AJ Styles defeated Jinder Mahal this week on SmackDown Live to become a two-time WWE Champion. The WWE Universe was in shock following the match, since this is the first time the title has changed hands on SmackDown in 14 years.
Jinder Mahal will now be replaced in his upcoming match with Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series by AJ Styles, but whilst this seemed like a huge shock for the WWE Universe, it seems that WWE had their reasons.
Last week on SmackDown Live, it was announced that AJ would be facing Rusev for a spot in the SmackDown Live Survivor Series team, this was later scrapped and it was announced through Social Media that AJ would instead be facing Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship.
Rusev was then put into a match with Randy Orton for a place in the team, which he lost, which could prove that AJ was supposed to be part of the Survivor Series team for the blue brand before WWE was forced to change their plans.
SportsKeeda is currently reporting that one possible reason for this quick title change is that the former WWE Champion has been nursing an injury and the company want him to rest up ahead of the Indian tour next month. This would allow him to sit out of Survivor Series and then go on to claim back his championship before the end of the year.
Jinder recently denied reports that he was suffering from a shoulder injury, but with the circumstances surrounding this title change all pointing to the fact that WWE’s hand was forced, an injury seems to be the most likely option.
