam.
Styles wore Cena's 'Never Give Up' arm band around his head on his way to the ring and demanded to be introduced as 'The Face that Runs the Place' as he went toe-to-toe with Ambrose in Richmond.
The challenger - who debuted in WWE at the Royal Rumble in January - dominated the early portion of the match, until he was thrown from the turnbuckle by the fired-up champion.
Styles regained control after focussing on Ambrose's knee and even shook of being catapulted into the ring post to flatten The Lunatic Fringe with a 450 Splash.
Ambrose, though, took the action outside, dropkicking Styles through the ropes, throwing him into the crowd, and then jumping onto him from the announce desk.
The champion's efforts proved futile, however, as Styles pounced on the referee's misfortune to prise the title Ambrose had held since cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on Seth Rollins in June.
Randy Orton also got the better of Dean Ambrose - despite a backstage attack from The Eater of Worlds leaving him unable to compete in their sanctioned one-on-one match.
Wyatt won by forfeit after Orton failed to make the referee's 10 count but it was quickly announced that the bearded brawler would be in action, in a No Holds Barred Match against Kane.
Wyatt looked poised for victory when he chucked The Demon into a chair, only for Orton to emerge from the locker room, plant his rival with an RKO and watch Kane chokeslam his way to a win.
Missed WWE Backlash? You can relive it with our live blog, or watch a repeat on Sky Sports Box Office between now and 10pm on Thursday - the show costs £14.95 for UK customers and €21.95 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.
WWE Backlash booking details
Repeat showings of Backlash will air between 10am on Monday, September 12 and 10pm on Thursday, September 15 on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 491) BUT NOT Sky Sports HD Box Office (channel 492).
PHONE: UK viewers can call 03442 410 888 to book WWE Backlash, while customers in the Republic of Ireland should call 0818 220 225. (There may be an additional charge for telephone bookings).
ONLINE: Visit this link: https://my.sky.com/orderboxoffice/
REMOTE
Sky+: Press the box office button on your remote, then click the sports tab followed by WWE Backlash.
Sky Q: Press Home on your Sky Q remote, select TV guide, then Box Office and the WWE Backlash. Enter your TV Pin if prompted. (Only bookings via Sky TV remote are recordable using Sky Plus).
Sky TV residential customers only. Commercial customers contact Sky for price and to order. Sky Box Office terms apply. Cable customers should contact their local cable operator.
