AJ Styles is set to get his first true one-on-one crack at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
"The Phenomenal One" is the No. 1 contender for Roman Reigns' belt at Payback on May 1 live from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Here are five reasons why Styles should leave the Allstate Arena with the gold:
1) Rewarding His Career
Styles had a long journey to get to the WWE, including stints in WCW, ROH, NJPW and TNA. He finally made the transition to the WWE as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble Match back in January, something which fans had been pining for. Styles, a former TNA Heavyweight Champion should be rewarded for his career's journey by carrying the biggest belt in wrestling -- which they failed to do with Sting.
2) Reign(s) Of Terror
It's no secret that not everyone in the WWE Universe is on board with Reigns as the face of the WWE. Sure, he's made some improvements in the ring and he can somewhat navigate his way through a promo, but many find him undeserving of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the biggest show of the year.
Nevertheless, the WWE put the belt on him at WrestleMania. The creative team didn't help Reigns' popularity by having his first major defense be against Styles, a WWE Universe and IWC darling. If Styles loses, it will once again turn fans against Reigns. How to solve this problem? Put the belt on Styles.
3) Infinite Rivalries
Styles has already been tearing it up in the midcard, but putting the title on him opens up endless possibilities for main event feuds that can steal the show and captivate audiences in the coming months. Styles vs. Owens, Styles vs. Cesaro, Styles vs. Zayn, Styles vs. Jericho (this time over the belt), Styles vs. Rollins (when he returns), and hell even Styles vs. Cena etc. Where do we sign? Styles as the face of the franchise gives the WWE a world of opportunities at the top of the card.
4) Something Different
Heading into WrestleMania -- you know, just the biggest show of the year -- the WWE product was very bland. The build to this year's "Show of Shows" lacked a lot of buzz and the dearth of excitement was felt throughout the WWE Universe. Having the show end with Reigns standing tall exacerbated the problem because it basically signaled more of the same, with the reigning champion expected to plow through the competition over the next few months.
The WWE has attempted to combat the lack of interest by adding an influx of talent from NXT, but until they actually start booking these up-and-comers well, it doesn't really matter. A great way to signal a change in the guard would be to put the belt on Styles and make him a fighting champion taking on all comers.
5) The Space Between
The WWE always has a lot of trouble generating interest in the product between WrestleMania and SummerSlam -- its two biggest spectacles of the year. The "RAW" ratings have already dropped below 4 million after spiking the day after the "Show of Shows." The WWE needs a way to get eyeballs toward the screen this time of year, and rather than continue to force Reigns down everyone's throats, they could book Styles to win the title in hopes it leads to a ratings boom.
