Going into tonight’s final episode of SmackDown Live before WWE’s Crown Jewel this Friday, it was still up in the air as far as what would happen regarding Daniel Bryan’s status.

Of course, John Cena (who was replaced last night) and Bryan both have refused to work the event and with Daniel scheduled to challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles, it’s obviously a big spot that would need to be filled. Earlier in the day, there was some talk that Rusev was a top candidate to replace Bryan in the match (check that out here), but nothing had been confirmed of course.

As SmackDown Live opened this evening, WWE Champion AJ Styles made his way to the ring and called Bryan out, looking for an explanation for their miscommunications the past two weeks. The words quickly escalated and neither man wanted to wait any longer, leading SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon to come out and make the match official.

The anticipated battle was on and turned out to be just that, a battle, which is what fans who have wanted the “dream match” to happen expected. In the end, both men had multiple opportunities to put the other away, but ultimately the Calf Crusher was too much to bare after the war and Bryan was forced to tap out. After staggering to his feet, the conquering champion would help his challenger back up for a handshake, but Samoa Joe would shockingly knock Bryan into Styles, then leave them both laying with Coquina Clutches before raising the title into the air.

#SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon is BACK, and he just changed the game…because @AJStylesOrg is going to defend his #WWEChampionship against @WWEDanielBryan RIGHT NOW! pic.twitter.com/vnWmrzplFy

— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018

.@WWEDanielBryan taps@AJStylesOrg retains
The @WWEUniverse is entertained!#AndStill #WWEChampionship #SDLive pic.twitter.com/IsQzg3IUhC

— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018

Respect. #WWEChampionship #SDLive @AJStylesOrg @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/5B4jLDboJV

— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018

Get the picture? #SDLive @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/ayfEYmFb5k

— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018

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