WWE: AJ Styles emerges as top contender for heavyweight title

AJ Styles is the new No. 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Photo by WWE.com

In the rowdiest night of the year, an indie darling shone brightest and earned a shot at the top prize.

AJ Styles emerged on top in the fatal-4-way No. 1 contender’s match in the main event of Raw after WrestleMania Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

“The Phenomenal One” dropped rival Chris Jericho with a Styles Clash for the pinfall victory, earning him the right to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Styles also bested Kevin Owens and the returning Cesaro, who replaced the hurting Sami Zayn, in the four-way dance. Zayn was mauled by Owens in the backstage before the match.

Also, coming off of his tough Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker the night before, Shane McMahon was put in charge of Raw after his father and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon gave him the reins at the start of the show.

The Miz also won the Intercontinental Championship from last night’s shocker Zack Ryder, thanks to a timely distraction from his wife, the comebacking Maryse.

The New Day also gained retribution against the League of Nations as Big E and Kofi Kingston successfully defended the Tag Team titles against Sheamus and King Barrett.

After the match, Sheamus, Alberto del Rio, and Rusev ganged up on Barrett, excommunicating him from the stable, before The Wyatt Family laid them out.

Natalya also challenged newly crowned Women’s Champion Charlotte for her title during her coronation ceremony.

The night also saw a lot of debuts from the developmental territory NXT.

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner Baron Corbin fought Dolph Ziggler to a double countout, before laying “The Showoff” with End of Days on the arena floor.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady also announced their entry, confronting The Dudley Boyz after their tables match against The Usos.

The athletic Apollo Crews also made his presence felt with a win over Tyler Breeze.