AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens set for SummerSlam 2017; Shane McMahon official as guest referee

As explained here, Kevin Owens’ rematch at the United States championship ended in controversial fashion on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Cleveland, as a referee counted a pinfall in favor of AJ Styles despite the fact that KO’s shoulders weren’t on the mat. Said referee was visually compromised, and was chastised by both Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan for his decision making when he went backstage.

When Owens went backstage to berate everyone and demand answers, Shane and Daniel were sympathetic until he put his hands on the referee in question. Then they came up with a solution.

Owens would get yet another rematch for the US title at SummerSlam on Aug. 20, 2017, in Brooklyn, New York. He demanded a competent referee and Bryan suggested McMahon step in. Owens, of course, hated that but was made to agree to it to ensure he got his shot.

So it’s on!

Here’s the updated SummerSlam match card:

• Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe (Universal championship)
• Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley (Raw women’s championship)
• Naomi vs. Natalya (SmackDown women’s championship)
• AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens (United States championship)